- 2010
2008 BMW 5-Series Wagon
BMW 5-Series Wagon - What the Auto Press Says
The 5-Series Wagon has a powerful new engine, a luxurious technology-filled interior and excellent handling, but passenger and cargo room are only fair. Some also find the exterior a step backward as compared to other slick-styled BMWs.
As you might expect from BMW, the 2008 5-Series Wagon is a pleasure to drive, with a powerful new engine and first-rate handling. Auto experts say these components along with the wagon's standard all-wheel drive make it a luxurious (and perhaps more practical) alternative to an SUV. The Auto Channel calls the 5-Series "an excellent wagon with the added advantage of AWD."
Storage space, while not extraordinary by station wagon standards, is at least adequate for individuals and families who want to haul luggage and more. The New York Times says the 5-Series Wagon is "a terrific road car that happens to get respectable gas mileage and has room in the back for a couple of golden retrievers -- provided you don't mind scuffs and hair tufts in the elegant leather interior." But there are differences of opinion on the recent changes to the 5-Series' exterior, plus the BMW iDrive system continues to confuse test drivers.
Similar to the Audi A6 Avant, the BMW 5-Series Wagon's sole trim is available with all-wheel drive. If you're in the market for a luxury wagon, consider a BMW 3-Series Wagon, or the Volvo XC70.
- "BMW knows the market for wagons is minimal, yet it continues to cater to people who want a sporty, fun-to-drive vehicle that has lots of utility by selling the 5-series wagon." -- Car and Driver
- "The BMW 5 Series Wagon delivers an appealing blend of practical attributes with sports-car-like performance and handling." -- Forbes
- "Overall, this was a very comfortable car to drive. It didn't call itself a crossover or small sport utility. It was a station wagon, no bones about it. And in that sense, it filled its purpose excellently." -- The Auto Channel
5-Series Wagon Performance - 9.3 (Excellent)
The 2008 BMW 5-Series Wagon has excellent handling and a powerful new engine that earns reviewers' approval. "Load haulers seldom handle this well or are this much fun to drive," says Car and Driver. Optional performance equipment includes a six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. Read More
5-Series Wagon Exterior - NA
Reviews are mixed on the 2008 BMW 5-Series Wagon's appearance, with some suggesting the new exterior styling is a step backward. "Comparatively conventional wagon bodywork replaces the sedan's avant-garde bustle bum," says Motor Trend. Read More
5-Series Wagon Interior - 7.2 (Good)
Not surprisingly, the interior of the 2008 BMW 5-Series Wagon is luxurious, comfortable and filled with high-tech features. Some reviewers quibble over the wagon's roominess and the usefulness of the technology, but most agree with the New York Times that the 5-Series is "a model of comfort and good taste." Read More
5-Series Wagon Safety - 8.9 (Very Good)
In government crash tests, the 5-Series Wagon earns only three out of five stars for driver protection in front impact crashes, but five out of five stars for front passenger protection. In side impact crashes, the 5-Series Wagon earns five out of five stars for both front seat and backseat occupant protection. Read More
5-Series Wagon Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 BMW 5-Series Wagon reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). All 5-Series vehicles are covered by a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More
