2017 BMW 530i review: Redesign or big refresh

[SoRrY.]

After spending the weekend tooling around in the new, seventh-gen BMW 5-Series, I really don’t know if I like it. I need to think about it more. According to BMW, compared to the outgoing model, the new one has improved performance and dynamics, better steering feel, the latest iDrive … BMW says the new design is “mature” and “confidently stylish,” adding the cockpit has been moved back slightly. The new car is 1.2 inches longer, 0.3 inch wider and 0.6 inch taller. The 117.1-inch wheelbase is 0.2 inch longer too. I say unless I park one side by side with an old one I really don’t know if I could tell the difference. Talk about evolutionary. It’s up to the customer whether that’s good or bad I suppose.

It’s fast but not quick. In other words, when you tromp the gas pedal from a stop, it ain’t that exciting. In fact, it’s a bit dull. Once up to speed, though, it’s better: good passing power and quick lane changing. The overboosted steering doesn’t make the driving experience any more exciting. You can also get this turbo four in a Mini. Oh, the shame. I need to try the turbo six and twin-turbo V8. I have a feeling the six is the sweet spot…

The ride is mostly fine. Not as good as the E-Class, but I blame BMW’s run-flat tire choice. The car is a little crashy over potholes, more so than the E, but generally rides calmly and drama free in comfort or sport. Doesn’t really matter what mode is chosen.

The evolutionary look continues inside -- it’s all familiar. Quality is fine. The center screen now sits more on top of the dash than did the old car’s, adding a sense of extra space. I found the seats comfortable and supportive. All good.

The 5-Series is the heart of BMW’s lineup. More than 7.6 million have been sold worldwide since 1972 -- since 1975, more than a million in the U.S. alone. There’s a lot riding on this new one. So far, not so good: Sales are down 47 percent so far this year compared to last. Maybe it’s model changeover.

 

OTHER VOICES: Hmm, I found this 530i surprisingly powerful with the 2.0-liter four. I wasn’t expecting turbo-six speed, but for the average driver, I think this is plenty quick. I suppose it could be a little quicker off the line, but like Wes said, passing and expressway speeds are plenty. In sport mode, it’ll rev to six grand without complaint. The four might sound a little whiny through the firewall, but I would never say it struggled. The eight-speed automatic is super smooth, with barely noticeable gear changes. I didn’t really mess with the paddle shifters, but I did notice they were rubber on the back and metal on the front, better to slap them at speed I guess.

I too didn’t notice much change in suspension or steering through the different driving modes. It did bang over potholes a few times and yes, the run-flat tires are a big part of that. I drove either an M3 or M4 with normal, not run-flat tires recently, and I found it way, way more livable than our old long-term M3 with the run flats. When anyone asks me about BMW, I say sporty, fun, but don’t get the run flats.

The interior is way nicer than the last one I was in. The seats are wider and more comfortable than the last too, with better knee support. And I love how they cradle/bolster you more when you hit the sport button.

The iDrive system is easy to use, though it took me a few minutes to find the audio equalizer function; the bass was turned way up, drowning out the treble. Otherwise, my iPhone connected immediately and the rearview camera is great. Oh, and I put the kiddo in the back with the car seat and base, and there was still an acceptable amount of room for front passengers.

This 5-Series has 23 grand in options, or as young Wes would say, “that’s the price of a Honda Civic!” I could easily ditch the Bowers and Wilkins radio upgrade and maybe the premium package or two, but I’d still be looking at $65,000 or so. And that is a little tough to swallow with a four cylinder. For reference, the cheapest one you can get with that stellar I6 is $58,000 or so, including destination charges.