DecodedCars2021 BMW 5 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 530e Xdrive 4dr Sedan, 530i Xdrive 4dr Sedan, 540i Xdrive 4dr Sedan, M550i Xdrive 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 195.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,704–4,222 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 BMW 5 Series is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,178 lb (530e Xdrive 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 2% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
- New hybrid version
- Lightest version 174 lb lighter
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 5 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530e Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 195.3 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 117.3 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 4,178 lb | 49/51 |
| 530i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 195.3 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 117.3 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 3,704 lb | 52/48 |
| 540i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 195.3 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 117.3 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 3,847 lb | 53/47 |
| M550i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 195.3 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 117.3 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 4,222 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +2% | $2,950 | 313 |
| 530i xDrive Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 27 | -1% | $3,050 | 330 |
| 540i Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 27 | -1% | $3,050 | 322 |
| 540i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -5% | $3,150 | 337 |
| 530e Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | -5% | $3,150 | 178 |
| 530e xDrive Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 203 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 BMW 5 Series.
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW 5 Series (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW 5 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 5 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 BMW 5 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 5 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 5 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 5 Series | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 5 Series | 30 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 5 Series | 28 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 5 Series | 29 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 5 Series | 30 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 5 Series | 27 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 5 Series | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 5 Series | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →