BMW has always been synonymous with driving pleasure, but some critics have accused the Bavarian brand of losing its edge in recent years. They claim that BMW has sacrificed its sporty DNA for comfort, luxury, and technology and that its cars need to be lighter, lighter, and more complicated. They point to the rise of rivals like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Tesla as evidence that BMW needs to catch up in the race for automotive excellence.
But I'm here to tell you that those critics are wrong. Dead wrong. Because I've just driven the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, one of the best cars I've ever experienced, it's a car that combines everything that makes BMW great: performance, handling, design, quality, innovation, and efficiency. It's a car that proves that BMW is still the ultimate driving machine.
A Masterpiece of Engineering
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is a masterpiece of engineering. It's based on a new platform that uses lightweight materials like aluminum, magnesium, and high-strength steel to reduce weight and improve rigidity. It also features a range of advanced technologies that enhance its dynamics, safety, and convenience.
For example, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers a choice of four powerful and efficient engines:
- A 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 184 hp (135 kW) and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 190 hp (140 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.
- A 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 333 hp (245 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque.
- A 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 286 hp (210 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque.
All engines are paired with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that delivers smooth and responsive shifts. The transmission also features a coasting function that decouples the engine from the drivetrain when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan also offers a choice of two drivetrain configurations: rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. The latter system distributes power between the front and rear axles as needed, ensuring optimal traction and stability in all conditions.
But that's not all. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan also boasts an array of chassis technologies that make it agile and comfortable at the same time. These include adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, integral active steering that varies the steering ratio and angle depending on speed and situation, and active roll stabilization that reduces body roll during cornering.
The driver can also select from four driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Eco Pro, and Adaptive. Each mode adjusts the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, and other parameters to suit different driving styles and preferences.
A Work of Art
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is not only a work of engineering but also a work of art. It's a car that combines elegance and athleticism in its design, creating a striking presence on the road.
The new BMW kidney grille dominates the front end, which is larger and more prominent than before. The grille is flanked by slim LED headlights that feature adaptive cornering lights and high-beam assistant. The lower bumper features large air intakes that emphasize the car's width and sportiness.
The side profile is characterized by a long hood, a short overhang, a long wheelbase, a sloping roofline, a muscular shoulder line, and a Hofmeister kink at the rear window. These elements create a dynamic and elegant silhouette that expresses motion even when standing still.
The rear end is equally impressive, with L-shaped LED taillights that extend into the trunk lid. The lid features an integrated spoiler that enhances aerodynamics and aesthetics. The lower bumper features dual exhaust pipes that hint at the car's performance potential.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is available in eleven exterior colors, including two new ones: Bernina Grey Amber Effect Metallic and Phytonic Blue Metallic. It also offers a range of alloy wheels in sizes from 17 to 20 inches.
A Sanctuary of Luxury
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is a sanctuary of luxury for its occupants. It's a car that offers spaciousness, comfort, quality, and sophistication in its interior.
The cabin is designed around the driver, who enjoys an ergonomic layout of controls and instruments. The center console features a freestanding 10.25-inch touchscreen display that runs the latest BMW Operating System 7. This system allows the driver to access various functions via touch, voice, gesture, or the iDrive controller.
The display also shows the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which consists of a fully digital instrument cluster behind the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. Depending on the driving mode or personal preference, the cluster can be customized to show different information.
The driver can also enjoy a head-up display that projects key data onto the windshield, such as speed, navigation instructions, warnings, or phone calls.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan also offers plenty of comfort features for its passengers. These include four-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and wireless smartphone charging.
The car also boasts ample space for five adults, with generous headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and trunk space. The trunk can be expanded from 18 cubic feet (530 liters) to 53 cubic feet (1,500 liters) by folding down the rear seats.
A Leader in Innovation
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is a leader in innovation among its peers. It's a car that offers cutting-edge technologies that enhance its safety, convenience, and connectivity.
For example, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan features the Driving Assistant Professional package, which includes a range of driver assistance systems that help the driver in various situations. These include active cruise control with stop & go function, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts the speed according to the traffic flow; lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, which warns the driver of lane departure and intervenes with steering correction if necessary; and emergency stop assistant, which brings the car to a safe stop in case of a medical emergency.
Another innovative feature is the Parking Assistant Plus package, which includes various parking assistance systems that help the driver maneuver the car into or out of parking spaces. These include a parking assistant with reversing assistant, which automatically steers the car into or out of parallel or perpendicular parking spaces, and a surround-view camera with a remote 3D view, which shows a live image of the car's surroundings on display or on the smartphone app.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan has the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is a digital companion that responds to natural voice commands. The assistant can control various functions such as navigation, climate, entertainment, or phone calls. It can also provide information about the car's status or give tips on optimizing fuel efficiency or driving comfort. The assistant can be activated by saying "Hey, BMW" or by giving it a personal name.
A Car for Enthusiasts
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is a car for enthusiasts who appreciate driving pleasure above all else. The car delivers exhilarating performance, superb handling, and thrilling feedback in every situation. It's a car that combines tradition and innovation in perfect harmony. It's a car that sets new standards in its segment. It's a car that deserves your attention.