The BMW 5 Series is one of the best executive cars you can buy…
…one of the best. There are plenty of other cars in this class with excellent performance and features that might make you reconsider the big BMW barge.
Here are our favourite BMW 5 Series alternatives – plus a few electric options to rival the BMW i5. Most of these models are available as nearly new or used cars from Motorpoint.
Mercedes E-Class
The 5 Series might be a great motorway cruiser, but its sporty setup means it stops short of being the comfiest car in the class. That honour is more likely to go to the Mercedes E-Class. It has a softer, more cushioned setup at the expense of a little of the 5 Series' agility. Who cares about the last degree of handling ability when you're wafting down the autobahn with barely any bumps or outside noise to disturb the peace? Plus, the E-Class's plug-in-hybrid setup manages 70 miles of EV running – beating the PHEV 5 Series by 8 miles officially.
Shop used Mercedes E-Class cars for sale
Audi A6
A new Audi A6 is on the horizon to join the recently launched Audi A6 e-tron EV, but it's used examples of the outgoing car that'll currently be most widely available to buy. Not only does this make the A6 more affordable to buy, but it traditionally tracks a little less expensive than the BMW and Mercedes alternatives, making it seem relatively good value in this company. Despite this, the on-board experience is just as premium as its key rivals, with technology packed into every surface, and a clean, modern design throughout.
See used Audi A6 cars or read our Audi A6 review
Skoda Superb
Badge snobs might think you're downgrading from a 5 Series to a Skoda Superb. The Superb, thankfully, is a car for buyers who care about things that are more than just skin-deep. Its comfort, refinement and high-speed stability are better than many alleged luxury cars, and there's a wide selection of engines including diesel options for high-mileage drivers. The Superb saloon is already an effortless car to live with, but our favourite version is the Superb Estate, which adds a cave-like storage area out back.
Browse used Skoda Superb cars or read our Skoda Superb review
Volvo S90 and V90
Alongside the XC90 SUV, the Volvo S90 saloon and V90 estate were the flagship vehicles that launched the brand's new look and feel in the mid-2010s. The boxiness of older Volvos wasn't entirely erased, but the new cars developed it into a timeless image that still looks modern nearly a decade later. Behind the wheel, it's clear that Volvo hasn't tried to copy BMW's ultra-planted, sporty setup and, instead, has opted for a softer, more calming setup that makes it easy to cover hundreds of miles without stress.
Search used Volvo S90 and V90 cars for sale
Volkswagen Arteon
The Volkswagen Arteon is the stretched-out, more curvaceous sibling to the Passat. Despite its dramatic coupe-like silhouette, passenger space is generous with plenty of head and legroom across both rows. It's no longer built new, so you'll be shopping nearly new and used Arteons. You'll find a selection of petrol and diesel engines ranging from frugal everyday options up to more powerful cars, but we'd recommend hunting one down with the optional DSG automatic gearbox as it suits the car better than the manual alternative.
Shop used Volkswagen Arteon cars or read our Volkswagen Arteon review
Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF always sat somewhat in the shadow of the traditional German trio featured above. It wasn't quite as sporty as the BMW, wasn't as high-tech as the Audi, and wasn't as luxurious as the Mercedes. However, incremental model updates and very healthy discounts on the used market means it's still worth cross-shopping. Despite its character lacking a standout feature, it's very easy to get on with as an everyday car, with plush materials throughout the cabin, a clean, elegant design, and a carefully judged, calming driving experience.
Browse used Jaguar XF cars for sale
Maserati Ghibli
If there's something that unifies the German competitors in this class, it's the fact they're all a little conservative. Designs and features can't be too outlandish otherwise they'd risk offending big sections of their market. That's where the Maserati Ghibli can carve out a niche for itself, as a show-stopping, dramatically styled Italian alternative. Somewhat patchy reliability means you might need to budget more for annual maintenance, but soft second-hand values mean you'll be paying much less for a Ghibli than the first owner did.
Tesla Model 3
Strictly speaking, the Tesla Model 3 is a BMW 3 Series based on its mid-size footprint. Tesla stopped selling the larger Model S in the UK in 2023, leaving just the Model 3 and its Model Y SUV sibling. Despite the Model 3's smaller form, it has nearly as much passenger room as the BMW thanks to its EV chassis that pushes the wheels out to the car's edges. It's actually a little sportier than the BMW too, with fast steering and an agile chassis plus massive acceleration from its powerful EV setup, though ride quality is a little coarser than the 5 Series.
Check out used Tesla Model 3 cars for sale
Lexus ES
The swoopy Lexus ES is Japan's answer to the 5 Series. As we've come to expect from Lexus, the cabin is beautifully constructed with posh materials and flawless build quality, although the overall design is a touch old-fashioned. Things like the plentiful buttons for climate and stereo controls, and the small digital driver's screen give away the ES's more traditional approach. What can't be argued with, however, is the brand's legendary reputation for durability, backed by Lexus's excellent ten-year service-activated warranty.
Browse used Lexus ES cars for sale
Genesis G80
It's a shame the Genesis G80 will be seen by many as a left-field alternative to the BMW 5 Series, because this is a seriously talented car. Material quality is impeccable – better than what you'll find in its key rivals – and build quality is similarly unimpeachable. The design inside and out is bold and eye-catching, with its thin, beady headlights and broad shield-like grille forming an instantly recognisable visual signature. Buyers have the choice of a 300hp turbo petrol engine or a fully electric model that can cover more than 300 miles on a charge.
Huge savings on thousands of cars
Motorpoint has a massive range of nearly new and used cars for sale with thousands off their list prices. If you're after a 5 Series alternative with less of a German flavour, check out our picks for the best British cars on sale.
