The 2018 BMW 5 Series provides something for everyone, beginning with its exciting powerplant offerings. This midsize luxury sedan handles extremely well. When you add in the vehicle’s outstanding technology and safety equipment, you’ll understand why anyone looking for a BMW for sale near Santa Maria should choose the BMW 5 Series over the competition.
After the redesign for 2017, which gave the 5 Series new styling and more cabin space, the model forges ahead into the 2018 model year with three new engines: a six-cylinder diesel, a twin-turbo V8 and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Also new this year, BMW offers Apple CarPlay and natural language voice recognition. There’s also an interesting 3D simulation that shows your vehicle from outside, making use of the available surround-view cameras. Of course, you get a nice list of driver assist features.
The automotive press gave the 2018 BMW 5 Series high marks. Edmunds chose the 5 series as one of its Best Midsize Sedans, as well as Best All-Wheel-Drive Sedans. Kelley Blue book wrote: “In addition to the sporty dynamics and sense of engagement that have long given the 5 Series a performance edge over rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS and Audi A6, the latest 5 Series is brimming with technology that can do everything from self-parking to collision avoidance.”
The 2018 BMW 5 Series seats five and is offered in five trim levels, listed as 530i, 530e iPerformance, 540i, 540d and M550i. Each is powered by a different powerplant:
- The 530i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
- The 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid is equipped with a variant of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works in tandem with an AC synchronous electric motor. Combined output is 248 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.
- The 540i is motivated by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 335 hp and 332 lb.-ft.
- The 540d gets a 3.0-liter V6 diesel powerplant that puts out 261 hp and 457 lb.-ft.
- The M550i is powered by a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that’s good for 456 hp and 480 lb.-ft.
All engines are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard on the 540d and M550i models and optional on the 530i, 530e and 540i.
The base 530i comes with plenty of standard features, including 18-inch wheels, 16-way-adjustable front seats, a navigation system with live traffic, a moonroof, LED headlights and a universal garage door opener. Audiophiles will appreciate the 205-watt stereo system with 12 speakers. This setup includes an AM/FM radio, a CD player, Bluetooth and a USB port. Options include a leather interior and a rearview camera. The 540i comes with standard leather seats and the ability to get a host of options, including a Bowers & Wilkins stereo (infused with diamonds) and advanced safety features. Apple CarPlay is also optional. The available Luxury Seating package includes ventilated front seats with a massage function.
As you would expect, the 2018 BMW 5 Series received the highest score of Good in all crash tests conducted by the IIHS and was named a Top Safety Pick+ model, the organization’s highest honor.
