2010 BMW 5-Series: Road Test
2010 BMW 5-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $45,800 - $85,500
- Invoice: $42,135 - $78,660
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Our road test for the 2010 BMW 5-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2010 BMW 5-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 BMW 5-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 BMW 5-Series help you decide if a 2010 BMW 5-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Despite a small engine for the class, the 528i has sufficient power for most needs, even with the automatic transmission. The turbocharged 6 in 535 models offers near V8 levels of power in any situation, even with AWD. The 550i is potent at all speeds; it did 5.5 seconds 0-60 mph with automatic transmission in our test. The automatic works well, but can be tardy on downshifts. Manual transmissions shift smoothly. No M5 has been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 528i sedans with automatic transmission averaged 20.3 mpg. Test AWD 535i wagons averaged 20.0-21.8 mpg. A 550i with manual averaged 19.1 mpg. All models require premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
The 5-Series' ride and handling combination is among the world's best. The base suspension is surprisingly supple over bumps. Even with the Sport Package's stiffer suspension and lower-profile tires the ride never becomes harsh, though some ruts register with authority.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7.2 |
Well-balanced, agile, and always composed, these are the sport sedans rivals strive to match. The base suspension exhibits little body lean in fast turns. With the Sport Package's Active Roll Stabilization, cornering is flatter still. The optional Active Steering is a boon to low-speed maneuverability, but its activation point feels inconsistent to some testers. Braking is strong, stable, and straight.
QUIETNESS
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
There's very little wind rush at highway speeds. Road noise is noticed only with the Sport Package's high-performance tires, and they're fairly hushed on most surfaces. Engines are smooth and refined, producing only a muted growl during aggressive acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
The control layout itself is fairly simple and convenient, but the driver must interact with iDrive for anything other than simple audio and climate adjustments. That complicates most functions and diverts the driver's attention from the road.
DETAILS
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
Interior decor benefits from high-quality materials. Build quality is generally impressive, though one test example suffered some "orange peel" surface texture in its paint, which is unusual and disappointing given this car's premium pricing.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Good headroom and legroom on firm, supportive seats. Power seats and power tilt and telescopic steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Some taller testers find the speedometer to be partially obscured by the steering wheel, even at the wheel's highest setting. For sedans and wagons, visibility is just OK to the rear corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Seats are comfortable and supportive. Headroom is adequate for average adults, but legroom and under-seat foot space are tight with the front seats far back and lowered.
CARGO ROOM
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Though nicely finished, the trunk isn't very wide or deep, and the lid hinges--though covered--intrude into the cargo hold. Interior storage is disappointingly meager. Wagon's have only decent space for the class, but a low load floor and under-floor storage bins make the most of available room.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
The 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Steering is a love/hate affair, and the iDrive control center can be downright confounding. But Active Roll Stabilization is truly useful, and helps BMW maintain the 5-Series' world-class handling without compromising its admirable ride quality. Note however, that optional equipment can easily bloat sticker prices by a shocking degree. Ordered with restraint, a 5-Series provides true driving pleasure with expected practicality and reasonable value.
Total Score
| 528i, automatic | AWD 535i wagon | 550i w/Sport Pkg, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 76 | 70 | 69 | 70.1 |
Total Score: 71
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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