Comprehensive evaluation of the new generation BMW 5 Series fuel version: It's t

tech | 2024-04-09

The controversy surrounding the all-new BMW 5 Series has been ongoing, especially regarding its appearance, but the sales exceeding ten thousand in June once again reflect the divergence between netizens and actual buyers.

BMW has revealed that in June, the retail sales of all models of the all-new 5 Series reached 10,188 units, with total orders exceeding 12,000 units. Among them, the post-90s generation has become the main force in purchasing the new 5 Series. However, if you look at the comments under any previous article about the all-new BMW 5 Series on Jia Shi Pai, they are almost unanimously negative.

Now, let's set aside the tidal wave of controversial opinions about the new generation 5 Series online and offline, and conduct a comprehensive review of the fuel version of the all-new BMW 5 Series to see what its true product strength is.

Is the design controversial? You can also choose the luxury package.

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If you go to the dealership for a test drive, you will find that the test drive cars of the all-new BMW 5 Series are often equipped with the M Sport package, with prominent fangs on both sides designed to emphasize the sharpness that young consumers of the post-90s generation like. In terms of design foresight, as a brand-new generation product with a life cycle of six to seven years, the design of a luxury executive sedan must be ahead of its time, after all, in a few years, the owners choosing the 5 Series might be the post-00s generation.Even if you are not fond of the sharp style of the BMW 5 Series Sport Package, BMW still offers two exterior design options. The Luxury Design Package, which leans more towards the traditional business car style, still possesses a stable and luxurious design language, continuing with a large amount of chrome trim and straight lines. Combined with the elongated body and the C-pillar that gives a more coupe-like feel, the all-new 5 Series also injects more youthfulness into the traditional executive luxury car market.

So in my view, the controversy over the appearance of the all-new BMW 5 Series seems more like someone is setting the pace.

The creation of a luxurious interior and the spatial experience of the all-new 5 Series also maintain the top level of luxury sedans in the 400,000 yuan category. In fact, the biggest change of the all-new 5 Series is actually the change in the interior. As I mentioned during the last test drive of the BMW i5, this generation of the BMW 5 Series has stepped up a level in terms of interior texture and atmosphere creation compared to previous BMWs, with a perfect combination of modern technology and the weightiness of a luxury brand.

Especially the "diamond-cut" texture of the dashboard's wraparound interactive light strip, combined with the colors exclusively matched by BMW designers, will not be overlooked as soon as you enter the car. Moreover, as you switch driving modes, you will find that the crystal-like interactive light strip is not a fixed display like traditional models, but a gradual interactive process. In addition, BMW has integrated some air conditioning button functions into the interactive light strip, which is also a form of "hidden technology."BMW's current interiors largely adopt the same design language, with the curved large screens and rear entertainment screens still visible in the high-end configurations of the fuel-powered 5 Series, maintaining mainstream standards in clarity and smoothness. Although BMW continues to retain the iDrive knob, the brand-new iDrive 8.5 system is also touch-operable, albeit with slightly more complex menus.

Of course, the presence of the rear entertainment screen is more like a counterattack against new forces, and compared to the immovable rear screens of many new forces, the all-new BMW 5 Series' 8K screen can be set to display left, right, or centered according to user needs, with some adjustment range for the screen's tilt and distance, making it more convenient and practical to use.

Secondly, there are the seats. The seats that BMW has exclusively upgraded for the Chinese market offer a new experience in terms of comfort and visual perception. The comfort of the seats can be felt both in touch and visually, with the overall thickness of the seats being thicker than the standard version, providing a softer sitting experience. Moreover, whether it's the front or rear seats, the lateral support structure is well-designed, offering a good sense of enclosure so that one does not slide around on the seat.

Additionally, the high-end models feature a small print on the back of the front seats, resembling the Chinese character for "five," which is also designed specifically for the Chinese market.

Compared to other new energy high-end sedans in the same price range, the all-new 5 Series is a dominant presence in terms of space and experience. The ultra-long wheelbase of 3105mm is currently unmatched by many pure electric sedans, and the 1520mm vehicle height brings a spacious Z-axis space. For executive-level buyers, the ultra-large rear space offered by the long-wheelbase version of the new 5 Series is clearly one of the decisive factors in making a purchase.In addition, when we open the hood of the all-new 5 Series, the visual experience is noticeably more "plump" than that of an electric vehicle. Due to the structural differences of electric cars, many car enthusiasts always lack the pleasure of seeing the empty front compartment of an electric car filled with an engine and transmission. However, the longitudinally-mounted B48 series engine in the fuel 5 Series Li almost fills the front compartment, and it is neatly arranged, coupled with two reinforcement bars and a huge shock absorber tower, giving it a strong mechanical feel—of course, it can't be compared with top-tier large-displacement models—yet the flavor is just right.

Electric cars are good, but fuel cars have a different kind of sentiment.

Although the 5 Series, as a luxury executive sedan, should have a comfortable and grand character, it is, after all, a BMW, and its driving quality should not be lacking. In fact, for any product of a luxury brand, having sufficient basic performance is essential to achieve true luxury. Defining luxury solely based on how it looks and feels is too one-sided. Let's take a look at how the BMW 5 Series Li fuel car performs on the road.

01

Linear and positive power, excellent driving smoothness

The test drive model for this occasion is the 2024 530Li Exclusive Sport Edition, which is the familiar front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The powertrain of the all-new generation still uses a 2.0T + 48V configuration, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with a system torque of 400Nm and a maximum power of 190kW, and a top speed of 250km/h. The on-paper data for the fuel 530Li is like this, slightly lower than the i5 35L's 210kW power and 410Nm torque.In terms of actual experience, the all-new BMW 530Li is certainly at a disadvantage in terms of acceleration sensation at various throttle openings compared to many electric vehicles available today. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is "only" 6.5 seconds, but the power delivery still feels very linear.

When starting from a standstill with a small to medium throttle, the acceleration sensation is not as aggressive as that of an electric vehicle, but it is sufficiently composed. The perceived absolute power is not as strong, but fortunately, the power delivery is very linear and smooth, which I believe can easily handle daily driving in the city.

When you need to overtake with a heavy throttle or need to accelerate quickly, stepping on the gas pedal allows the vehicle to reach the desired speed swiftly. One good aspect is that the acceleration sensation in the mid to high range of the 530Li does not have the noticeable degradation that is common in electric vehicles; the acceleration always feels confident.

It is worth mentioning the power response of this 530Li. Those who are used to driving electric vehicles may feel that the power response of a fuel car during rapid acceleration is significantly delayed, requiring time for the engine to respond. However, in this vehicle, I believe this issue is almost negligible.

The B48 series engine has a quick power response, with the engine speed climbing rapidly, without the feeling of hesitation that many fuel vehicles have, and it lacks the abruptness of an electric vehicle during rapid acceleration. Instead, it offers a more progressive sensation. Even on mountain roads, with the influence of inclines, the power can still be easily managed.In addition, the all-new 5 Series petrol version also has a "BOOST" button similar to the i5. By holding down the paddle, it activates, allowing you to be a "10-second real man" at that moment. However, the acceleration is indeed quite different from the experience of an electric motor that instantly reaches full torque. The BMW i5 has a stronger sense of acceleration the moment the throttle is pressed, while the petrol engine's overboost mode is much gentler.

In terms of driving smoothness, the overall coordination and tuning of the powertrain are quite good. Whether starting the car cold or hot, this 2.0T engine can start smoothly without any abnormalities. Additionally, whether starting or cruising, the vehicle runs very smoothly, without noticeable speed fluctuations.

One detail is that after activating the assistive driving, once the driver sets a speed, the vehicle will quickly accelerate to the set speed and then stabilize at that speed, with very little fluctuation. Unlike some cars that repeatedly adjust around the set speed, this also demonstrates the tuning level of BMW engineers.

The only potential source of contradiction is that the BMW 530Li, after all, does not use an electric motor like the i5. During tip out and tip in at low to medium speeds, the vehicle will have a slight jolt. Fortunately, unless one deliberately tries to notice it, there will be no significant sensation during everyday use.

The reason for this is that BMW, as a luxury brand known for its sportiness, tends to set the power response of the petrol 5 Series to be faster. This results in a bit of a contradictory feel between response and smoothness during engine calibration, making it impossible to achieve complete unity.02

Consistent braking with the foot, fuel and pure electric remain uniform

The braking sensation of the fuel-powered BMW 530Li is quite consistent with that of the i5, both being easy and natural to operate, without the discomfort often associated with electric vehicles when applying the brakes. In terms of pedal force, braking response, braking adjustment, and effectiveness, both are relatively excellent. Overall, the evaluation can be described as "foot-following."

However, it is somewhat peculiar that, similar to the i5, the 530Li emits a "squeak" sound from the brake every time it comes to a complete stop, regardless of how the braking force is controlled or the footwork is executed. Additionally, the sensation of the vehicle lurching forward and backward at the moment of stopping is slightly more pronounced, which affects the comfort of braking. Fortunately, the suppression of braking pitch and dive is quite good, and the stability of the vehicle during hard braking is commendable, which neutralizes the issue, making it not a significant problem.

03

Steering evaluation: Two modes, 530Li has a more distinct and clearer feedback than i5

In terms of steering, the 530Li offers two modes that provide a more distinct and clearer feedback compared to the i5.The all-new 530Li, like the i5, features two steering modes: Sport and Comfort. However, unlike the i5, which has a lighter steering effort in both modes and a not-so-pronounced increase in torque as the steering angle increases, resulting in a relatively flat steering effort throughout, the 5 Series with internal combustion engine has a more distinct difference in steering effort between the two modes. At low speeds, it remains light, but the torque build-up feels better, and the feedback during cornering is much clearer.

Regarding self-centering performance, both the i5 and the gasoline-powered 5 Series are at a good level. The self-centering speed, as well as the smoothness and uniformity of the self-centering, are quite good. Whether at low or high speeds, the self-centering effect is excellent, and there is no significant overshoot in the steering wheel. Especially during high-speed self-centering, the vehicle's posture is very stable, with no excessive swaying.

For on-center steering, the vehicle's response window (dead zone of steering angle) in the center zone is moderate, and the setting of the torque dead zone (area where steering force does not change) is also well done. The response to steering is quite sufficient, without the common issue of no response when steering in large vehicles, which is a testament to BMW's tuning expertise. Moreover, the steering feels more direct, without noticeable stickiness or friction, making the steering feel smooth and precise. At low speeds, the on-center feeling is not very pronounced, focusing on flexibility and lightness; at high speeds, the center feeling is clearer, emphasizing stability.

Additionally, like the i5, the power steering of the BMW 5 Series gasoline vehicles is sufficiently powerful, and there is no catch-up phenomenon (lack of assistance) when making quick steering maneuvers, which does not affect the vehicle's operation during quick turns. This is an area that luxury brands pay special attention to but do not directly advertise.Steering Stability: Lighter and Stronger

When evaluating the i5, I mentioned that it lacked the previous sharp feeling, which was due to the transformation into an electric vehicle. The increase in weight made the vehicle feel the impact of its weight during intense maneuvers. For instance, during single-lane and double-lane change maneuvers, the control over roll and yaw felt somewhat insufficient, resulting in a slight vibration, which could affect the driver's control.

However, when I drove the fuel-powered 530Li and performed the same maneuvers, I distinctly felt the vehicle was lighter — the BMW 530Li, with a similar configuration, is a whopping 401 kilograms lighter than the i5 — the sensation of yaw and roll was better.

Although the new 530Li does not have a very small roll, the speed of the roll and the roll recovery felt more comfortable. There was no longer the multiple vibrations experienced on the i5. The body could recover more quickly, and even at higher speeds, the feeling was no longer the same.

It can be confirmed that the limits of the 530Li are quite high. When I tested it, the maximum lateral acceleration displayed on the vehicle's screen at one point exceeded 1.1G, and the ESP still felt very good during extreme maneuvers, controlling the body only at appropriate times without excessive intervention.In terms of straight-line driving stability, the 530Li, like the i5, has no issues and can be considered problem-free. There might be a slight lift of the vehicle's nose during acceleration, but it is acceptable. The pitch control is quite good during deceleration, and the vehicle can maintain straight-line driving without the need to hold the steering wheel during rapid acceleration or emergency braking, with no torque steer or similar issues occurring.

I also tested the cornering stability on mountain roads, and the vehicle tends to have neutral steering during steady-state cornering. Additionally, the stability of the vehicle is excellent when accelerating or braking in corners, with under or over-steer occurring quite late under normal conditions, providing a strong sense of confidence. This is likely also due to the reduced weight of the 530Li, as there is a noticeable increase in the vehicle's agility during continuous cornering.

In simple terms, the all-new BMW 530Li still has its own set of skills in terms of handling and stability, and it is almost impeccable.

05

Suspension Smoothness: Soft yet Firm

Overall, as a long-wheelbase version tailored for the Chinese market, the BMW 530Li's suspension tuning leans towards comfort, which is sufficient to handle most road surfaces.The current generation of the 5 Series, whether it's the fuel version or the pure electric model, differs from many comfort-oriented vehicles. BMW's comfort is of a more robust nature; the car doesn't have a "wobbly" feeling, which is a result of BMW's sporty tuning.

Compared to the heavier BMW i5, I believe the most significant difference with the all-new 530Li is the superior body control in the initial smoothness. Even without air suspension, the fuel version still has a noticeably better balance, with less pitch and roll, and the car's sway is also better managed.

However, when going through continuous excitations, such as a series of potholes or grooves on the road, I feel that the fuel version has a bit more vertical bouncing sensation than the BMW i5. Moreover, the vertical movements seem a bit quick, which can make the ride feel a bit more bumpy.

I personally speculate that this is partly due to the reduced weight, making individual excitations more comfortable, and partly because the BMW i5 uses air suspension.

In terms of secondary smoothness, the fuel 5 Series transmits fewer secondary vibrations from the floor, and there is a slight reduction in vibrations through the steering wheel. Additionally, the rolling sensation of the tires on the road is quite good, making the ride feel smoother. When driving on roads with continuous large damage or uneven surfaces, the 530Li will have the kind of suspension shakiness typical of sport-oriented models, clearly retaining more road feel compared to its competitors in the same class.However, one aspect that BMW engineers have handled very appropriately is that while the road feel is relatively clear, the vibrations from the road surface are transmitted in a weakened form, without giving a very sharp and harsh impact sensation.

Additionally, for impacts such as speed bumps, the new 530Li has a softer touch, and there is a certain "cushioning" sensation when part of the impact is felt on the road surface. When going over speed bumps, the vertical bouncing of the vehicle is well suppressed, and there is not much upward pitching.

A potential point of criticism is that when going over speed bumps, there is a slight lack of suppression of longitudinal vibrations in the front and rear suspensions, especially the rear suspension, which feels a bit more noticeable when going over speed bumps or some continuous excitations.

06

Shift Performance: The Best Transmission Tuning Currently

Please note that the original text seems to be incomplete, and the translation provided is based on the available information.This time, it's worth discussing the shift performance of BMW's 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT) on its own, because I believe this transmission is the best I've recently experienced in a vehicle with a transmission — I mean a real transmission, not the single-gear type found in electric vehicles — among the cars I've driven.

During the acceleration shift process, the transmission shifts are almost imperceptible with moderate throttle openings, giving a very smooth feeling, with only the engine's sound change due to shifting being noticeable. When overtaking and accelerating, the transmission downshifts quickly, with a very short "thinking" time, and the power connection is well-coordinated.

When downshifting during deceleration, it may not have the same smoothness as upshifting, but it still maintains an excellent experience among the top tier. In most conditions, the downshift is barely perceptible, and only occasionally can a very slight sense of jerkiness be felt during moderate deceleration (when slowing down from around 3rd gear to 2nd gear).

07

Driving Summary

After a comprehensive experience with the BMW 530Li, coupled with a deep test drive of the BMW i5, it is evident that the new generation of BMW 5 Series fuel vehicles still stands as a top contender in the luxury executive sedan segment. Its performance in every aspect is outstanding, truly reflecting the car-making strength of a world-class luxury brand.Moreover, compared to pure electric luxury sedans that often weigh more than 2.2 tons, the 530Li, with its lighter body weight, has an advantage in steering stability and is more likely to win over consumers who enjoy driving.

Many people say that once you get used to electric vehicles, you can never go back to fuel-powered cars. However, after a similar comparison, it's not that you can't go back to fuel-powered cars, but rather you can't go back to the difficult-to-drive fuel-powered cars. The difference in power forms does not bring an absolute difference in experience; it all depends on whether the tuning is good enough.

Therefore, returning to the beginning of the article, even though the new BMW 5 Series may be at the forefront of the trend, its product strength is still maintained in the first tier of luxury brands. The core product value of the BMW 5 Series remains unmatched by new forces.

Looking at the current time node, and even in the next two or three years, the all-new generation of the BMW 5 Series should still be the ceiling of the 400,000 yuan class. Both the fuel-powered version and the pure electric version maintain the driving pleasure of the BMW brand and the high-end driving and riding quality that an executive-level luxury car should have. Those so-called new forces should also not be able to bring such an excellent driving and riding experience on the mechanical level in a short period of time.

At the same time, BMW has also recently announced the "exit from price wars." Whether it's the previous BMW i3, iX3, or the new BMW 5 Series, they all control production to recover prices, with the aim of protecting the brand value of BMW and further maintaining the emotional attachment of old car owners to the brand.Clearly, for a luxury brand like BMW, it is not about how fast it can run in the short term, but rather how long it can sustain its performance. Only enduring brand value can earn the trust of luxury car consumers.