2011 BMW 5 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big news for 2011 is the fully redesigned sixth-generation BMW 5 Series sedan. It gets a longer wheelbase, a new cabin and chassis, updated engines and technology, while the Gran Turismo receives a lighter lineup expansion.
About the 2011 BMW 5 Series
6th-generation F10 5 Series Sedan, first year; F07 5 Series Gran Turismo, second year, with xDrive expansion during the model year.
BMW positions the 5 Series as an executive express: a midsize luxury car that mixes strong engine performance, driver-focused controls, and long-distance comfort. In sedan form, it targets shoppers who want a traditional sport-luxury four-door with sharp responses and premium materials. In Gran Turismo form, it adds a taller roof, flexible rear seating, and more cargo access for buyers who want the same BMW character with more travel-friendly space.
The 528i is the entry to the redesigned sedan, with a 240-hp six-cylinder engine and a 7-inch iDrive display. The 535i adds a 300-hp turbocharged six, while the 550i pairs a 400-hp twin-turbo V8 with leather, navigation, and parking sensors. Gran Turismo models emphasize rear-seat comfort and cargo flexibility through a dual-access tailgate and a sliding, reclining rear seat.
What changed, by category
2011 BMW 5 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd OD Steptronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | 20 mpg | 15 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 30 mpg | 25 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | 30 mpg | 22 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 450 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 450 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 450 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 450 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18.4 cu-ft | 18.4 cu-ft | |||||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 BMW 5 Series a new generation?
Yes. The 2011 sedan is the first year of the sixth-generation F10 5 Series, with a new body, cabin, chassis, and longer wheelbase. The F07 Gran Turismo remains in its second year and does not receive the sedan’s full redesign.
What engine changes did the 2011 BMW 5 Series receive?
The 2011 lineup receives several engine updates. The 535i sedan and 535i Gran Turismo use a newer 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, the 528i increases from 230 to 240 hp, and the 550i sedan increases from 360 to 400 hp with a twin-turbo V8.
Which 2011 BMW 5 Series models have all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive is found on the 535i xDrive and 550i xDrive sedans, plus the 535i Gran Turismo xDrive and 550i Gran Turismo xDrive. The 528i xDrive from the previous year does not continue for 2011.
Did the 2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo get redesigned too?
No. The 2011 Gran Turismo keeps its existing F07 design rather than receiving the sedan’s clean-sheet F10 redesign. Its main year-specific development is the expansion of the six-cylinder and all-wheel-drive lineup.
Is the 2011 BMW 5 Series a major update over the 2010 sedan?
Yes. For sedan shoppers, 2011 is a major change from 2010 because it introduces a new generation with a larger body, new interior, stiffer structure, revised engines, updated iDrive system, and additional driver-assistance technology.