• Most efficient BMW 5 Series to date
• Low consumption diesel and plug-in hybrids
• Thirstier petrols, especially M5

What are the running costs?

The 5 Series should prove a cost-effective premium executive saloon to run. All 5 Series feature stop-start, brake-energy regeneration, active and passive aerodynamic aids and an Eco Pro driving mode to help you save fuel in the real world.

Most buyers will choose diesel, and specifically, the 520d. BMW claims it’s capable of returning between 49.6.4-58.9mpg, depending on spec. The 530d xDrive has four-wheel drive and is less efficient, as you’d imagine, but perhaps not by as much as some may expect. Claimed fuel economy figures range between 46.3-52.3mpg.

Understandably, petrol models aren’t as efficient, but not far behind. The 520i fuel consumption figures range between 40.4-45.6mpg.

At the top of the regular petrol range is the M550i xDrive, with 25.4-25.9mpg. We saw this tumble down to an indicated 11mpg after a hard day’s testing.

The plug-in hybrids are the economy champions. The 530e offers an eye-catching 134.5-201.8mpg, while the more powerful 545e claims between 176-201.8mpg.

Figures for the plug-ins are only realistically achievable if you make the most of the electric motor with very little use of the engine at all. In everyday driving, you’ll be able to achieve over 50mpg easily, though, when the engine and electric motor are working together.

Finally, the high-performance M5 Competition returns a claimed 25.2-25.4mpg, but it’ll be all too easy to see fuel figures tumble if you try to eke out every ounce of power and performance on tap.

View detailed MPG and CO2 figures on the BMW 5 Series specs pages

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Servicing and warranty

BMW has a certain level of cachet because of its minimal depreciation, competitive servicing prices and packages.

The 5 Series benefits from a three-year/unlimited mileage warranty and includes BMW roadside assistance too.

Reliability

• Two recalls for the 5 Series so far
• High-tech plug-in hybrids are a bit of an unknown
• Should be a reliable car to own overall

BMW states it has carried out 4.7 million miles of testing on this car in an effort to ensure buyers have the best-possible experience.

While most engines here are used in other BMW cars and are the result of years of fettling, the plug-in hybrids are a bit of an unknown.

The 5 Series has been the subject of official recalls in its life – one relating to the brake switch, another whereby the steering rack might lock and one in 2019 that affected a small number of vehicles relating to the engine counterbalance shaft bearing. If you’re buying a used model, these issues will have been sorted out under warranty.

There are only positive 5 Series owners’ reviews on Parkers

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