So, the 2025 BMW 5 Series is here. We got our hands on the 5 Series Saloon Plug-in Hybrid - the 530e - for 72-hours to see how it fares on Portugal's dramatic Silver Coast.
And what BMW has found here is that sweet spot, balancing luxury with the sharp, sports-focused response that's a hallmark of the 5 Series. The BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille, standard on M Sport Pro models, stands out brilliantly, with its illuminated contours making it unmistakable in the dark.
With the 2025 model, BMW leans further into luxury. The sporty driving dynamics are still there, but the plush cabin, wide armrests, and cutting-edge tech make this 5 Series a perfect choice for both commuters and road trippers alike.
Would I recommend this BMW 5 Series as a city car? Anyone reviewing it would agree—it's a big car. This 5 Series belongs in a garage. It’s far too elegant to suffer the bumps and scrapes city-dwellers know all too well.
Ironically, we began our review by threading the 5 Series through Lisbon’s maze of narrow, cobblestone streets. Why? Well, I live here so needs must.
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal’s capital, check out how I'd spend 48 hours in Lisbon.
To drive the 5 Series in this city, where mopeds dart like mosquitos and drivers treat red lights as mere suggestions, isn’t for the faint-hearted.
After picking up Kelcie, my wife and fellow editor at THE GOODS, navigating the six-lane Marquês Pombal roundabout to head out of town, the 5 Series' intelligent driving assistance is a welcomed tool.
According to BMW, “Driving Assistant Professional keeps your vehicle safely in its lane and at a distance. An additional benefit - especially in congested traffic. In an emergency, your BMW will brake to a standstill and automatically drive off again. *Available as optional equipment.”
Heading out of the city, I was more than ready to unleash that turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
As we’re discussing what’s under the bonnet, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard fare. If you’re after a bit more thrill, you can step up to a turbocharged inline-six or a plug-in hybrid boasting 483 horsepower.
All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup—except for the base model. It’s a choice between just enough and more than enough, really.
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Variants:
Each variant of the 5 Series is available across M Sport, M Sport Pro and Sport Edition.
Here’s how each trim stacks up:
M Sport:
For those who like their cars with a touch of aggression but not to the point of a mid-life crisis, the M Sport trim hits the sweet spot. It comes with sporty aerodynamic enhancements, including a more dynamic front bumper, side skirts, and larger wheels. Inside, you’ll find sport seats and a steering wheel that’s more at home on a racetrack than a school run. It’s got a firmer suspension too, so you can handle corners with the precision of a surgeon—just don’t expect it to float over potholes like a vintage Rolls Royce.
M Sport Pro:
Now, if you’re the type who feels that “more is more,” the M Sport Pro is your ticket. It builds on the M Sport with a few extra tricks up its sleeve. Think of it as the car equivalent of adding a few more diamonds to your watch. You get the Iconic Glow kidney grille, which illuminates with a rather fabulous white light, and an upgraded Shadowline trim that makes it look even more menacing. The interior boasts premium materials and additional M branding, making it clear that you’re not just in any 5 Series, but the top-of-the-line sportier version.
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The performance tweaks are like the intricate details in a perfectly crafted latte art; they add a refined touch to a driving experience that’s as satisfying as the smoothest pour-over.
Sport Edition:
For those who want a hint of sportiness without diving headfirst into M territory, the Sport Edition is your go-to. It’s got the sporty looks and the performance edge without going full throttle.
Unique wheels and subtle design ensure it stands out from the base model, while inside, sport seats and a sculptured steering wheel add just enough flair to keep things interesting. It’s perfect for those who want a dash of sportiness without sacrificing too much in the comfort department.
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What’s New for 2025
The 2025 BMW 5 Series sticks with its sleek redesign but adds a few fresh touches. The big news? The new 550e plug-in hybrid, packing a hefty 483-hp turbocharged inline-six and an electric motor for a punchy performance boost.
You’ll also see some snazzy new paint options. And for those who like their driving with a bit more bite, there's a high-performance M5 variant.
In essence, whether you’re after a hint of sportiness or a full-on performance upgrade, the 5 Series offers something for every palate. From fully electric to hybrid and petrol power, each variant caters to a range of preferences, whether you’re a Jeremy Clarkson enthusiast or a green advocate like Greta.
On the Open Road
Taking the 2025 BMW 5 Series out of Lisbon’s chaos and onto the open roads of Portugal, the transformation is almost cinematic. The transition from urban hustle to the serene expanses of the Silver Coast highlights the 5 Series' dual nature: it’s as comfortable gliding through city streets as it is commanding the open highway.
Once unshackled from the city’s confines, though, the 530e Plug-in Hybrid reveals its true character. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is impressively responsive, offering a seamless surge of power as punchy as a Prince guitar solo propelling you forward with effortless grace. The ride is calm yet potent. The engine’s power is tempered with a calm assurance, allowing you to navigate winding coastal roads with a sense of control that belies its size.
BMW’s commitment to a tranquil driving experience is evident here. The cabin remains an oasis of quietude, with road noise filtered out, leaving you cocooned. The adaptive suspension adjusts to the road’s demands, providing a smooth ride that is both firm enough to handle spirited driving and supple enough to iron out imperfections in the tarmac.
As you stretch the 5 Series' legs, the intelligent driving aids work seamlessly in the background, enhancing your journey without intruding overmuch. The steering feels direct and precise, with a weight that adapts to your driving style. The all-wheel drive ensures that power is distributed effectively, making cornering and acceleration feel both purposeful with nod of thrill.
In essence, the 2025 BMW 5 Series on the open road is a testament to BMW’s engineering heritage. And I know this is cliché, out of some marketing literature, but it is a car that offers not just a drive, but an ‘experience’. It’s a BMW that blends powerful performance with a serene, composed ride. Whether you’re cruising along scenic routes or tackling more challenging stretches, the 5 Series delivers a driving feel that is sophisticated and exhilarating, almost in equal measure.
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Boot Space
In the 2025 BMW 5 Series Saloon, boot space depends on your choice of model. Opt for the standard ICE variant, and you’ll enjoy around 520 liters of capacity—plenty of room for a couple of suitcases. However, if you lean towards the eco-friendly PHEV, expect a slight compromise with about 430 liters, thanks to the battery pack taking up a bit of real estate. Still, it's ample space for a weekend getaway with all the essentials in tow - including a couple of Bromptons.
Performance and MPGs
If you’re sticking with tradition, the standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers a commendable 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enables the rear-drive 530i and the all-wheel-drive 530i xDrive to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.8 seconds. Fuel efficiency remains reasonable, with figures of 27/35 mpg for urban and motorway driving, making it both nimble and economical.
For those who crave a bit more excitement, the 540i xDrive ups the ante with its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, producing a robust 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. This setup slashes the 0 to 60 mph time to a thrilling 4.5 seconds, while fuel consumption stays competitive at 26/33 mpg.
If you’re looking to embrace the future, the 550e plug-in hybrid variant we tested and the all-electric i5 present cutting-edge alternatives, merging advanced technology with BMW’s renowned driving flair.
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THE GOODS Verdict
So here we are, with the 72-hours up, the photoshoot completed, I’m not sure I’m ready to give it back.
It’s an indulgent piece of engineering that combines a touch of opulence with performance, though it’s not without its quirks.
Inside, the 5 Series is a sanctuary. It offers seats so plush they could make a velvet-lined coffin seem underdressed. The wide armrests and state-of-the-art tech ensure that whether you’re commuting or embarking on a grand tour, you’re enveloped in comfort with everything seemingly in the right place.
However, let’s not get carried away. While the 5 Series excels on the open road, it’s a hefty beast that doesn’t exactly shrink when you dive into the city. It’s the kind of car that looks far more at ease in a spacious driveway than wedged between two city buses. And speaking of space, the rear seats pack a generous amount of legroom.
In the back there’s also multiple charging ports and a space to connect tablets to ensure your children are entertained on those long journeys to visit the mother-in-law in France for Summer.
But there’s the little matter of the wireless charging pad in the front. It’s a bit of a misnomer if you’re a passenger. It’s designed solely to charge the driver’s phone, even though it’s wide enough to sit two iphones comfortably side-by-side. It is playing havoc with my OCD. It’s a bit of a showpiece rather than a genuinely functional feature for both occupants.
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The dashboard is another story. It’s as if BMW decided to throw the latest tech at you and see if you can keep up. While it’s undoubtedly impressive, it does come with a learning curve.
That said, the cockpit and driving position is intelligently spaced out. The sound system carries the Bowers Wilkins badge, looks stunning and sounds exceptional.
In conclusion, the 2025 BMW 5 Series is a car that demands attention and delivers a driving experience that, for an executive saloon/sedan, is both entertaining and refined.
Just be prepared for its idiosyncrasies and appreciate it for the extraordinary piece of engineering that it is.
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