Compare the2026 BMW 5 SeriesVS 2025 Porsche Panamera

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the 5 Series are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Panamera doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Both the 5 Series and the Panamera have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 5 Series for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Porsche pays for maintenance for the Panamera (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 73 percent more BMW dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 5 Series’ warranty.

As tested in Car and Driver the 540i xDrive 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Porsche Panamera turbo V6:

On the EPA test cycle the 5 Series running on electricity gets better mileage than the Panamera running on electricity:

On the EPA test cycle the 5 Series running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Panamera running its gasoline engine:

The 550e xDrive can travel with zero emissions for 33 miles. The Panamera can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the BMW 5 Series uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The Panamera requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 5 Series higher (5 to 6 out of 10) than the Porsche Panamera (4). This means the 5 Series produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Panamera every 15,000 miles.

The 5 Series stops shorter than the Panamera:

The 5 Series offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Panamera; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 5 Series’ wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer than on the Panamera (117.9 inches vs. 116.1 inches).

The BMW 5 Series may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 400 pounds less than the Porsche Panamera.

The front grille of the 5 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Panamera doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the 530i xDrive is quieter than the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid:

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 5 Series offers cargo security. The Panamera’s hatchback body style, non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

The 5 Series offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Panamera doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

If the windows are left open on the 5 Series the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Panamera can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The 5 Series’ power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Panamera’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 5 Series, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BMW 5 Series outsold the Porsche Panamera by over four to one during 2024.