The 5 Series sport wagons introduced last year differ visually from the sedans only aft of the C-pillar, where an extended roof and tailgate replace the sedan profile and trunk lid. The tailgate has a commendably low opening, giving access to the luggage bay right down to bumper-top level; if smaller items are to be loaded aboard, the rear glass can be raised separately. The 5 Series sport wagons offer a larger cargo capacity than the new BMW X5 sport-utility.

The 5 Series body shell is extremely rigid, a plus in terms of both safety and noise reduction. With its low 0.30 coefficient of drag, the 5 Series is one of the most aerodynamically efficient sedans on the market. Also aiding in keeping unwanted noise at bay are foam-filled body cavities and redesigned door seals.

Less evident than outright performance, are the concerns BMW has devoted to occupant safety. The front airbags are controlled by a dual-mode system that changes the deployment speed of the airbag depending on whether occupants are wearing seat belts; the front-passenger airbags will not inflate if that seat is unoccupied. Not only do the 5 Series cars come standard with side airbags in front, they offer them as an option for rear-seat passengers for just $385. A clever Head Protection System is supplied.

Traction control and anti-lock brakes are standard on all models. BMW's system of traction and cornering-stability enhancement, called Dynamic Stability Control, along with Dynamic Brake Control come standard on manual-transmission 540i sedans and are optional on 528i models. Dynamic Stability Control is a computer-controlled system that uses inputs from a variety of onboard sensors to selectively apply braking force and reduce power to individual wheels to counteract skids. Dynamic Brake Control reinforces the driver's pedal effort in emergency braking situations.