2017 BMW 5 Series (G30 530i) - 5 things that makes the Real 5

This year, our favourite, yet, iconic mid-size luxury sedan BMW 5 Series gets a new incarnation which replaces the best-selling F10 5er, codenamed the G30. The G30 is unveiled worldwide after the launch of the G11 7 Series last year, and it is officially available in the local shores two months ago. However, BMW Malaysia only bring the 530i as the main variant for now. Just after the unveil of the car, tons and tons of people have booked this BMW and sells like hot cakes, albeit that they have to wait for 3 months to get their car from the dealership. As the title suggests, I will tell you 5 things why the BMW G30 5 Series is a real go-getter in the German game.

1. More contemporary/traditional BMW design

Previous-generation BMW 5 Series (F10) does bringing back the normal BMW shape to it after the demise of the stumpy Bangle-ass E60 back in 2010, but, the F10 does not have the really sporty oomph on the outside just like my favourite gen 5er, the E39. The good news is, the G30 gains a better athletic approach with longer and wider appearances, and a sporty looking rear exhaust pipes. To make it even better, BMW Malaysia only brings the M Sport version for it and you don't need to beg for M Sport body kit, 19" multi-spoke M Sport wheels, M Sport brakes, and M Sport aluminium door sills for an extra cost.

One of the most tempting about the new G30 is the headlights and the tail lamps itself. Although we know that most Beemers these days have them connected to the grille, the signature halo rings/angel eyes are no longer round, as it utilizes the hexagonal style to both pairs, which also connected to the grille like most new BMW lineup. As for the rear lights, two lines on each of the lights are connected to form a 3D L-shaped brake signal, visualizing a new BMW design cues up to this date, and more appealing to look at.

2. The bigger, the better

Size-wize, the G30 is 8 mm wider, 17 mm taller, and 37 mm longer than its brother, making it to be one of the biggest mid-size luxury sedan right after the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) and the ageing Audi A6.

You can also have a look at the G30 and the F10 park together to tell the size differences too, but this might be tricky sometimes. To get the answer, you don't need to move to the answer page, as you can tell that it is a little bigger than the old ones. Hehe.  

3. Harder, better, faster, stronger

The 5 Series drops much of its weight and gain more strength than before, thanks to the new modular platform called the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) which also used in the 7er and other future BMW models. The new platform utilizes multiple elements and compounds inside and out, including carbon-fibre-reinforced-polymer (CFRP), aluminium, magnesium, and high-strength steel. All of these mixtures have shed 100 kg of weight over the previous generation and create a stronger bonding for better strength during an event of any mishaps on the streets.

Besides having a stronger body and lighter weight, the G30 has more features which are mostly beneficial to aerodynamics, like the Air Curtain side vents for instance. The side vents cut down the pressure in the wheel arches to improve stability. It also comes with an active shutter grille in both of the kidney grilles for the same reason. This innovative styling has been existed since the 4 Series. By the way, this car has a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.22 Cd.

Speaking of the only powertrain that is available for now, the 530i comes with the latest turbocharged 4-cylinder BMW B48 engine, which produces 252 hp at 5200 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 1450 rpm. Even though the power figure is the nearly equal to the old 5er, the engine does 5.8 liter per 100 km, which is 0.7 liters lower than its predecessor thanks to the weight. The engine pairs with the renowned and buttery smooth ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

                          

As for new safety features, the G30 has an auto emergency braking system (Automatic City Brake), which is a must for current cars especially in city driving. Plus, it has collision warning system, and lane-keeping assist, to tell you that you have to use your turn signals while cutting the lane by making the steering wheel vibrate once in each traffic lane. A huge pun for most BMW owners.


4. A perfect 50-50 interior genre and it's way advanced than Robocop

Mercedes-Benz is popular with its classy and retro-ish interior design cues while Audi has a full-blown futuristic appearance all around. However, not all buyers want to have a single theme in their cars. To suffice this argument, BMW makes the interior to be more wider, sportier and technological in one shot.

The interior design is considered an evolution, as it has a little cues from the old one, but that's basic for Beemers. New to the 5er is the ambient lighting system which can be configured based on you moods with the iDrive system. The newly-designed digital dash is also more responsive than the old one and more customization can be added to it. Besides that, the iDrive system has the latest iDrive Touch with Gesture Control, so you can adjust the volume or other sorts of gadgets by using gestures with your fingers. The finger movement is detected by the 3D sensors on the roof lining and it will trigger the adjustment to the programs that you want. For instance, hover your finger and turn it clockwise/counterclockwise to adjust the volume or using two fingers and do a hold tap to preset a radio channel. A Harman/Kardon audio system is also standard with 16-speakers that produces 600W of power, making everyone partying while driving in any sorts of music genres.

As for the seats, both front passenger and driver seats have M-inspired feel, with Dakota leather upholstery. Both are comfortable and supportive in any driving situations. You will also find a rhombus-looking cross theme around the trim on the dashboard, making it to be, uhm, sporty. I wish that BMW brings a carbon-fibre theme to it instead.

5. It drives like a BMW, but way better and what it should be!

I remember the day when I drove the F10 528i back in 2014 and it was considered a good BMW to drive, however it still has a gentle and plain BMW feel. As for the new 530i, this is one of the best 5er to drive and feel the things that most Beemer fans want. The engineers are really understand the drivers' needs, so they make the handling to be more firm and smooth in every corners. Although the steering feel is soft, but there is seem to have a better connection on the road thanks to the adaptive suspension system. Especially when I hit the Sport mode button, the car behaves the way like an M-car should be, despite that its an M Sport, but it's not just an M Sport. You got to believe how it rolls on the streets and the highway, it is really damn balanced and tight. The 4-banger accelerates like a beast and growls a beautiful engine note. Sadly though, since the car is really quiet inside, you might only hear the engine note at the right frequency, unless if you lower down the volume or turn off the audio system to hear it clearly.


Bonus!: It's one of the most reasonable one on the block!

With awesome numerous features on the inside, and vigorous look on the outside, the G30 530i M Sport only costs RM 398,800 without insurance. This makes it to be one of the most reasonable to buy compared to the Mercedes-Benz E300 AMG Line which cost a hefty RM 458,888. With all the packages that you need the most, the BMW G30 530i will be the ultimate choice to be your Ultimate Driving Machine.

To find out more about the new BMW 5 Series, head up here to check out the full details about this mid-size German car.

Special thanks to Ingress Auto for letting me review and test drive the all new BMW 5 Series.