DecodedCars2020 BMW 5 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 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, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 194.5–195.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,878–4,550 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a 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 36 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 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 4,550 lb (530e Xdrive 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 1% better than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 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 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 5 Series — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 5 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530e Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 194.5 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 117.3 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 4,550 lb | 49/51 |
| 530i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 194.5 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 117.3 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 3,878 lb | 52/48 |
| 540i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 194.5 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 117.3 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 4,019 lb | 53/47 |
| M550i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 195.3 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 117.3 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 4,537 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 | +1% | $2,950 | 316 |
| 530i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | -2% | $3,050 | 332 |
| 530e Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 27 | -1% | $3,050 | 170 |
| 540i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 359 |
| 530e xDrive Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | -8% | $3,300 | 193 |
| 540i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 350 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 BMW 5 Series.
Similar 2020 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 BMW 5 Series (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Audi A4 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | 330 mi | ★★★★★ | 21 |
| 2020 Audi A6 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 BMW 5 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2020 BMW 5 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2020 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 2020 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 |
| 2021 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 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 →