[Taboleo] Bigger and More Comfortable... The Ultimate Ride Comfort

by Choi Daeyul

Published 14 Oct.2023 08:10(KST)

Test Drive of BMW New 5 Series
48V Mild Hybrid Technology
Improves Efficiency During Initial Acceleration
Reduces Vibration When Starting After Stopping
Body Over 5m, Not Much Different from Old 7 Series
Most Controls Including Climate System Are Touch-Based

It has been over 50 years since BMW introduced the 5 Series. The E-segment, which corresponds to the mid-to-large sedan category in Korea, is a fiercely competitive market where premium brands stake their pride. BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as latecomers like Audi, Lexus, and Genesis, bear the responsibility of being volume models that drive sales while incorporating advanced technologies.

BMW New 5 Series in Motion

The recently launched new 5 Series is a completely redesigned model released six years after the 2017 version. It met Korean consumers before those in Germany, where BMW’s headquarters are located, or in the world’s largest markets such as the United States and China. Choosing Korea for the world premiere likely reflects the importance BMW places on Korean consumer reactions. Since the 5 Series sells well and Korean consumers have discerning tastes, there is a perception that “if it succeeds in Korea, it will succeed in other markets” as well.

From the beginning of this year through last month, 15,689 units of the 5 Series (excluding high-performance models) were sold domestically. Despite being the outgoing model just before the new release, it achieved considerable sales. It is a key model responsible for about 30% of BMW’s imported car sales in Korea. I had the chance to briefly drive the updated 5 Series, specifically the gasoline all-wheel-drive 530i xDrive, around Incheon and Uijeongbu.

BMW New 5 Series

-Wouldn’t the 3 Series be better for driving?

△The 3 Series is probably better at quickly accelerating when the traffic light turns green. The 5 Series, however, is designed with the idea that it should remain comfortable even after long periods of driving. It is fundamentally aimed at being a business sedan, which explains this focus. This new 5 Series especially considers comfort not only for the driver but also for rear-seat passengers.

While it offers a smooth driving experience as a baseline, the sharp BMW feel remains when pressing the accelerator or making sudden steering maneuvers. The steering feels somewhat lighter compared to previous models, which may divide preferences. The 530i I drove, along with all internal combustion engine models, incorporates 48V mild hybrid technology. This improves efficiency during initial acceleration and also contributes to a smoother ride. It also reduces vibrations when starting from a stop. The boost function, which provides additional power for 10 seconds, can be used without significant restrictions.

BMW New 5 Series Interior

-The exterior looks quite different.

△First of all, it has grown in size. The length has increased by 95 mm, and the width and height have each been extended by 30 mm and 35 mm respectively. This reflects the preference of Korean consumers for larger cars, which BMW’s headquarters considered during the design process. The body length now exceeds 5 meters, making it one of the largest in its class among premium sedans. It is even comparable in size to past models of the 7 Series, which is a class above.

The signature grille retains its traditional design but with more pronounced contours. Some may have mixed feelings about this depending on their taste. The grille is surrounded by “Iconic Glow” lighting, a feature first applied to the new 7 Series, which stands out clearly in the dark. Twin headlamps are also included, unmistakably identifying it as a BMW. Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s head of design who visited Korea for the launch, said, “We wanted to maintain the BMW family look while emphasizing distinctive points that set the 5 Series apart.”

-How about the interior?

△The interior has changed even more. The 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch control display are connected in a curved form, giving the impression of enveloping the driver. This curved display design is also being adopted in recently released and upcoming models. The touchscreen incorporates haptic technology, offering minimal delay and good responsiveness. Most controls, including the climate control and hazard light switches, have been converted to touch-based, leaving almost no physical buttons. The interaction bar, available only on some models, includes interior lighting features that add a stylish touch. The gear shift uses a toggle switch design.

BMW New 5 Series Welcome Scenario

The operating system is the latest version (Operating System 8.5), allowing the YouTube application to run without connecting a smartphone. The vehicle also supports in-car gaming and other video streaming apps. The Quick Select feature seems very useful for use while driving. Like widgets, it allows users to execute other functions directly from the currently used app without navigating through menus.

-What new features are included?

△When the driver approaches, the car automatically turns on interior and exterior lights, illuminating the path like a carpet of light. This activates at a distance of 3 meters, and the doors automatically open when the driver comes within 1.5 meters. Although I did not get to try it during this test drive, the parking assist function has been significantly improved, enabling the vehicle to park itself or perform stored maneuvers up to 200 meters away.

It is also possible to control the vehicle remotely via smartphone. BMW introduced a new service called Proactive Care while preparing this new model, which diagnoses potential issues during vehicle operation in advance and notifies the customer. The vehicle continuously monitors its condition to minimize situations that might inconvenience the driver.