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

I put budget tyres to the test in the wet, and the results were terrifying
Cheap tyres
Opinion

I put budget tyres to the test in the wet, and the results were terrifying

Skimping on tyres may save you a few pounds, but at what cost, ponders Barker
30 Jul 2026
VW Golf GTI Edition 50 v Toyota GR Yaris Aero v Honda Civic Type R: hot hatch stars go head-to-head
Golf GTI v GR Yaris Aero v Civic Type R
Group tests

VW Golf GTI Edition 50 v Toyota GR Yaris Aero v Honda Civic Type R: hot hatch stars go head-to-head

Volkswagen and Toyota have just released the best versions yet of the GR Yaris and Mk8 Golf GTI. Does either have what it takes to overcome the brilli…
2 Aug 2026
Maserati Grecale Modena review – an SUV with a supercar engine to replace your Porsche Macan
Maserati Grecale Modena
Reviews

Maserati Grecale Modena review – an SUV with a supercar engine to replace your Porsche Macan

The MCPura supercar engine with 240bhp less in a Macan-sized SUV from £85k sounds pretty appealing. Is it?
31 Jul 2026