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The previous-generation 5-Series has treated us well, but it’s time for it to move to the used car side of the dealership. BMW unveiled the new G30 5 Series on Wednesday, and as you might expect from a new German luxury sedan, it’s filled with slightly-unnecessary-but-still-cool technology.
But first, the stuff you likely care more about. BMW will be bringing two models of the new 5 Series to America at launch, both available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive form: the 530i and 540i. The 530i is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor that pushes the sedan from zero to 60 in 6.0 seconds, or 5.8 seconds when equipped with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The 540i, loaded with a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine, has a claimed zero to 60 time of 4.9 seconds, or 4.7 seconds when equipped with xDrive. All models are limited to 130 miles per hour, but that can be raised to 155 mph if the car is optioned with BMW’s M Sport Package. All models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission; a stick shift isn’t in the cards, at least for now.
In addition to the higher speed limiter, those who option their cars with the M Sport Package receive a more aggressive aero kit, a lowered suspension, 19-inch M wheels, and an M-spec interior. That doesn’t sound all too bad, considering how generic and Germanic the non-sport models look. They’re not ugly…they’re just not exciting.
As for all that tech, well, as we said, there’s a lot of it. Driver and Parking Assistance Systems, Remote Control Parking, advanced Active Cruise Control, and Active Driving Assistant are all there to help prevent you from smashing into the motorists around you and to keep you safe from the other crazies on the road.
On the comfort side, the new 5er packs: gesture control, BMW’s new iDrive 6.0 infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen, a larger heads-up-display, a 1,400-watt 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, optional 20-direction multi-contour massage seats up front, and an optional dual 10.2-inch screen setup with DVD player and HDMI hookup. (Whew.) And of course, the new sedan also has Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and can operate as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.
By using aluminum and magnesium with along with high-strength steel, the new 5 Series weighs up to 137 pounds less than the outgoing model. And even with those weight savings, BMW has found a way to maintain enough trunk room to carry a claimed four golf bags while adding more than an inch of extra legroom for rear passengers.
Though BMW has announced that there will be two diesel models (available with manual transmissions), a hybrid performance trim, and a top-line 462-horsepower model will be headed to the European market, there are currently no signs these cars will be making their way to America. Nor has BMW said when we can expect a G30-gen M5…though we’re sure we won’t have to wait long.
The new 5 Series is expected to arrive at American dealers in February. Pricing has not yet been announced.
