The BMW 5 Series has always been known for the enthusiast’s choice in its segment. It has been around for quite a while now in the segment and a facelift was overdue. With its bigger sibling 6 series GT getting a facelift, it was only a matter of time before the 5 series got it. The facelift brings a lot of exterior and interior changes to fight the competition so let’s take a look at all the changes.
Exterior
The most significant change in the exterior is the bigger and wider chrome grille. It is flanked by the new L shaped LED headlamps with DRLs. The new BMW Laser lights can light the road ahead up to 650 metres. This M-sport trim comes with aggressive styling such as the front bumpers with large air dams and piano black detailing. The side gets 18 inch M sport alloy wheels with blue brake callipers. The new LED taillamps are chunky and get black surrounds which lends a sporty look. The lower end of the bumper is blacked out with a diffusor. The sport trapezoidal exhaust tips are standard across the range. In terms of other exterior styling bits, it gets a shark fin antenna and a sunroof. The tailgate is electronically operated and it opens up to reveal 530 litres of boot space which is par for the course.
Interiors
The interiors of the 5 series get an option of Nappa leather seats with Cognac brown theme. The M sport variant gets carbon black detailing all around the cabin instead of the wood panels in the luxury line variant. The seats are beautifully contoured with a lot of detailing on them. You get a whole host of electric adjustments such as thigh adjustment and even an electric bolster adjustment for the seat. Apart from the electric lumbar adjustment for the seats, you also get memory function for them and an electrically adjustable steering column. The 12.3 inch BMW live cockpit display comes with a whole host of features with a navigation display as well.
The 12.3 inch touchscreen features a 16 speaker Harmon Kardon system which is excellent. The high resolution 360 degree camera offers a unique 3d view for easy manoeuvrability. The idrive system can control almost every function in the car and it also gets wireless apple carplay and android auto. It can be controlled via the idrive controller on the centre console, through touchscreen or voice commands which aid usability . In terms of features you also get 4 zone climate control, BMW display key, electrically operated boot, 11 colour ambient lighting, wireless charging, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, auto dimming IRVM, DSC, DTC, ABS, EBD, TPMS, seven airbags, attention assist and park assist with reversing assistant to name a few. The rear seat height is not too low and it is easy for ingress and egress. The seats offer ample amount of knee room and legroom. The headroom is good enough even for people over 6 feet. The middle passenger will be okay for short journeys due to the high centre tunnel. In terms of features in the rear you get two separate climate zones, USB c charging ports, 4 A/C vents, sunshades and a centre armrest with cupholders.
Performance
The 530i gets a turbocharged 2 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine which pushes out 252hp and 350nm on torque. This engine is the best powerplant in its class and it can do 0-100km/h in just 6.2 seconds. The fuel efficiency in the city is 8-9km/l and 12-13km/l on the highways. The unit is smooth and refined with no engine noise creeping inside the cabin. The transmission is the familiar 8 speed steptronic transmission with launch control. Switch to sport mode and the engine lets out a noise growl and it moves ahead with a sense of urgency. The sound is a muffled sporty note which won’t annoy the passengers and just this sound alone pushes you to rev the engine. To conclude, this petrol engine is the best in its class and you’ll definitely love it because of its sporty credentials.
Ride and handling
The 5 Series gets adaptive dampers that adapts according to the road conditions. It gets various modes such as sports comfort and auto. The suspension offers good flexibility for the driver and the passengers. The suspension gets stiff in sports mode and it can bring a smile across your face. Show it a set of corners and the 5 series won’t disappoint you. It may be heavy but it still manages its weight beautifully and tackles corners with great poise. In comfort mode, the suspension is good enough to not let any bumps filter into the cabin. It may not be the softest but it has a good balance between comfort and sport. The insulation is also the best in class with no engine, road or wind noise creeping in the cabin. If you are primarily going the drive the car on your own, the 5 series offers the best experience behind the wheel in its segment
Conclusion
Priced between ₹63 and ₹74 lakhs ex showroom, the 5 series sits in the middle of the luxury sedan segment. The 5 series has strengths such as great ride and handling balance, powerful yet efficient powerplants and great design in the M sport variants. If you want a better backseat experience, the more expensive Mercedes Benz E class should be your choice. However, if you still want a BMW with a better backseat experience, the 6 series GT is a better pick with just a few lakhs extra.