The BMW 5 Series is an executive sedan that was introduced to the brand’s line-up in 1972 and one that has built a loyal fanbase ever since. Reeling in a sophisticated breed of clientele who value luxury and sportiness in equal proportion, the 5 Series is an important vehicle for the brand, comprising nearly fifty percent of its profits and taking on segment contenders such as the Audi A6, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
| Key Features: | |
| Engine | 3.0L / 6-cylinder |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Power | 340 Hp / 450 Nm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h |
| Price | AED 350,000 |
Exterior
Bearing a strong aesthetic bond to its larger and pricier sibling – the BMW 7-Series – the all-new BMW 5 Series combines dashes of chrome and soft elegant creases with aggressive contours and gaping inlets for a brave display of its sporting aspirations. Sat on a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, the Midnight Blue brake calipers, prominent rear diffuser and sizable twin-exit tailpipes, complement the scattering of “M” badges along the bodywork to distinguish the 5 Series from its subdued rivals.
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Interior
Driver oriented, as a Bimmer should be, the cabin of the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series is bedecked with smooth leather and a combination of piano-black / silver trims that run along the dashboard, center console, and door panels to inject a dose of flamboyance into the design. Dimensionally larger than its predecessor, the German sedan offers ample amounts of occupant space and 530 liters of cargo space, with those in the back benefitting from entertainment screens and an independent climate control system.
Safety & Tech
Awarded a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, the BMW 5 Series is armed with a speed limiter, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection system, and numerous sensors / cameras proving that it is better aware of its surroundings than most road users, scanning for issues several hundred meters ahead. Not to be intimidated by its size, it also offers nine different viewpoints for flawless parking every single time.
With sixteen speakers and a booming 600 watts of output, the Harman Kardon system provides impressive clarity, aided by the lack of ambient noise in the cabin, and is bound to be adored by audio buffs, irrespective of their genre of choice. Though a tad bit complicated at first, the all-new iDrive 6.0 is significantly improved and brings with it a plethora of useful features such as screen mirroring and Wiki Local, in addition to the brand’s half-baked and rather frustrating Gesture Control.
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Drive
Accelerating to 100 km/h in 5.1-seconds and then to 180 km/h within the next six seconds, the BMW 540i M Sport is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that pushes out 340 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque to a rear-wheel-drive setup. Weighing 1.7-tonnes, the 5 Series doesn’t allow its mass from hindering it in touching an impressive top speed of 250 km/h.
With two distinct personalities, the adaptive suspension is capable of delivering a buttery smooth ride in Comfort and Eco Pro drive modes, with Sport and Sport Plus stiffening it up for a more responsive drive. Composed of aluminum, magnesium, and high-strength steel, the all-new platform helps the 5 Series feel light on its feet and reduces the amount of body roll when driven enthusiastically.
Packing a “M” brake kit and an 8-speed automatic transmission with responsive and smooth shifts, there isn’t a whole lot to dampen the drive experience apart from the dull and almost characterless steering. Though accurate, it is devoid of any feedback and almost makes you feel like you’re partaking in a drive simulator experience.
Verdict
If you’re on the lookout for a fully loaded executive sedan, but the carbon core 7-Series is out of reach, then the 2017 BMW 5 Series is the ideal choice without a doubt. Packed with technology and designed exceptionally well, the Bavarian is a superior offering to its rivals and will almost always deliver a smile to your face. The only catch, however, is don’t expect it to responsd like an “M” car or you’ll set yourself up for disappointment. And oh, steer away from that gimmicky Gesture Control system.
Pros:
- Packed to the brim with technology
- Powerful with a great amount of punch
- Lots of safety aids
Cons:
- Half baked Gesture Control system almost never works
- Steering is extremely dull and lacks in feel
Editor’s Pick:
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