The seventh-generation BMW 5-Series has finally made its official debut here in Malaysia and ready to continue the remarkable success recorded by its predecessors with around 7.9 million BMW 5 Series cars were sold across its first six generations.
Codenamed G30, this new BMW 5 Series is built using the same scalable architecture as the new G11 7 Series. This new chassis provides the new 5 Series with BMW’s new EfficientLightweight designs. Thanks to an extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel in both the chassis and body of the new 5 Series, the sedan is now 100kg lighter than its predecessor. Torsional stiffness is also improved significantly and the center of gravity has been lowered. That, along with BMW’s trademark near 50/50 weight distribution, makes this new seventh-gen 5 Series the most dynamic yet.
The drag coefficient of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is now rated at 0.22, thanks to these many aerodynamic refinements and airflow-optimizing elements, including the visible air vent control in the kidney grille, air inlets and Air Curtains in the front apron, as well as Air Breathers in the front wings.
In terms of its overall look, the biggest changes found on this seventh generation model involve the kidney grille and headlights which are now linked together instead of separated as they were on the previous generation model. Here, the BMW Adaptive full-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights have been enhanced with roundabout light and high beam with a range of 500 meters.
At launch, the new 5-Series is offered in M Sport guise. It comes standard with 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double spoke style with mixed tyres, M Sport brake with blue painted callipers with ‘M’ designation, as well as M Aerodynamics components in the body colour, front and rear aprons and sill covers at the side. Internally, the new BMW 5 Series is fitted with sports seats for the driver and front passenger, illuminated M door sill finishers, new M specific pedals, and M leather steering wheel.
Due to its minor increase in its overall vehicle dimension – 4,936 mm (+29mm) in length, 1,868 mm (+8mm) in width, and 1,479 mm (+2mm) in height – the new 5 is roomier by providing additional space for rear passengers as well as easier access into the cabin thanks to the revised design of the door cutouts.
The new BMW 530i M Sport engine is based on the newly developed, modular BMW EfficientDynamics family of power units. With the latest-generation inline 4-cylinder 2-litre petrol engine mated with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the new BMW 530i M Sport generates a maximum output of 252hp and 350Nm torque.
Its fuel consumption in the combined cycle comes in at 5.8 litres/100 km, with C02 emissions of 132 grams per kilometre. The BMW 530i M Sport accelerates from 0 ‑ 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h.
The Driving Experience Control system found in the BMW 530i M Sport now provides access to a 4th mode called Adaptive, in addition to Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro driving modes. The Adaptive mode works alongside Dynamic Damper Control and Navigation System Professional wherein the steering, DDC and Steptronic systems automatically adapts to the current driving style and route ahead.
To ensures maximum comfort and safety for its occupants, the new 5 Series comes equipped with the latest-generation iDrive system, that displays navigation and entertainment features, including vehicle functions on a high-resolution 10.25-inch touch screen. The system can be operated using the iDrive controller, by voice command or gestures, or by touching the display controls directly.
The new BMW 5 Series also now widens its lead with the latest innovations in driver assistance systems. The Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function adjusts pre-set speed to the traffic situation based on radar and camera data. Operating at speeds of up to 210 km/h, it slows or even stops the vehicle when the car encounters congestion and automatically starts up again as soon as the radar sensors detect that the car in front is moving again. This system now also recognizes roundabouts and motorway exits and controls acceleration accordingly.
Another new driver assistance system found in the new BMW 5 Series is the Speed Limit Info with Intelligent Speed Limit Assist which detects speed limits and feed them into the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. The driver can adapt the permitted maximum speed in the cruise control system from 15 to +15 km/h.
What’s more is the additional safety and comfort functions that provide highly intelligent support to the driver in everyday travel. In addition to the Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning, the new BMW 5 Series also features the Approach Control Warning & Person Warning with City Brake function, a function which warns and brakes within a speed range from approximately 10 km/h to 60 km/h for persons and up to 80 km/h for vehicles. Approach Control Warning also warns the potential collision with a vehicle ahead at higher speeds, with preconditioning of the brakes for faster brake response and shorter braking distances.
The Crossing-Traffic Warning Rear meanwhile, supports the driver when reversing out of parking spaces and warns of potential collisions with intersecting traffic in situations where it is difficult to see everything around them. In combination with the Rear View camera, the Crossing-Traffic Warning Rear is extended by and additional real-image display. The Prevention of Rear Collision function also detects threat of rear collisions via rear sensors and warns the traffic behind via the hazard warning lights.
In addition to the advanced driver assistance systems with innovative digital services, the new BMW 5 Series also offers the best in class connectivity. A key feature is the self-learning BMW Connected mobility assistant which supports individual mobility planning inside and outside the vehicle, especially on busy working days with endless meetings and appointments. This enables users to manage their time more efficiently, for stress-free journeys. Along with time-to-leave recommendations and remote access to vehicle functions, it now also offers additional services which the driver can access upon downloading the BMW Connected app.
Additionally, the on-board computer in the new BMW 5 Series has a standard LCD display and a high-resolution wide-screen colour display which also shows Check Control warnings and information from the Driver Assistant. For example, Speed Limit Info allows the on-board computer to keep the driver informed about current speed limits as well as the status of the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionalities and Lane Departure Warning. It also displays messages and status updates from the Entertainment and Communication functions as well as Navigation and Service information directly in the instrument panel.
Another highlight worth mentioning is that the BMW Display Key with LCD colour display and touch control panel that comes standard with the 7 Series is now available for the new 5 Series. It shows various information about the vehicle’s status and allows selected functions to be controlled via the integrated touch display.
Colour choices for the new BMW 5 Series includes Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect, Alpine White and Mediterranean Blue. This is matched with interior upholstery in Leather Dakota Black with contrast Blue stitching or Leather Dakota Cognac with contrast stitching (only for the Alpine White, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect, and Black Sapphire).
Priced at RM398,800 (on-the-road, without insurance) the BMW 530i M Sport will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships across Malaysia from this weekend onward. It will also be displayed at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Main Entrance from 31st March 2017 to 2nd April 2017 where visitors can participate in interactive activities and stand a chance to win an exclusive experience with BMW.
You can check out the video below that compares the G30 BMW 5 Series with its predecessor, the F10 5 Series, side by side.
