2022 BMW 5-Series Pros Vs Cons

As far as luxury sedans go, the 2022 BMW 5 Series is a midsize sedan that packs in a lot of comfort and luxury, topping it all off with a plethora of standard safety and infotainment features. In the past, the 5 Series was more sport-oriented, but BMW has (perhaps rather wisely) softened things up and made the 5 Series a more traditional luxury sedan packed with technology.

The line-up gives you four trim levels, each of which is equipped with their own powertrains. You get the base 530i, the 530e plug-in hybrid, the power-enhanced 540i, and the line-topping M550i performance trim level. All-wheel drive (which BMW calls xDrive) is optional on the three former trim levels and is standard issue on the M550i.

The base 530i trim is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-L four-cylinder engine, and it puts out 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Want more fuel efficiency? The 530e also uses the turbo 2.0-L four-cylinder but matches it up with an electric motor for a total output of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. With its battery fully charged, the 530e snags an EPA-estimated 21 miles of electric range before it switches over to the standard hybrid operation.

If you go for the 540i, you get a powerful turbocharged 3.0-L six-cylinder engine that generates a power output of 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Selecting the line-topping M550i gets you even more power from its turbo 4.4-L V8, which puts out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Each engine is paired up to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

While you clearly get a lot of power, a comfy cabin, and a lot of tech features, the 5 Series doesn't stand out in a crowd. In fact, it blends in with pretty much every non-luxury sedan out there. Even the Honda Accord stands out more than the 5 Series. There are also some interior design elements that look a little subpar for this segment.

Aside from not looking up to industry standards, the 2022 BMW 5 Series has a lot to offer. But is this the right luxury midsize sedan for you? What is new for 2022? What is there to like - and dislike - about this car? And how does it stack up against the competition. Read on through this review to learn more.

What's New for 2022?

One of the changes for 2022 is that wireless smartphone charging has been removed from the line-up. A few changes have also been made to the optional features you can tack on. Other than that, everything carries over from the 2021 BMW 5 Series line-up.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 BMW 5-Series – The Pros

1. Well-rounded Performances From the Engine Options

Whichever engine option you select, you are going to get a solid performance. The base four-cylinder 530i engine is able to get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds, which is a good showing for a base engine in this class. The 540i xDrive shaves some serious time off, getting to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The M550i performance model can get there even faster. And, if it is fuel efficiency you are looking for, the 530e plug-in hybrid is fun enough to drive while still being eco-minded.

2. The M Sport Brakes

While the standard brakes work just fine, the M Sport brakes are extremely strong and capable. They can come to a panic stop in 108 feet when you're going at 60 miles per hour. For a luxury midsize sedan, this is a great display of security from the brakes. They do not feel squishy and will remain firm enough as you press on them. Overall, they have a nice, natural feel.

3. Capable Handling

BMW knows how to create vehicles that handle well, and the 5 Series is no exception to this rule. The 5 Series' chassis provides you with a good amount of feedback while keeping the sedan composed as it rounds through turns. It helps balance out the well-weighted but slightly numb steering.

4. Plenty of Comfort Inside of the Cabin

The 5 Series is designed with comfort in mind. The optional multi-contour front seats are well worth the extra cost. No matter what, though, you get a plush level of comfort that makes it easy to take road-trips in this car. Even the rear seats feel cozy for day-long use. The ride quality is also comfy, adding that extra layer of luxury to the 5 Series.

5. A Spacious Cabin Design

As a midsize sedan, space is something that has to be utilized well so that occupants don't feel cramped. BMW nails it with a spacious cabin. Fore and aft, there is plenty of leg room. The height adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel make it easy for the driver to slide in and find a comfortable driving position.

6. iDrive Hosts Many of the Controls

Most controls are located on the iDrive infotainment system, which, for those who are new to in-vehicle infotainment systems, presents a bit of a learning curve. However, once you get the hang of iDrive, getting to the main controls is easy since they're usually just a click or two away. This does help de-clutter the front console, which is something luxury buyers tend to like to see.

7. Clear Visibility All Around

With plenty of glass on all sides, it is easy to see all around the 5 Series. The roof pillars are thin, and the glass panels are wide. And, if you do feel you need it, the optional surround-view camera system does a stellar job of showing you exactly what is surrounding your vehicle with its top-down view.

8. The 16-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System

Upgrading to the 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is worth the cost. This sound system produces concert-like, clear sound that is free from distortion at higher volumes. Music lovers can crank it up and enjoy cruising with it at even half-blast.

9. Well-tuned Drive Aids

BMW gives the 5 Series a slew of well-tuned driver aids. Standard issue are a blind spot monitoring system, forward collision warning, and a lane departure warning. You can opt up for the Driving Assistance Professional package, which adds adaptive cruise control, a lane keep system, side avoidance, front cross-traffic alert, and evasive steering. These features all work well; adaptive cruise control in particular is thorough at keeping a tight gap and smoothly applying the brakes as needed.

10. A Large Trunk

Uncharacteristic for this class, the 5 Series has a huge trunk. With tis low liftover height and wide opening, the trunk is easy to access. You can fold the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats down to max out space as needed too.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 BMW 5-Series – The Cons

1. Climate Control System Doesn't Chill the Cabin Effectively

The dual-zone climate control system doesn't do a thorough job of keeping the cabin cooled to the desired temperature. The fan just is not strong enough to handle any temperature extremes. It needs more strength to keep this cabin at the right temperature.

2. Unexceptional Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is just "meh" - not great, not terrible. The rear-wheel-drive 530i is rated by the EPA for 28 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Real-world tests get about 27 mpg combined, falling just short of expectations. City driving falls well below the EPA rating, coming in at about 23 mpg combined. The 540i tends to match its estimates a little better, but don't expect anything superb.

3. Some Materials Look Cheap

Unfortunately, BMW missed the mark on inner materials. Some of the leather seats and wood trims look kind of tacky, almost as if they were made from cheaper materials. This isn't what we expect from a luxury sedan or from BMW. It just seems like they cut corners on some of the décor.

4. It Doesn't Stand Out

To be blunt, the 5 Series looks really basic from the outside, in. You will find more attractive, eye-catching luxury sedans out there. Heck, even non-luxury models like the Honda Accord have more style. The 5 Series looks a little old-timey and doesn't stand apart from the crowd.

Conclusion

While the 2022 BMW 5 Series could use some better materials and a catchier design, it is a strong performer. This midsize luxury sedan faces stiff competition but holds onto its spot among the top of the segment. Were BMW to make a few tweaks - a few nips and tucks - the 5 Series would probably be a mind-blowing vehicle for its segment.