2010 BMW 5 Series Wagon

Sedans and sports wagons were first imported to the USA in 1975, since then, these cars have become favorites among driving enthusiasts. BMW considers its 5-Series, which includes sports wagons and luxury midsize sedans, its most successful models. In 2004, the sedan in this lineup was redesigned, while its sports wagon sibling was reintroduced in 2006. In 2008, the sports wagon was given a new name, the 530xi Sports Wagon. It had updates to its interior and exterior. It also had more power with its 300-horsepower engine compared to its predecessor, making it BMW’s most powerful sports wagon ever offered in the USA.

Performance

The 2010 BMW 5-Series Wagon offers plenty of power and outstanding handling dynamics. It has a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. This engine produces 300 pound-feet of torque at 1,400-5,000 RPM, and 300 horsepower at 5,800 RPM. It has a standard six-speed manual transmission, and an optional STEPTRONIC automatic. Its city/highway fuel economy is 16/23 MPG for manual transmission, while automatic transmission is at 16/24 MPG.

The 5-Series Wagon handles great. Included in its standard features are the Dynamic Stability Control, Brake Drying, Dynamic Traction Control, and Brake Fade Compensation.

Exterior

The Wagon exterior dimensions are: 113.6 inches wheelbase, 191.2 inches overall length, 72.7 inches width, 58.7 height, 61.3 inches front width, and 62.2 inches rear width. Its passenger capacity seats 5. Its safety and reliability on the other hand, is a treat.

Safety

The 5-Series has many standard safety features. It has front and side airbags, and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system – perfect for rough weather. These safety features earned the 5-Series 3 and 5 stars for driver and front passenger protection respectively. Front and backseat protection were given 5 stars on the other hand. Meanwhile, the 5 Series has been given the highest possible rate of Good for front impacts by the insurance industry, but it only got the second lowest rating of Marginal for side impacts if no side airbag protection is provided. For the 5-Series’ warranty, BMW provides a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, and 4 years 24-hour roadside assistance.

Competition

This vehicle has been compared to the Audi A6 Avant, Infiniti EX35 (MSRP $27,952; 17 city / 24 hwy), and Mercedes Benz E-class wagon (MSRP $37,494; 16 city / 21 hwy).

In all of its competitors, the Audi A6 Avant (MSRP $43,672; 18 city / 26 hwy) is the 5-Series Wagon’s top competitor. For many, it will make a great choice. Like the 5-Series Wagon, it has a 300-horsepower engine, approximately 58 cubic feet cargo room, complex multimedia interface system, and standard all-wheel drive. It’s less costly, too, starting at almost $3,000 less and, it looks much sleeker.

The 2010 BMW 5-Series Wagon is stylish, yet reliable and most importantly, comfortable. Anyone driving or riding in it will enjoy its comfort during long trips. It has plenty of room for a family with 4 members, but drives nothing like a family wagon, but more like a sports car. It has more lavish features than any car of its kind. It runs smoothly and quietly. The I-Drive system is easy to operate. The car is pricey, but you will get legendary BMW quality in terms of performance, reliability, and features. Buyers will definitely get what they pay for when the competition spends less time on the road.

There’s not much to dislike about the 2010 BMW 5-Series Wagon. However, a little more rear legroom wouldn’t hurt. Moreover, its keyless entry/drive should not be an option at all, but rather a standard.

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“Whether as a sedan or wagon, the 2010 BMW 5-Series is a distinctly sportier, tech-savvy alternative to luxury rivals-without giving up any comfort.”Car Connection

“Even with the optional Sport Package, the 550i does a reasonable job of smothering bumps with the adjustable suspension set in Normal mode. ”Consumer Guide

“Exceptional ride and handling, smooth and vigorous engines, premium cabin furnishings, sublime multicontour seats, strong resale value.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Wagon MSRP: $56,825.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 16 city / 23 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 191.2 in. (485.6 cm) Width: 72.7 in. (184.6 cm)
Height: 58.7 in. (149 cm) Curb Weight: 4101 lbs (1860 kg)
Wheel Base: 113.6 in. (288.5 cm) Max. Cargo Capacity: 58.3 cu ft
Luggage Capacity: 33.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 3.0L 24-valve DOHC, inline-6 Compression Ratio: 10.2 :1
Horsepower: 300 HP Max RPM: 5800 RPM
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds 1/4 Mile: 15.2 seconds

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