BMW 5-Series review – The best driver’s car in its class?

In 2017, BMW launched the current-generation 5-Series, called the G30. The new model that was introduced came in with large dimensions, better comfort, more room, new equipment, enhanced performance whilst also being more frugal than the car it replaced. Now after the launch of Volvo’s new S60, Merc’s E-Class and Audi’s A6, does the BMW have what it takes to fight the competition? There is a particular formula that has kept all types of BMWs alive: a combination of handling characteristics and driving dynamics. The previous F10 5-Series was set more towards the softer side, so while it did find a lot of buyers, it wasn’t too much of a driver’s car. With the G30, we’re going to have to see what’s special.

A Five by identity?

The BMW 5-Series, although new, looks somewhat similar to the car is replaces. The proportions of the car are spot-on; it doesn’t look awkward from any angles. Compared to the long-wheelbase 7-Series, the BMW 5-Series is quite compact. BMW Cars have made it longer and wider than the old car but it loses out on some of the traditional BMW lines. The roofline slopes more now, meaning the boot and the bonnet don’t look too long either. At the rear. the car comes with wider taillights while the front-end sports bigger headlights, featuring adaptive LEDs. The grille up-front, is wider, slender and it gives the front-end of the car a cleaner look. The BMW 5-Series rides on 18-inch or 19 and 20-inch wheels. The suspension setup has been bettered on the 520d. The bumpers at the front and rear are tidier and simpler, perfectly in sync with the car’s lines. The M Sport pack gets a bigger engine, an angrier looking face and a sportier rear bumper along with side sill extensions, and of course, the faux splitter at the back. On the M Sport variant of the BMW 5-Series, you also get 10-spoke alloy wheels, M Sport brake calipers and bigger rear tyres.

What’s new?

It was about time the 5-Series got new interiors. The current-generation 5-Series gets a cabin inspired by the 7-Series, yet has its own distinct design elements that set it apart. The central console faces more towards the driver; the dashboard sports an asymmetric design and there’s a broad slab of wood on the passenger’s side. BMW Cars have used switchgear from the 7-Series; there’s brushed silver on the dashboard and you will find top-notch quality black plastic. Even the touchscreen control from the 7-Series used for the AC blower can be seen; so is that plastic button for three drive modes. Most of the controls work beautifully and the ambience is excellent. The 520d gets a tan leather option with blue contrast stitching and Dakota leather. If you opt for the Sport Line variant, you’ll get sports front seats, which provide better support and adjustment than the seats on the Luxury Line variant. The M Sport gets nicely contoured seats with various adjustments for bolstering and squab length. The seats are wide, offering good cushioning.

A true five?

The G30 BMW 5-Series can be had either with a 1995cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine or a 2993cc, in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine, both getting twin-scroll turbochargers. Both engines are new and come from the modular engine family. The 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine makes 187bhp and 400Nm of torque, while the 3.0-litre, straight-six diesel makes 261bhp and 620Nm of torque. The 520d leaves you impressed with its refinement, because when it was used in the previous 3-Series, it did make quite a bit of noise. So that’s an improvement. However, if you start closing in on 3000rpm, you tend to hear the engine a fair bit. And if you don’t floor the throttle, the transmission will ensure you don’t reach the extent of coarseness. Rev the engine hard, and it will willingly give you the chance to make the most of its mid-range with the ‘box shifting quickly and effortlessly. In Sport mode, the engine is at its best. Being a chauffeur-driven market, we can’t blame BMW for going all soft on its cars. But we liked the inclusion of Dynamic Damper Control, which lets your 5-Series be both: a sports sedan and a luxury car. You can set the car in any Damper mode you like and you’ll never feel uncomfortable. Over bad roads, you feel mild thuds inside, but nothing bad. Even at high speeds, the car is stable, and it makes the experience even better by putting it in Sport mode.