Skip advert
Advertisement

(F10) BMW 5 Series review - (2010-2016) - Interior and tech

BMW’s 5 Series: so good, it’s all the car you’d ever need

Evo rating
RRP
from £31,115
  • Great engines, superb chassis, lovely interior
  • Bland exterior styling, very common now

Interior and Tech

A spacious car, the Five is essentially a shrunken 7 Series, although its rear-drive transmission tunnel does make the centre rear chair a less comfortable place to be. Nevertheless, four adults should fit in comfort in any 5 Series, while the GT is best specified with the two individual, adjustable seats in the back, rather than the ‘4+1’ arrangement otherwise offered. The quality, fit and aesthetics of all Fives’ interiors are first rate, while iDrive is the best infotainment control there is in the automotive world – at any price point. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The boot space on all models is acceptable but not class-leading. The saloon offers 520 litres (except for the hybrid, at 375 litres), while the Touring’s cargo area is 560 litres seats up and 1670 with them folded; think of it as more of a lifestyle estate. The GT offers 500 litres. 

All Fives enjoy 'EfficientDynamics' fuel-saving technology, a wealth of standard-fit and optional electronic driver aids and the sort of high-tech cost options that wouldn’t disgrace a Bentley. One slight complaint often mentioned for the cabin is offset pedals, particularly in the manual, although we’ve never had a problem with the Five’s driving position.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MST Mk1 Evo is an extreme Ford Escort road rally recreation
MST Mk1 Evo front
News

MST Mk1 Evo is an extreme Ford Escort road rally recreation

MST’s Mk1 Evo is a tarmac rally weapon that only vaguely resembles a Ford Escort
7 Jul 2026
Alpine A290 and Renault 5 get rally-style body kits from exhaust icon Milltek
Milltek Alpine A290
News

Alpine A290 and Renault 5 get rally-style body kits from exhaust icon Milltek

The A290 and R5 don’t have an exhaust to upgrade, so Milltek has turned to modifying the bodywork
10 Jul 2026
New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 revealed – baby AMG now has McLaren-baiting performance
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45
News

New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 revealed – baby AMG now has McLaren-baiting performance

It might be electric but the new CLA 45 has synthesised engine sounds and gears to maximise driver involvement in its fight against Hyundai's Ioniq 6 …
9 Jul 2026