Buyer’s Guide: 2014 BMW 5 Series

NEW FOR 2014:

-Diesel (535d) and hybrid (ActiveHybrid 5) models added

Significant changes come to BMW’s mid-size sedan for 2014, in the form of two fuel-saving powertrains. The more mainstream of the two is the turbodiesel six-cylinder engine in the 535d, and the other is a gas-electric hybrid combo used in the ActiveHybrid 5.

Otherwise, the lineup remains the same. The starting point is the 528i, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder making 241 hp/258 lb-ft of torque and available with rear- or all-wheel drive. It’s followed by the all-wheel 535i xDrive and its 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine, rated at 300 hp/300 lb-ft. The new 535d xDrive’s engine is a 3.0L turbodiesel good for 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. A 550i xDrive model gets a turbocharged 4.4L V8 that makes 445 hp and 479 lb-ft.

In the ActiveHybrid 5, the 535i’s turbo six is combined with an electric motor to produce similar 300 hp and 295 lb-ft power ratings, but with slightly lower fuel consumption.

Finally, there’s the mighty M5. Deriving its motivation from an uprated 4.4L turbo V8, it boasts 560 hp and 500 lb-ft, and is the only 5 Series that can be fitted with a manual transmission; its option is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Standard kit in the 528i includes 17-inch wheels, automatic engine start/stop, electric power steering, adaptive head- and brakelights, automatic halogen headlights, headlight washers, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors and windshield washer jets, front and rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers, tire pressure warning, 12-speaker stereo with auxiliary input and USB and Bluetooth integration, black panel technology, trip computer, seven-inch iDrive display, and heated 10-way power front seats upholstered in leatherette.

528i xDrive are differentiated from rear-drive models by 18-inch wheels, Dakota leather seats, and hydraulic power steering.

535i xDrive trim starts with 19-inch wheels, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, hydraulic power steering, intelligent keyless entry, rear-seat through-loading, navigation, voice recognition, and a 10.2-inch iDrive display.

535d trim is similarly equipped.

550i trim builds on the 535i and 535d equipment list. It reverts back to electric power steering, and gets an anthracite roof liner, backup camera, 16-speaker stereo, 18-way adjustable front seats, and heated rear seats.

ActiveHybrid 5 models come equipped similarly to the 550i, but add four-zone climate control,

The M5 gets 20-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, speed-sensitive power steering, high-gloss black grille and window trim, alcantara roof liner, M-sport seats with 10-way adjustment, and Merino leather upholstery.