2011 BMW 5-Series

528i Sedan

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9 available trims | explore trims

MPG: 21 city | 32 hwy

Ownership Cost: Excellent | see details

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2011 BMW 5-Series Review

Still stylish and elegant but with more power and fuel efficiency

Reviewed by Automotive on 12/22/2010

In a Nutshell

The five-passenger 2011 BMW 5-Series is a midsize luxury sport sedan or Gran Turismo (GT) hatchback that is a great combination of top performance, high-quality interior, and the latest technology. The BMW 5-Series can be equipped with a 3.0L I-6 turbo or 4.4L V-8 twin turbo engine, six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic with manual-shift control, and rear- wheel or all-wheel drive.

The 2011 5-Series GT hatchback provides more cabin space than conventional BMW models. While the front of the GT hatchback cabin may look like the base sedan, the rear seating area has an entirely different configuration. The BMW 5-Series's safety equipment and government safety ratings are top notch. With a fuel economy in the range of 21 mpg city/32 mpg highway, the 5-Series is the most efficient it has ever been.

New for 2011

The biggest news for 2011 is the new BMW 5-Series sedan is the first car in its segment to get Electric Power Steering (EPS), which uses an electric motor to provide steering assistance when assistance is necessary or desired by the driver.

Essentials

Engines: 3.0L I-6 turbo, 4.4L V-8 twin turbo, 5.0L V-10
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Body Styles: Sedan, four-door hatchback
Trims: 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, 535i GT Hatchback, 535i xDrive GT Hatchback, 550i Sedan, 550i xDrive Sedan, 550i GT Hatchback, 550i xDrive GT Hatchback

On the Outside

Although there were no significant changes, the BMW 5-Series still presents a clean, modern appearance, with strong masculine lines while maintaining its essential character.

From the Inside

With an emphasis on driver comfort, the BMW 5-Series has improved seating positions front and rear, and rear knee-room has been increased by half an inch.

Driving Performance

Through a unique reverse-flow layout, BMW's 4.4 liter, 400 horsepower twin-turbocharged, direct injected V-8 engine is able to achieve higher output without correspondingly higher fuel consumption.

Safety Equipment

Among the standard safety equipment on the BMW 5-Series are two-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and curtain-type, front-to-rear head protection. In addition, the power tilt/telescopic steering column has a deformation section that helps protect the driver from structural intrusion into the cabin.

Gas Mileage

535i: 19-20 mpg city/28-29 mpg highway
535 GT: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
550i: 15-17 mpg city/22-25 mpg highway
550 GT: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway

Plusses

Outstanding styling
Choice of powerful engines
Spacious interior

Minuses

iDrive
High price tag

Rating

Still stylish and elegant but with more power and fuel efficiency

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show full summary

2011 BMW 5-Series

2011 BMW 5-Series Review

New for 2011

Essentials

On the Outside

From the Inside

Driving Performance

Safety Equipment

Gas Mileage

Plusses

Minuses

Rating

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