BMW 5-Series - Overview

The BMW 5-Series is widely considered the performance leader among full-size luxury cars. BMW has offered variants of the 5-Series most years since 1982, but the current car is the largest 5 yet. A front-engine, rear-wheel drive sedan (it is also available as a wagon), it seats five. It was designed in 2004, and underwent a cosmetic update for the 2007 model year. A replacement car is in development, but it is not yet clear when that 5-Series will reach the U.S. market.

The 5-Series is known for its outstanding handling and its divisive exterior design. BMW designer Chris Bangle took the brand in a new direction with a design aesthetic he called "flame siding" in the mid 2000's. The 5-Series was the most extreme example of this angular new style. A 2007 refresh toned down the look, but it still has its detractors. What few would criticize is the 5-Series' inline six-cylinder engine (available with turbochargers on higher trim levels), which has won numerous awards and is widely regarded as one of the world's smoothest engines. The blisteringly powerful M5 offers buyers even more performance. The 5-Series does feature the iDrive system -- an interface meant to control all of the car's electronics through a single dial, it is widely criticized as more complex to learn than the many systems it replaces. Despite its polarizing looks and the presence of iDrive, the 5-Series remains among the top-performing large luxury cars, worthy of a look from any buyer in this price range.

You can research the BMW 5-Series using the reviews below.