“Great car for the money. not worth getting non-hybrid version given savings in gas.”
2018 BMW 5 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 BMW 5 Series is a much broader lineup, led by new plug-in hybrid, diesel, and V8 M Performance variants. The core G30 sedan carries over without a redesign.
About the 2018 BMW 5 Series
7th generation (G30), second model year, before the later facelift.
BMW positioned the 5 Series as a midsize luxury sport sedan that blends sharp responses, long-distance comfort, and high-end connectivity. The core pitch was balance: strong turbocharged engines, a roomy and upscale cabin, lighter construction than the prior generation, and advanced driver-assistance and infotainment technology. Against rivals, the 5 Series leaned on driving feel and digital features more than dramatic styling, making it the all-around executive sedan in BMW's U.S. range.
The 530i remains the balanced entry point, while the 540i adds a stronger turbocharged six-cylinder engine and leather upholstery. The new 530e brings plug-in driving, the 540d emphasizes diesel torque and AWD, and the M550i sits near the top with a 456-hp twin-turbo V8, M-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
BMW adds the rear-wheel-drive 530e iPerformance and AWD 530e xDrive iPerformance plug-in hybrids, the AWD 540d xDrive diesel, and the V8-powered M550i xDrive.
Body lineup
The 535i Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo xDrive, and 550i Gran Turismo xDrive leave the 5 Series range. The G30 sedan itself is not redesigned.
Safety
A rearview camera moves from optional to standard across the lineup.
Tech
Push-button engine start moves from optional to standard across the lineup.
2018 BMW 5 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport | Auto, 8-Spd Adaptive w/Steptronic, Sport & Manual | Auto, 8-Spd Adaptive w/Steptronic, Sport & Manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | 23 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | ||
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 30 mpg | 33 mpg | 36 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | ||
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 335 hp | 248 hp | 261 hp | 335 hp | 456 hp | ||
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 457 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 255 lb-ft | 255 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18.5 cu-ft | 18.5 cu-ft | 18.5 cu-ft | 18.7 cu-ft | 18.5 cu-ft | 18.7 cu-ft | 14.5 cu-ft | 14.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| MPGe Combined | 72 | 67 | ||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 BMW 5 Series a redesign?
No. The 2018 BMW 5 Series is the second model year of the G30 generation introduced for 2017, so its platform and sedan body carry over without a redesign.
Which BMW 5 Series variants were added for 2018?
The 2018 lineup adds four trims representing three major new variants: the 530e iPerformance and 530e xDrive iPerformance plug-in hybrids, the 540d xDrive diesel, and the M550i xDrive V8 performance model.
Does the 2018 BMW 5 Series have a plug-in hybrid model?
Yes. The 2018 530e iPerformance is a 248-hp plug-in hybrid with selectable electric-driving modes, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system. The 530e xDrive version adds AWD.
What is new about the 2018 BMW M550i xDrive?
The M550i xDrive is new to the 5 Series lineup for 2018. It combines a 456-hp twin-turbo V8 and AWD with an M-tuned suspension, stronger brakes, a more aggressive body kit, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
Did the 2018 BMW 5 Series gain any standard features?
Yes. A rearview camera and push-button engine start became standard across the 2018 lineup after being optional for 2017. There was no model-wide infotainment hardware or safety-suite overhaul.
2018 BMW 5 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 BMW 5 Series.
4.3
2018 BMW 5 Series
(794 reviews)
“Comfortable, quiet, and smooth. Interior and seats are extremely comfortable. Shifts between electric and gas are very smooth. EV range isn't great but as a gas mitigation tool it's very effective, high effective MPG average.”
“The 540i Xdrive is a great car. Very powerful, styled very well and comfortable. It has incredible amounts of technology that keep you and your passengers safe. I love the look and feel of it and its a pleasure to drive.”