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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $52,507–$70,756 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2021 BMW 5 Series earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.8/10, while Reliability at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.7/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a strength too — 8.5/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.3/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.8/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $52,507–$70,756, 25 MPG, seating 5, the BMW 5 Series sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 BMW 5 Series as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 BMW 5 Series ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $52,507 starting price is about 90% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 BMW 5 Series scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.6 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $59,431 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $57,700 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $55,969 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $54,238 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $52,507 | |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $50,776 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $49,045 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $47,314 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $45,583 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $43,852 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $42,121 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 6.9/10 | $35,000 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.