BMW 5 Series
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BMW 5 Series F10 LCI (2013-Present) Expert Review

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Exterior
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Interior
Date Reviewed
1 June 2015
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value
by Paul Tan
Overall Rating

The F10 BMW 5-Series was outstanding when it first came out and with the latest LCI mid-life facelift we still consider it to be near the top of the pack, if not the top of the pack for its segment. The new five year unlimited mileage warranty from June 2015 is a big plus point.

For
  • Engine and gearbox combo is one of the best in business
  • Fuel efficient even when you gun it
  • Dynamic dampers are standard equipment and quite comfortable
  • iDrive system is relatively easy to use
Against
  • Hit and miss build quality
  • Baseline audio system is sub-par
  • Loud cabin at high speeds
Performance

Other than the ActiveHybrid 5, every BMW 5-Series is equipped with a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine, a big departure from what the 5-Series used to represent - silky smooth big six cylinder engines. But the new family of engines do not disappoint. Both the petrol and diesel engines are very fuel efficient even when you don't have a light foot. 8-speed automatic shift logic and shift quality can be considered the best in the business. Vibration from the diesel engine in the 520d can be rather disturbing at low revs though.

Ride & Handling

Dynamic dampers are standard across the range for Malaysian spec cars and are a significant upgrade over the normal suspension. Switching to COMFORT+ mode allows you to waft along in near Mercedes-Benz like serenity, which is ironic when the competing W212 E-Class now comes exclusively with the sportier Avantgarde suspension only. Electric power steering is comfortable to use however at high speeds especially in areas with crosswinds, it tends to wander a little, giving the impression that you constantly have to correct the car's course.

Comfort

The seats are average at best, especially the rear bench. Wind and tyre noise can get pretty loud at highway speeds. However engine noise is muted well, especially on the 520d where once you're in the higher gears you can barely hear the engine.

Safety

The 5-Series is equipped with the full range of airbags, and BMW's version of stability control called Dynamic Stability Control is very competent. There is an immobiliser however many of the variants do not come with an alarm system.

Space

The F10 is pretty wide on the inside. However, rear legroom is average and the middle seat is encumbered by the big hump in the middle of the floor for the transmission tunnel, but that is the case with most of the cars in this class. There's not much storage under the arm rest, glovebox space is average, but at least there are two properly sized and positioned cupholders for the front passengers.

Value

It's no Audi A6 Hybrid, but for the equipment you get, we'd consider the F10 well priced. The F10 comes with the best warranty in class at 5 years and unlimited mileage. It also includes free servicing for 100,000km or 5 years whichever comes first.