BMW has officially pulled the wraps off its latest executive saloon, the G30 5-Series. The new saloon was leaked one day ago, showcasing some of the car’s details.
The 2017 BMW G30 5-Series sits on the G11 7-Series’ OKL platform, though shortened to suit the G30’s needs. Utilizing the OKL platform meant that the G30 is now up to 100 kg lighter than the model it replaces, the F10. BMW says that the Integral Active Steering now works in tandem with the xDrive all-wheel drive system. In fact, the new G30 is a slippery car, as drag coefficient is rated at 0.22 for some variants.
Being the newest model in BMW’s lineup means that the G30 boasts some new driver assistance features. As standard, the BMW G30 comes with a stereo camera, which works with the optional radar and ultrasound sensors to monitor around the vehicle. Thanks to that, the new 5-Series now has Lane Change Assistant and Lane Keeping assistant with active side collision protection, on top of evasion aid and crossing traffic warning.
In addition to that, the 2017 BMW 5-Series can be had with Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Steering and Lane assistant. These include adoption of speed restrictions, which the optional Intelligent Speed Assist allows the car to take over braking, accelerating and steering duties from the driver.
Inside, the BMW G30 5-Series receives the most advanced iDrive system. Range-topping G30 variants will be equipped with navigation, telephone and entertainment features, plus vehicle functions, all accessible via the 10.25-inch display. To interact with the system, the driver can operate it using the iDrive Controller, by voice command or gestures, or by touching the display controls.
Furthermore, the BMW ConnectedDrive is now updated with new features, like ParkNow for parking spot reservation and payment, On-Street Parking Information intelligent parking space search function and the optional Parking Assistant, which detects empty spots and parks the vehicle automatically. Additionally, Microsoft Exchange service now is now available, allowing Microsoft Office 365 users to sync emails, calendar entries and contacts and edit them inside their car. Other highlights include Apple CarPlay, inductive phone charging and a WiFi hotspot for up to ten devices.
Engine lineup is also new for the G30, now under the BMW EfficientDynamics umbrella. At launch, BMW is offering the new G30 with two petrol and two diesel engines, which can be had with a rear-wheel drive or BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system.
The new BMW 530i is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that pumps out 252 hp and 350 Nm, allowing the saloon to hit 100 km/h from zero in just 6.2 seconds and a 250 km/h top speed. Sitting on top of the range is the BMW 540i, powered by a 3.0-litre straight six that outputs 340 hp and 450 Nm. The 540i does the century sprint in just 5.1 seconds. Both petrol variants are mated exclusively to the company’s eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
Moving to the diesel side, the BMW 520d outputs 190 hp and 400 Nm, which can be had with a six-speed manual or eight-speed Steptronic. Above that is the 530d, which has 265 hp and 600 Nm, enabling the saloon to hit 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The 530d is available only with the automatic.
Come March 2017, BMW will add the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition with eight-speed Steptronic, boasting a CO2 emission of just 102 g/km and a combined fuel consumption of 3.9 l/100 km. BMW has not forgotten its green crowd, as the company will debut the BMW 530e iPerformance, combining the BMW eDrive electric drive concept and a four-cylinder petrol engine that does just 46 g/km of CO2 emissions and a combined fuel economy of 2.0 l/100 km. Last but not least is the BMW M550i xDrive. This model will be the G30’s range-topping variant for the time being, with a V8 that outputs 462 hp and 650 Nm. Thanks to the eight-speed Steptronic and all-wheel drive system, 0-100 km/h takes just 4.0 seconds, yet still manages to return 8.9 l/100 km.
