With less weight, more power, new technology, better luxury, greater comfort and more equipment, BMW has left no stone unturned in the new 5-series
BMW has been making diesel cars run faster for over a decade now. We know they have a 400-PS 3.0-litre quad-turbo M550d, but that's another level. What they also have is the all-new G30 5 Series with a TwinPower Turbo straight-six diesel engine that's smooth as butter. The new specification sees a seven-horse jump in power, but a full 60 Nm of torque more. Unlike a V6 or an in-line four, there's no real audible clatter. The engine is near inaudible inside the cabin.
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The day was wet with intermittent downpour. Even so, the keyword to associate with the 530d is 'effortless'. That sums up the way it does its business -- mile-munching or gathering speed. In Eco Pro mode, the display showed over 27 minutes of cumulative start/stop duration, adding 12 kilometres to total range. Whatever the mode, performance is brisk. Even in the wet, the 530d M Sport stormed off to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.
With its TwinPower Turbo boosting output and torque across a slightly lower band than before -- peaking at 2,000 revs now and staying until 2,500 -- and the revised gear ratios from the eight-speed Sports automatic transmission, there is quite a bit of difference from its predecessor. The steering wheel is unlike any we've driven recently. It's leather-wrapped, but there's padding and just a hint of cushioning, enough to make it comfortable to grip, and plush enough to feel like a stress-buster at times.
The seat can change its setup when you select 'Sport'. Comfort certainly isn't something that takes a back seat. It's all around, and the ergonomics help you relax and sink into the car even further. Gesture control is one such inclusion, making things like changing tracks or adjusting the volume literally with the wave of your fingers. Furthermore, the latest evolution of the iDrive arrives putting every function at your fingertips, even displaying the output figures achieved on the centre display.
The remote key now finds its place on the wireless charging pad in the centre console. The key, as in the 7 Series, allows you to exit the vehicle, then park; if there happens to be a rather narrow space. The approach or departure lighting makes entry and exit more convenient.
The ambient lighting is a thing of beauty. The replacement of climate controls with touch-sensitive units also marks a departure from the conventional. Audiophiles will appreciate the Harman-Kardon surround-sound system. Wherever you look, there's something new and better.
The new 5 Series makes a splash in a segment at a crucial time. Competition is varied and intense, and the advent of new challengers means the new 5 has come in well prepared. It's truly a business-class suit thrown over a performance brute.
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