2015 BMW 5 Series
New for 2015
Changes to the BMW 5 Series for 2015 are limited, with a just a few options getting reshuffled or eliminated.
Ticking All Boxes
When it comes to midsize luxury sedans, the BMW 5 Series is the one everyone else tries to copy. That’s because this finely-crafted hunk of German engineering does everything so well. It’s luxurious yet sporty, and offers the practicality of a sedan without skimping on the technology. Indeed, the 5 Series is a car for all seasons.
Powertrain and Performance
Few cars are available with as many powertrain options as the 2015 BMW 5 Series. Whether you want four, six, or eight cylinders, a diesel or a hybrid, BMW has you covered.
Starting with the gasoline powertrains, the 2015 BMW 528i proves that a four-cylinder engine is a good fit for a midsize luxury sedan. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and is coupled to an eight speed automatic transmission. It’s rated at 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive and 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway)* with xDrive all-wheel drive.
Next up is the 2015 535i, with a turbocharged inline-six, with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the eight-speed automatic, the 535i is also the only 5 Series model offered with a six-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is pegged at 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 31 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive, and 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive.
The top-of-the-line 5 Series is the 2015 550i, which has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 under the hood, producing 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful 5 Series is also the thirstiest, but ratings of 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive and 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive aren’t too shabby.
Those looking for the best fuel economy should consider the final two 5 Series variants.
The 2015 ActiveHybrid 5’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and electric motor produce a combined 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, and return 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).*
There’s also the 535d, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-six good for 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The most efficient 5 Series, it’s rated at 30 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 38 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive, and loses one mpg in the highway category with all-wheel drive.
Features and Trims
On top of that plethora of powertrains, the 2015 BMW 5 Series is one of best-equipped cars in showrooms. Available as a four-door sedan or five-door Gran Turismo hatchback, it’s got all of the latest luxury and tech features.
Standard equipment includes engine start-stop, power front seats with driver memory, automatic climate control, and a host of other items that’s frankly too long to list here.
BMW offers the choice of two trim “lines,” Luxury and M Sport, that give the car a distinct look and attitude. Both include items like LED foglights and a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, but also feature their own alloy-wheel designs, interior trim, and exterior enhancements.
On top of that, there are several option packages available. The Driver Assistance Package adds safety features like active blind-spot detection and active cruise control, while the Dynamic Handling Package increases sportiness with an active suspension system.
For ultimate luxury, the Executive Package includes a power tailgate, soft-close automatic doors, a head up display, and either harmon/kardon® or ©Bang & Olufsen audio systems.
Exterior/Interior
The 5 Series has a chiseled exterior full of creases that look as precise as the ones on a newly-ironed pair of trousers. The clean lines are enhanced by standard alloy wheels, chrome trim, and adaptive Xenon headlights.
The interior is just as cleanly designed. Unlike many other luxury cars, BMW doesn’t overwhelm the driver with buttons or an overly-large center stack. Instead, everything is neat and easily accessible. BMW relies on its iDrive rotary control knob for most infotainment functions, and the interior can be further dressed up with several wood and leather combinations.
Safety
The 2015 BMW 5 Series is also offered with an array of safety equipment, including front and side-impact airbags, active head restraints, a front- and rear-seat Head Protection System, and the BMW Assist eCall telematics system with automatic collision notification.
Bottom Line
The 2015 BMW 5 Series is all the car anyone will ever need. With a spacious five-seat midsize body as a starting point, buyers can build everything from a fuel-efficient hybrid to a powerful touring car, and customize it to their liking with an options list as long as the longest of arms. It’s hard to imagine wanting something in this range that the 5 Series doesn’t offer.
For more information, be sure to contact or visit us at BMW of Catonsville.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and road conditions.
Image: BMW (European Model Shown)