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The all-new 2024 BMW 5-Series delivers one of the most complete luxury sedan packages on sale today—comfort, technology, and efficiency all land in the right places[1]. This eighth-generation model grew substantially in size and pivots toward plush grand touring rather than sharp sports sedan dynamics[2]. For buyers prioritizing quiet highway cruising, hands-free driving tech, and premium cabin materials, the 530i hits the sweet spot at $57,900 MSRP. That said, the steering feel remains disappointingly numb—longtime BMW enthusiasts might feel something’s missing.
Why the 2024 Redesign Matters
BMW completely rebuilt the 5-Series from the ground up for 2024, and the changes run deeper than new sheet metal[1]. This generation shares its architecture with the electric 2024 BMW i5, which explains why the sedan gained considerable size—nearly 200 inches long now, approaching full-size territory[3].
Here’s the thing: that platform sharing created compromises. Some Reddit owners point out the interior and trunk space don’t match what you’d expect from such a large car, and the vehicle sits noticeably tall compared to rivals[3]. But BMW nailed the ride quality. Even our test car with 21-inch M Sport wheels absorbed imperfections without transmitting harshness into the cabin[1].
For 2024, BMW also introduced Highway Assistant—the brand’s first hands-free highway driving system for the 5-Series[1]. During testing, it proved reliable and less clumsy than expected, genuinely reducing fatigue on longer road trips[4].
2024 BMW 5-Series Pricing & Trims
| Trim | MSRP | Engine | Power | 0-60 | EPA Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530i | $57,900 | 2.0L Turbo I4 + Mild Hybrid | 255 hp / 295 lb-ft | 5.8 sec | 30 mpg |
| 530i xDrive | $60,200 | 2.0L Turbo I4 + Mild Hybrid | 255 hp / 295 lb-ft | 5.8 sec | 30 mpg |
| 540i xDrive | $64,900 | 3.0L Turbo I6 + Mild Hybrid | 375 hp / 383 lb-ft | 4.4 sec | 28 mpg |
Pricing from BMW dealers[5]; Car and Driver tested 530i xDrive base at $61,195[2]
As of January 2026, used 2024 5-Series models have depreciated substantially. Edmunds shows used 530i sedans starting around $28,395 to $44,000 depending on mileage and condition[1]. That represents significant savings over original MSRP for second-hand buyers.
Edmunds recommends the 530i as the best value—its four-cylinder delivers adequate power for daily driving while returning 30 mpg combined, matching or beating most competitors[1]. Unless you need the extra punch for aggressive merging or towing, skip the $7,000 premium for the six-cylinder.
Performance & Driving Experience
Car and Driver’s instrumented testing revealed some telling numbers. The 540i xDrive sprinted from 5-60 mph in 5.0 seconds with a rolling start, and their 70-0 mph braking test came in at 163 feet—competitive but not class-leading[2]. Real-world highway cruising returned 37 mpg at a steady 75 mph, with a theoretical range of 580 miles per tank[2].
What surprised me? The ride quality transformation. MotorTrend noted this 5-Series feels “plush and more prepared to cruise and commute than attack twisty tarmac”[4]. Traditional 5-Series buyers expecting the sports sedan character of older generations may find this softer setup disappointing. The chassis handles enthusiastic driving competently—it’s the steering that falls flat[2].
And honestly? That steering numbness remains my biggest complaint. Car and Driver called it out directly: the 2024 5-Series needs more steering feel[2]. You can place the car accurately, but there’s a disconnect between your hands and the front tires that didn’t exist in the E39 or even the F10 generations. (Full disclosure: I’m biased toward older BMWs that communicated more through the wheel.)
One owner summed it up well after eight months with a 540i: “Acceleration is excellent and I have been consistently posting between 32 and 35 mpg in a combination of city and highway driving”[6]. Real-world fuel economy beating EPA estimates by that margin is uncommon in this segment.
Interior Quality & Technology
BMW essentially shrunk the 7-Series interior and installed it here—and it works brilliantly[7]. The cabin uses real wood, metal, and leather rather than simulated materials. A curved 14.9-inch display dominates the dashboard, running BMW’s latest iDrive 8 software[1].
Rear seat passengers get more room than before, with wide door openings making entry and exit easy[1]. At 18.4 cubic feet, trunk space exceeds most rivals in the segment[1]. Load that cargo area with luggage and you’ll appreciate the low lift-over height.
The catch? Edmunds editors noted recurring issues getting CarPlay to launch reliably in their test car, and some onscreen controls buried in submenus prove frustrating to access while driving[1]. The voice assistant responds quickly and understands natural language commands—one owner praised it for not requiring “exactly worded commands like other brands”[6].
Climate controls? A mixed bag. The system cools effectively, but adjusting the air vents physically is needlessly difficult, and touchscreen climate adjustments distract you from the road[1]. Mercedes handles this more elegantly with physical buttons for common functions. If you’re curious whether BMW charges for Apple CarPlay, it’s included standard—no subscription required.
Safety Ratings & Driver Assistance
The IIHS awarded the 2024 5-Series a Top Safety Pick+ rating—the agency’s highest designation[8]. Every crash test earned “Good” marks across small overlap front (driver and passenger), moderate overlap front, side impact, and roof strength[9].
Front crash prevention earned “Superior” ratings in both pedestrian detection (day and night) and vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios[9]. All available headlight configurations also rated “Good”—an area where the larger X5 SUV stumbled and missed the top award[8].
Standard Active Driving Assistant includes:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking that avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests[9]
- Lane departure warning with steering correction intervention
- Blind spot monitoring covering adjacent lanes and approaching traffic
- Highway Assistant hands-free driving that worked reliably during extended testing[1]
One recall (Campaign 24V714000) affects 982 vehicles for potential brake system issues where servomotor welds may break, causing extended stopping distances[10]. BMW addressed this with brake module replacements at no cost to owners.
How It Compares to the Mercedes E-Class
Both sedans received complete redesigns for 2024, so this comparison matters for cross-shoppers.
| Specification | 2024 BMW 530i | 2024 Mercedes E350 |
|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $57,900 | ~$58,000 |
| Power | 255 hp / 295 lb-ft | 255 hp / 295 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 sec | 6.1 sec |
| EPA Combined | 30 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Cabin Noise @ 55 mph | 55.0 dB | 53.5 dB |
| Rear-Wheel Steering | i5 only | Available |
Comparison data from Car Confections testing[11]
Identical horsepower and torque figures, yet the BMW accelerates 5% quicker to 60 mph and returns 3 mpg better combined fuel economy[11]. No clear explanation exists for that efficiency gap—both use similar mild-hybrid technology.
The Mercedes counters with a quieter cabin (53.5 dB vs. 55.0 dB at 55 mph) and available air suspension that the BMW lacks[11]. It also gets rear-wheel steering on the combustion model, while BMW reserves that tech for the electric i5 only. Interior preference comes down to taste: BMW’s varied materials versus Mercedes’ Hyperscreen—which is mostly glossy black plastic surrounding displays[7].
For those considering BMW’s 2024 3-Series instead, know that the 5-Series delivers a substantially more comfortable ride and quieter cabin, though at a $15,000+ premium.
Ownership Costs & Known Issues
BMW backs the 2024 5-Series with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty plus 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain coverage[1]. The 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance saves roughly $1,500-$2,000 compared to paying out of pocket—a genuine advantage over competitors that don’t include service[1].
Common early issues reported by owners include:
- Minor software bugs requiring dealer updates—one owner reported a September 2024 update that temporarily disabled their car entirely[3]
- Occasional driver-assist system false warnings[12]
- Harsh ride on larger 21-inch wheels (opt for 19s if ride quality matters)[12]
- In-car electronics glitches flagged by Consumer Reports[10]
J.D. Power notes owner complaints about fuel economy expectations not matching real-world results, though other owners report exceeding EPA estimates[13]. Your mileage may vary—literally—depending on driving style and conditions.
Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Class-leading 30 mpg combined from the 530i beats rivals by 2-3 mpg while delivering equivalent power and acceleration[11]
- Top Safety Pick+ rating with Superior crash prevention scores across all IIHS tests including nighttime pedestrian detection[8]
- 18.4 cubic feet of trunk space exceeds Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6, making weekend trips more practical[1]
- Highway Assistant hands-free driving genuinely reduces fatigue on long trips—it’s not just a gimmick[1]
- Complimentary 3-year/36,000-mile maintenance covers oil changes, brake fluid, and filters at no additional cost[1]
Disadvantages:
- Steering feel has gone almost completely numb—enthusiasts who remember the E39’s communication will be disappointed[2]
- Exterior dimensions push what qualifies as “midsize”—this sedan is nearly 200 inches long and sits taller than competitors[2]
- Some critical driver aids like Highway Assistant require expensive option packages rather than coming standard[1]
- CarPlay connectivity proved unreliable in Edmunds’ extended testing, requiring multiple reconnection attempts[1]
- Software bugs affected some early-build cars, with at least one owner reporting complete vehicle disablement after an OTA update[3]
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy?
Choose the 2024 BMW 5-Series if: You prioritize fuel efficiency, advanced safety tech, and highway comfort over driving engagement. Commuters and road-trippers will appreciate the quiet cabin and hands-free driving capability. The 530i delivers 90% of the 540i’s capability at a substantially lower price point—and better fuel economy.
Look elsewhere if: You want the sporty driving dynamics BMW once defined. The 2025 BMW M5 recaptures some of that spirit, but at three times the price. Cross-shop the Genesis G80 if value matters, or the Mercedes E-Class if cabin refinement and quietness rank highest[1].
For most luxury sedan buyers, the 2024 5-Series represents an excellent all-around choice—just not the driver’s car its predecessors were. If comparing to other BMW sedans, the 2025 5-Series carries over largely unchanged, so 2024 used models offer significant savings with minimal sacrifice.
FAQs
Is the 2024 BMW 5-Series reliable?
Early ownership data shows minor software bugs and occasional driver-assist warnings as the most common complaints, both typically resolved through dealer updates[12]. Consumer Reports flagged in-car electronics and electrical accessories as potential trouble spots[10]. BMW’s included 3-year maintenance covers basic services, and the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty provides reasonable protection for early defects.
How does the 2024 BMW 5-Series compare to the previous generation?
The 2024 model grew substantially larger, added hands-free highway driving, and prioritizes comfort over sportiness[1]. Fuel economy improved, interior tech jumped forward significantly, and safety ratings remain excellent. The tradeoff comes in steering feel and overall driving engagement—the previous G30 generation felt sharper through corners[3].
What’s the best 2024 BMW 5-Series trim to buy?
Edmunds recommends the 530i for most buyers[1]. Its turbocharged four-cylinder delivers adequate power for daily driving while returning 30 mpg combined. Features are largely identical to the 540i—you’re mainly paying extra for the inline-six engine. Add xDrive if you face winter weather; otherwise, the rear-drive 530i at $57,900 represents the sweet spot.
Does the 2024 BMW 5-Series have Apple CarPlay?
Yes—wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all 2024 5-Series trims at no additional cost[1]. There’s also a wireless charging pad and USB-C ports throughout both rows. Some Edmunds editors experienced connectivity issues with CarPlay in their long-term test car, so test this during your dealer visit.
References
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 BMW 5 Series Prices, Reviews, and Pictures. https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/5-series/2024/
- Car and Driver. (2024). 2024 BMW 5-Series Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/5-series-2024
-
Reddit r/cars. (2023). 2024 BMW 5 Series Review Discussion.
2024 BMW 5 Series Review // Not What We Expected | Throttle House
byu/cpxchewy incars - MotorTrend. (2024). 2024 BMW 5-series Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims. https://www.motortrend.com/cars/bmw/5-series/2024
- BMW of Carlsbad. (2024). 2024 BMW 5 Series Specs & Features. https://www.bmwcarlsbad.com/research/2024-bmw-5-series.htm
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews. https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/5-series/2024/consumer-reviews/
- BMW Blog. (2023). Photo Comparison: 2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2024 Mercedes E-Class. https://www.bmwblog.com/2023/05/25/2024-5-series-e-class/
- Cars.com. (2023). 2024 BMW 5 Series Nabs Top Safety Pick+. https://www.cars.com/articles/2024-bmw-5-series-nabs-top-safety-pick-x5-misses-the-mark-475725/
- IIHS. (2024). 2024 BMW 5 series Safety Ratings. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/bmw/5-series-4-door-sedan/2024
- Consumer Reports. (2024). 2024 BMW 5 Series Reliability. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/5-series/2024/reliability/
-
Car Confections. (2024). 2024 BMW 5-Series vs. 2024 Mercedes E-Class.
NEW Baby Flagships! 2024 BMW 5-Series vs. 2024 Mercedes E-Class
-
AutoPro Nashville. (2025). BMW 5 Series: Reliability, Trims and Buying Guide.
BMW 5 Series Review (2024 to 2026): Modern Luxury, Reliability, Trims and Key Buying Tips
- J.D. Power. (2024). 2024 BMW 5 Series Reliability, Consumer Ratings & Pricing. https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2024/bmw/5-series
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
