BMW continues to focus on luxury, refinement, fuel efficiency and high tech for most of its models somewhat to the detriment of handling agility. Case in point: the redesigned 2017 5 Series is the most luxurious version ever of BMW's midsized sedan. The new car is essentially the same size as the outgoing model, but marginally lighter and roomier. BMW's focus on reducing weight, adding technology, and minimizing cabin noise has resulted in a car that is remarkably satisfying but no longer among the sportiest choices. Instead, it's plush, quiet, finely crafted inside, frugal with fuel, and more user friendly than before. That makes it score among the top in its class in our road tests. With a few desirable option packages, our 530i xDrive rang in at $65,210, which is par for the course among its peers.
A sporty brand like BMW is not immune from the needs to improve fuel economy, whether it's because of government mandates or buyer desires. To achieve that, BMW uses a four-cylinder turbo engine in its mainstream 5 Series. Our tested 530i is propelled by a 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder engine, good for 248 horsepower. The 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder in the 540i is punchier and pumps out 335 hp. Both engines are mated to a super slick eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional on almost all versions. There's also a 530e plug-in hybrid version which only commands a $200 premium over the 530i.
That small turbocharged four-cylinder pays off in both performance and fuel economy. While the 530i's engine doesn't deliver explosive power, there's more than enough oomph on hand for effortlessly merging, passing, and hill climbing. It shoots the 530i to 60 mph in just over seven seconds. An added bonus is that this engine might be the quietest four-cylinder on the market today. The 530i xDrive also achieved a commendable 26 mpg overall in our tests, which makes it the most frugal model in this class.
The eight-speed automatic is a delight, with imperceptible shifts. It seems to be reading your mind, as it is never in the wrong gear for your driving style.
Handling is capable and composed but no one should expect the precise, taut, and agile sedan the 5 Series was once known for. The ride is serene and supple, unfazed by most bumps the road throws at it. The extra sound deadening measures have worked wonders -- wind, tire, and engine noise are impressively muted, effectively isolating occupants from the outside world.
The cabin is beautifully crafted, with soft-touch materials, exquisite stitching, and other expensive-looking trim pieces covering just about every surface. Yet, it's also understated and devoid of glitz. Controls, including the iDrive infotainment system and its 10.2-inch touch screen, are well executed. Our test car has the superb head-up display that's part of the optional Driving Assistance package. This system not only projects your current speed onto the windshield, but it also shows audio and phone tasks when executed through the steering wheel buttons. The one demerit is the electronic shift lever, which isn't intuitive to use and takes some getting used to.
The standard 16-way power adjustable front seats are fantastic, and include four-way lumbar and moveable side bolsters. The seat cushions are firm, yet have enough give to be comfortable, and they provide plenty of all-day support even for the longest trips. We opted for the optional Cold Weather package, which included heating for the rear seats and steering wheel.BMW makes a plethora of advanced safety systems available -- but not standard. And that's a shame, because at this price many of these systems should be standard. In particular, forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking are two important safety systems have been proven to reduce crashes. But they, along with lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring, are part of expensive options packages.
Overall, the new 5 Series proves to be a mature, calm, and well-thought out luxury sedan. However, and contrary to BMW's famous tagline, it's no longer the segment's ultimate driving machine. Both the Cadillac CTS and Jaguar XF offer a sportier driving experience. The 5 Series has grown up, which in large part seems to be what its clientele is asking for.