2010 BMW 5-Series

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Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

The 5-Series underwent a styling refresh for the 2008 model year, but BMW has changed little for 2010. The refresh tamed few unusual lines that had earned some criticism.  What's left is a chiseled body with many character lines, but a visual balance reviewers like. A few still complain that the oddly proportioned trunk doesn't fit with the car's aggressive fascia -- but most are satisfied with the look.

• "When the BMW 535xi arrived in my driveway, the first thing I noticed was it slyly glancing my way with its long-lashed cat-eye headlights. Admiring her understated feminine lines, I definitively decided she's a gal." -- Mother Proof
• "The critics contend that, with the kabuki-eyebrow look in front and the chunked-off shape of the trunk lid, the 5 Series seems almost like two halves taken from different cars. In our view, the lines create a fairly compact appearance, and that may be part of the problem. The 5 has the appearance of a well-built mainstream sedan, and that may not be the precedent one expects for an expensive European job. It also has a few too many lines." -- New Car Test Drive
• "When introduced as a 2004 model, the 5 Series received mixed reviews for its somewhat unconventional styling. There aren't any major exterior changes for 2008, just minor touch-ups to the front, rear and side skirts." -- Cars.com
• The 5-Series "carries such dramatic styling that it's not hard to understand why the 'significant freshening' for the early-release 2008 models doesn't appear all that different from the Bangle-esque design it adopted in 2004" -- Road and Track
• "A quick glance doesn't reveal the subtle changes, but you'll eventually detect the new front and rear fascia, and both the new headlights and taillights have integrated LED side markers." -- Edmunds
• "The 5-Series looks ferocious." -- MSN
• "The bustle-back trunk, sharp-creased edges and cat's-eye headlights that caused such a stir when the model was introduced for the 2004 model year have helped the current-generation 5 Series become the best-selling iteration yet." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Most of the styling touch-up lies in subtle details, but in our view they add character to this luxury sedan. ... The critics contend that, with the kabuki-eyebrow look in front and the chunked-off shape of the trunk lid, the 5 Series seems almost like two halves taken from different cars." -- New Car Test Drive