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2017 BMW 5 Series - First Drive

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• published: 13 Oct 2016
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2017 BMW 5 Series G30 - First Drive. With a redesigned chassis, intelligent lightweight engineering, BMW’s renowned even weight distribution and a highly torsion-resistant body, the seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series combines superb driving enjoyment with a new dimension in driver assistance technology, while once again setting a new class benchmark in driving dynamics. The BMW engineers have succeeded in making the car’s handling even more agile and precise, yet without compromising the comfort which is a hallmark of this business sedan. At the same time, an extensive range of driver assistance systems take the BMW 5 Series Sedan a big step further down the road to automated driving. “The BMW 5 Series is the most successful business sedan on the planet. It brings together sporting agility, presence and comfort like no other vehicle. With the new generation of the car we are once again setting the benchmark in all areas; it combines dynamic excellence and comfort to the best possible effect. Plus, the new 5 Series Sedan is at the leading edge of technology when it comes to driver assistance and connectivity. So it promises to remain the most successful business sedan in the market,” says Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG, Development. Double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension. The wheelbase of 2,975 millimetres (+7 mm), and front and rear track width of 1,605/ 1,630 millimetres (+5 mm/+3 mm), show a slight increase over the previous 5 Series. The new double-wishbone front axle’s kinematics are perfectly configured for a long-distance sedan. Extensive use of light-metal components keeps unsprung mass as low as possible, while separating the construction into an upper and a lower control arm level gave the engineers considerable freedom to fine-tune the balance between dynamics and comfort. The spring struts are not required to perform wheel location functions, so only have to handle minimal transverse forces. The suspension therefore delivers finely judged responses to bumps in the road. With small kinematic lever arms that minimise disturbance torque around the steering axis, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers the driver excellent steering feel with clear feedback. The rear suspension and double-wishbone front suspension work together to provide excellent anti-roll control when cornering, but never at the expense of ride comfort. Light-metal components are also used extensively in the new five-link rear suspension, which is even lighter and stiffer than in the previous model and provides precise wheel location and excellent tracking stability in all driving situations. The specially calibrated elastokinematics, the large axle subframe mounting and supporting system, the thrust arms connecting the suspension and body and the high structural stiffness combined with low unsprung masses create an excellent overall balance between agility and comfort. The large mounting and supporting system also plays an important part in ensuring good acoustic insulation between the powertrain and suspension. Thanks to this efficient decoupling, the new rear axle also contributes to the excellent acoustic comfort on board the BMW 5 Series Sedan. Integral Active Steering now also available in combination with BMW xDrive. The driving enjoyment and agility laid on by the new BMW 5 Series are further enhanced by the precise steering system, which always gives the driver accurate feedback. This electromechanical system features a variable steering ratio and speed-sensitive power assistance. Optionally, the BMW 5 Series can now also be equipped with a revised – now electromechanical – Integral Active Steering system, with steering rear wheels for extra agility, stability and comfort. Integral Active Steering gives the new BMW 5 Series Sedan excellent directional stability on motorways, while around town the steering action is pleasingly light and agile. Integral Active Steering can now also be combined with BMW xDrive. Tailored dynamics and comfort for suspension and brakes. The new BMW 5 Series is fitted with optimised lightweight brakes. Depending on the model variant, they feature single-piece or two-piece fourpiston fixed aluminium callipers at the front, with lightweight discs, and singlepiston fixed callipers with an integrated electromechanical parking brake at the rear. All the key driving dynamics systems are standard specification. The business sedan rides on 17-inch light-alloy wheels as standard, with 20-inch wheels optionally available. Lowered M Sport suspension is optionally available, and is now combinable with BMW xDrive. The Dynamic Damper Control system, which is equipped with new valves and an optimised control algorithm, matches the damping characteristics to the road surface and driving situation. At the same time, the Driving Experience Control switch allows drivers to choose between a sportier or more relaxed basic suspension setting.