why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 BMW 5 Series

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 58 photos

Want to save money? Check out the 2012 BMW 5 Series

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2013 BMW 5 Series Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.5

Vehicles with a production history of more than a few decades typically have a model generation they would rather forget. But, like a perpetual-motion machine, the BMW 5 Series just keeps gaining momentum. To meet the specific demands of the modern car buyer, the 2013 BMW 5 Series offers the most expansive lineup in the nameplate's history. Along with recent additions like the powerful yet fuel-efficient ActiveHybrid 5 and the versatile 5-door Gran Turismo, 2013 marks the highly anticipated debut of the fifth-generation M5 super sedan. In response to the challenges posed by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Infiniti M and the new Lexus GS, the BMW 5 Series has once again raised the bar to secure its place as the benchmark in the mid-size luxury segment.

You'll Like This Car If...

While the majority of its competition tend to lean in a particular direction when it comes to comfort, performance and practicality, the 2013 BMW 5 Series offers equal quantities of all three, even in base form. Additionally, if a third pedal is a requirement in your next luxury-sports sedan, the 5 Series is the only car in the category to offer a manual transmission.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Compared to the Acura TL and Lexus GS, the pricing structure for the 2013 5 Series is rather complex. Where fully loaded models from Lexus and Acura maintain sensible sticker prices, opting for a 5 Series with all of the trimmings can easily double the base price.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.5
Driving Dynamics

7.9
Comfort & Convenience

6.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.3
Value

6.2
Safety

9.2

How It Ranks

#2

out of 19

MPG

#17

out of 18

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.3 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

For 2013, the new 560-horsepower M5 joins the 5 Series lineup along with a number of minor performance and cosmetic enhancements. Leading the list of changes is a next-generation navigation system with weather forecasts and crowd-sourced traffic information, newly available bespoke features from BMW Individual and a 45-horsepower bump for Gran Turismo variants sporting the twin turbo V8.

Driving the 5 Series

2013 BMW 5 Series Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Regardless of drivetrain – rear-wheel (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) – the 2013 BMW 5 Series family provides a balanced approach to over-the-road performance. And when equipped with AWD, BMW's...

mid-size offering is blessed with "all-weather" performance, going tough when the going gets tough. With your choice of a turbocharged-4, a turbo inline-6 or a pair of twin-turbo V8s, you can truly tailor a BMW 5 Series to your specific performance requirements and, of course, budget. The entry-level 528i is blessed with a surprising amount of urge (0-60 in 6.2 seconds), a modest appetite for fuel (22 mpg city/32 highway) and a throaty – almost lusty – personality on the open road. With that, the sweet spot is probably where the 5 Series began, with a healthy turbo-6 (535i) propelling you at triple-digit speeds (where allowed).

Favorite Features

ACTIVE STEERING
The 2013 BMW 5 Series sedan is available with an integral active-steering system that, depending on vehicle speed, aims the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels for improved handling in both low- and high-speed driving conditions.

M SPORT PACKAGE
Designed for those who wish to squeeze every ounce of performance from their 5 Series sedan, the M Sport Package ups the ante with a sport suspension, lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels and a higher electronically limited top speed.

2013 BMW 5 Series Details

2013 BMW 5 Series Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 5's interior space has grown slightly over the years, while the overall impression has grown almost exponentially. Already a strong suit, BMW paid special attention to ergonomics in the latest 5 Series, with all displays, knobs and buttons located in the central portion of the cabin. And the choice of interior materials reflects a new maturity on the part of BMW management; considering this is where consumers spend most of their time, the new upgrades are fully appropriate to that. We'd take issue, however, with the standard-spec upholstery; black or beige Leatherette, on a car with a base price of over $48K, stretches – we think – credibility.

Exterior

In assessing the 5 Series, it's helpful to have some background. The development of its chassis and body structure was performed in conjunction with the flagship 7 Series. As a result, the 5 is more grown-up, with the longest wheelbase ever to be found on today's 5 Series. The proportions and overall impressions of this current 5 Series aren't radically different from those of its predecessors, but if you liked the smaller footprint of the previous iteration, the new 3 Series might be worth your consideration. In contrast, the 5 Series sedan's architectural limitations make the spacious Gran Turismo variant an enticing proposition for anyone who needs a 5 Series with SUV-like cargo space.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In sedan or 5-door body style, every 2013 BMW 5 Series includes 10-way power front seats, an 8-speed automatic transmission, run-flat tires, xenon headlights that produce up to three times the light of conventional halogen systems and BMW's iDrive infotainment system paired to a 10-speaker audio system. Unlike the Infiniti M and Acura TL, the 5 Series sedan does not offer leather seating or a moonroof as standard fare. As expected, the 2013 5 Series is packed with a full range of active and passive safety features, including six airbags, adaptive brake lights that become brighter as braking forces increase and BMW Assist with automatic collision notification, emergency assistance and concierge services.

Optional Equipment

Whether you plan to inject an extra measure of performance or refinement into your 5 Series, BMW offers a variety of appealing stand-alone options and packages to do so. On the performance side, Dynamic Damper Control enhances the overall ride quality by automatically adjusting the suspension characteristics according to the current road conditions, while the available M Sport Package adds 18-inch performance wheels and tires, aerodynamic bodywork and a race-inspired M steering wheel. Luxury and convenience options include a full-color head-up display and active front seats designed to help reduce the fatigue associated with long trips by gradually altering the height of the seating surface.

Under the Hood

Variety, thy name is 5 Series. With the introduction of a new 4-cylinder turbo, BMW offers a "holy trinity" of turbocharged powertrains. Despite its "base" designation, the 2.0-liter four is one of the finest engines ever fitted to an entry-level vehicle. It delivers 240 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque and 32 mpg in the EPA's highway cycle. Perhaps the lack of an available manual transmission with the turbo-4 is a down note, but that absence can't last forever; the rumble for its return starts right now. The turbocharged inline-6 and its more powerful hybrid counterpart have their fans, while the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and the higher-output M variant seem to maintain the notion that too much power is never enough.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg (manual, RWD), 20/30 mpg (automatic, RWD), 20/29 mpg (automatic, AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 hybrid
335 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/30 mpg

4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8
400 horsepower @ 5,500-6,400 rpm
450 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg (manual, RWD), 17/25 mpg (automatic, RWD), 16/24 mpg (automatic, AWD)

4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8
560 horsepower @ 6,000-7,000 rpm
500 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg (manual), 14/20 mpg (automatic)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 BMW 5 Series starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just over $48,000. The 5-door Gran Turismo comes in around $59,000, while the new high-performance M5 tips the scales at a lofty $92,000. Offering only marginal increases in both horsepower and fuel economy, the $62,000 ActiveHybrid 5 lacks a compelling sales message. Competitors like the Lexus GS and Infiniti M share a similar starting price with the 5-Series, while the Audi A6 undercuts the group by roughly $5,000. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a comparable level of standard equipment, but commands a $3,000 premium over the 5 Series. To see what buyers in your area are actually paying for their new BMWs, take a look at KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price tool at the bottom of this page. When it comes time to sell, the 2013 5 Series is expected to maintain higher residual values than its Audi, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz rivals, but trails the segment-leading Lexus GS by a considerable margin.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used BMW 5 Series vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2013 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.3

Out of 10

Based on 54 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.1/10

Quality

8.6/10
Reliability

8.6/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.1/10

Best All wheel Drive system

By PhatRob (KS) on Friday, July 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Cons: "no leg room in front with baby seat in back"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I leased this car after selling my 2006 Mercedes Benz E55. The BMW has some of the power, but has more technology and handles better. Yes we are comparing an all wheel drive to a rear wheel muscle car. This is a great car. Get the M Sport Package, it sets the car off. This is the best all around car I've ever had and comes in second to the AMG for fun to drive."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Perfect balance between sport and luxury

By mike (GA) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Luxury and sport"

Cons: "Stereo sound not great"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was looking for a mid-sized luxury sport sedan. Test drove Mercedes E550, Jaguar XF, Audi A6 and Lexus GS 460. Was open to buying any one of those. But, the BMW was just simply the best. Have had it 2 years and have had no problems to date. The only mild negative is the stereo sound. Its above average, but should be better. The best feature is just how perfect it balances luxury and sportiness."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

to much lag and more lag

By TYRONE (FL) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 49,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "I believe the safety features are good."

Cons: "Run flat, front bumper too fragile"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I almost hit someone in the REAR because I gently hit gas pedal and nothing happens. I press a little harder and the car takes off like a rocket. I am willing to bet that some day I will hit someone in the rear. Fo this reason, I would not recommend this car. By the way, I owned one (5 series) for 14 years and this was the reason I did not buy lexus. I wanted to stick with the evil I know. Hopefully, this wont be a little too much evillag, lag, lag"

5 people out of 10 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

excellent car

By Chick (CA) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive and gets good gas mileage."

Cons: "no complaints"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"this is my second bmw and it is a big improvement over my 2011 328 coupe. I love the responsiveness of the twin turbo 6 and the great gas mileage is a much appreciated bonus. My sedan is very nimble and corners without leaning. I think the design is superlative and the finish both inside and exterior is tops. I will definitely make my next car a BMW also."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

This is a lot of car.

By Repeat owner on Saturday, April 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Style, safety, fuel economy, power"

Cons: "Automatic shutoff can be annoying."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Fuel economy is amazing for this car ( 32+ highway). Turbo is seamless. Big improvement in run flat tires. I highly recommend the car if you are ready to spend nearly 60k."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

A good balance between performance and comfort

By mutro (CA) on Friday, April 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "performance, comfort, interior/exterior design"

Cons: "none so far at 7,000 miles"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I was looking to complement my Boxster with a sedan that offered comfort and performance. After test driving the 2013 528i model, I decided I don't need to look any further. Acceleration-wise, its about the same or perhaps even faster than my Boxster; the BMW engineers have performed a minor miracle with this 2.0 twin-turbo engine linked to a 8-speed trans. And the 528i is extremely comfortable (added the optional lux seats and some other convenience options) and way more fuel efficient (29mpg combined city/highway so far with 7,000 miles) Granted, the Boxster engine sound is pure joy to hear vs the diesel-like sound coming from the 2.0 engine. But the sound-proofing keeps all engine and other noises out. As for handling and cornering, the Boxster of course is in a different class, but the 528i handling is not bad for a 5-seater sedan . My other favorite aspect is the interior: elegant, functional and well finished. Overall, a great car experience."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 54 reviews