2012 BMW 5 Series: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2012 BMW 5 Series is the 528i’s switch from an inline-six to a 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with automatic stop/start. This is a broad lineup update rather than a redesign.

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About the 2012 BMW 5 Series

F10 sedan / F07 Gran Turismo generation, pre-refresh; second model year for the F10 sedan, third for the F07 Gran Turismo, and first year for ActiveHybrid 5.

For 2012, the BMW 5 Series is BMW’s midsize luxury model aimed at drivers who want a roomy, premium daily car without giving up strong acceleration and a driver-focused feel. BMW markets it as a blend of comfort, technology, and performance rather than a soft cruiser. Against rivals, its big draw is the wide spread of personalities: efficient 528i, balanced 535i, V8-powered 550i, Gran Turismo variants with a more comfort-focused personality, and the new hybrid for shoppers who want strong performance with better fuel use.

The 528i is the efficiency-minded everyday sedan, while the 300-hp 535i serves as the smooth six-cylinder middle ground and the 400-hp 550i delivers V8 performance. The range also covers roomy Gran Turismo models, AWD versions and the 335-hp ActiveHybrid 5, with upper trims featuring navigation, leather upholstery and parking cameras.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The 528i replaced its old inline-six with a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and gained automatic stop/start. The 535i and 535i xDrive sedans also gained automatic stop/start. BMW added the AWD 528i xDrive sedan and introduced the 335-hp ActiveHybrid 5, which pairs a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with an electric motor.

Tech and equipment

Hands-free Bluetooth calling and USB ports became standard across the lineup. Leather upholstery became standard on the 535i sedans. Both 535i Gran Turismo models gained standard navigation, proximity keyless entry, a rearview camera and satellite radio. Rearview cameras became standard on all 550i sedan and Gran Turismo models, while both 550i Gran Turismo models also gained standard premium audio.

2012 BMW 5 Series specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 BMW 5 Series528i2 in stock	2012 BMW 5 Series535i0 in stock	2012 BMW 5 Series550i0 in stock	2012 BMW 5 Series528i xDrive0 in stock	2012 BMW 5 Series535i xDrive1 in stock	2012 BMW 5 Series550i xDrive0 in stock	2012 BMW 5 SeriesActiveHybrid 50 in stock	2012 BMW 5 Series535i Gran Turismo0 in stock	2012 BMW 5 Series550i Gran Turismo0 in stock	2012 BMW 5 Series535i Gran Turismo xDrive0 in stock	2012 BMW 5 Series550i Gran Turismo xDrive0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter	6-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo 3.0L	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 Stptrnc Spt MM	Auto 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt MM	Auto 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt MM	Auto 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt MM	Auto 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt MM	Auto 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt MM	Auto 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt MM	Auto 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt MM	Auto 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt MM	Auto 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt MM	Auto 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt MM
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Hybrid	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	23 mpg	20 mpg	15 mpg	22 mpg	21 mpg	15 mpg	23 mpg	19 mpg	15 mpg	18 mpg	15 mpg
MPG Highway	34 mpg	30 mpg	22 mpg	32 mpg	30 mpg	20 mpg	30 mpg	28 mpg	22 mpg	27 mpg	19 mpg
Horsepower	240 hp	300 hp	400 hp	240 hp	300 hp	400 hp	335 hp	300 hp	400 hp	300 hp	400 hp
Torque	255 lb-ft	300 lb-ft	450 lb-ft	255 lb-ft	300 lb-ft	450 lb-ft	300 lb-ft	300 lb-ft	450 lb-ft	300 lb-ft	450 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	36.1 in	36.1 in	36.1 in	36.1 in	36.1 in	36.1 in		41.8 in	41.8 in	41.8 in	41.8 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Hill Descent Control
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Close Liftgate/Trunk
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Aluminum Interior Trim
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Folding Rear Seat
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Memory Front Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Ventilated Front Seats
Ventilated Rear Seats

How the 2013 BMW 5 Series compares

The 2013 BMW 5 Series is mostly a carryover year, with the meaningful updates limited to Gran Turismo models. The headline change is a stronger 445-hp twin-turbo V8 in the 550i Gran Turismo.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

What changed on the 2012 BMW 528i?

The 2012 BMW 528i replaced its previous inline-six with a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It also gained automatic stop/start, standard hands-free Bluetooth calling and a standard USB port.

Was the BMW 528i xDrive new for 2012?

Yes. The AWD 528i xDrive sedan joined the 5 Series range for 2012, combining the new 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Did the BMW 5 Series add a hybrid for 2012?

Yes. The ActiveHybrid 5 debuted for 2012 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, an electric motor and 335 hp combined. It could also travel short distances on electric power at low speeds.

Does every 2012 BMW 5 Series have Bluetooth?

Yes. Hands-free Bluetooth calling became standard across the entire 2012 BMW 5 Series range. USB ports also became standard throughout the lineup.

Was the 2012 BMW 5 Series redesigned?

No. The 2012 BMW 5 Series kept the same pre-refresh F10 sedan and F07 Gran Turismo design. Its important updates were the 528i engine change, two added models and expanded standard equipment rather than a new body or chassis.