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.
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].
| 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
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.
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