2017 BMW 530i new car review

Anything you can do, I can do better.

It appears BMW has taken a line from the classic song with its latest 5-Series and its on-going competition against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

When the three-pointed star brand launched its new E-Class in 2016 it was a technical tour de force, loaded with all the latest goodies and gadgets Benz could pack in. It was loaded with even more technology than the brand's flagship S-Class.

So it comes as no surprise that BMW has taken a similar path. More than ever before, the new medium-sized BMW sedan feels like a scaled down version of the 7-Series limousine, featuring the latest in luxury and technology.

It may not look much different on the outside compared to the model it replaces but underneath this is state-of-the-art car.

What do you get?

BMW is initially offering a four model 5-Series range. It starts with the 520d (priced from $93,900) then moves up to the 530i tested here and the 530d (priced from $119,900). It is topped, for now, by the 540i which is priced from $136,900 with the new generation M5 likely to appear later in 2017.

The 530i we're testing is priced from $108,900 (plus on-road costs) and comes standard with an M Sport package that brings a sporty aerodynamic package, M Sport brakes and an M Sport steering wheel.

However, our test car was specified in the Luxury Line trim package which is available as a no cost option for those who prefer style over sportiness.

The Luxury Line brings a leather steering wheel, Nappa leather trim, ventilated front seats and the ambient air package.

Standard gear on both versions includes 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights with selective beam, surround view parking cameras, head up display, keyless entry and ignition, navigation and a Harman/Kardon surround sound system.

Safety equipment includes full airbag protection, stability control, active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, active lane keeping assistance and limited autonomous driving functionality.

Also included are some of the more impressive features from the 7-Series, such as Parking Assistant Plus which uses a combination of the surround view cameras and parking sensors to create a 3D image of the car in the space that surrounds it and is displayed on the infotainment screen.

Another 7-Series option available is the Innovations Package, which costs $1600, and adds the BMW display key, gesture controls and remote control parking. The latter allows you to remotely park the car in a tight space by getting out and using the key to direct the car to finish parking autonomously.

Disappointingly for a car costing more than $100k Apple CarPlay is a $623 option, a sunroof adds $2900 and heated seats are $700 extra.

BMW doesn't offer a traditional capped price servicing program but does allow owners to pre-purchase their servicing. BMW 5-Series buyers can get the first five-years/80,000km covered for $1640.

What's inside?

The scaled down 7-Series vibe continues inside the 530i with a high-quality presentation and good fit and finish.

The 530i has the same digital instrument display as the 7-Series. But instead of the Volkswagen Group's and Mercedes' large rectangular screens, the 530i sticks with a more traditional pair of round dials, albeit virtual ones.

While the fact they are digital adds functionality (more on that later) it brings an air of traditional luxury car style to it as well, which suits the character of the 530i as an executive sedan.

The dashboard is largely made of soft touch plastic and it is colour matched to the leather while there are some wood veneers and silver trim to break up the design to create a premium look and feel.

Space is good up front with comfortable and supportive seats. Small item storage is good too with a pair of cupholders and a place to slot your phone (and charge it if yours has inductive charging capabilities) and a decent sized centre console box.

Room in the rear isn't quite as generous as you'd expect from a car this size. Headroom is adequate for adults but sitting behind my driver's seat position my knees were touching the back of the front chair.

Under the bonnet

BMW has long abandoned its naming structure based on engine configuration, hence why this car is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine yet carries the 530i badge; that previously would have only been found on a six-cylinder model.

While confusing on paper the engine doesn't feel confused by the job it has to do. The turbocharged unit offers excellent performance - generating 185kW of power and 350Nm of torque - that makes the 530i feel like there is a six-cylinder until the bonnet.

It is nicely refined too, with a sweet but subtle soundtrack and smooth, linear power delivery.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox helps extract the best from the engine by shifting smoothly and is happy to move around the ratios looking for the sweet spot in the engine's performance band.

On paper it returns an impressive claimed fuel economy of 5.8-litres per 100km. During our predominantly urban driving we used 10.1L/100km which is a solid return for such a large car.

On the road

This is where the 7-Series and 5-Series really diverge in order to give the two cars their own character. The 530i misses out on the air suspension from the 7-Series but instead gets Dynamic Damper Control as standard.

That is part of BMW's tactic to make the 5-Series a sportier and more dynamic car than the 7-Series limousine. Even so, the ride is still impressively compliant across the various Comfort and Sport settings. However, while the shock of the bumps aren't transmitted through the cabin (unless they are dramatically sharp) the noise of each one is, which detracts from the premium experience of an otherwise polished car.

The steering is nicely weighted and responsive, making it feel agile when driven enthusiastically.

One of the nice technical features of the 530i is the Speed Limit Assist function. Press the button on the wheel and the car is able to recognize the speed limit of the road you are on and puts an artificial resistance on the accelerator to limit your speed. And thanks to the digital dashboard it also blacks out the speedo above the legal limit. It's a clever function that has the potential to help you avoid any speeding fines.

Verdict

The new 530i is a great car. It is loaded with luxury and technology and gives its arch-rival, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a run for its money on all fronts. But it needs all the 'wow factor' goodies it can get to help make a large executive sedan attractive against the current trend of SUVs.

For those who value driving dynamics and the classic lines of a sedan over the practicality benefits of an SUV the 530i is a very appealing car.

2017 BMW 530i pricing and specifications

Price: From $108,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 185kW at 5200-6500rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1450-4800rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Fuel use: 5.8L/100km

The Competitors

Mercedes-Benz E300

Price: From $107,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 180kW

Torque: 370Nm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 7.1L/100km

Our score: 8/10

Audi A6 2.0 TFSI quattro

Price: From $97,855 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 185kW at 5000-6000rpm

Torque: 370Nm at 1600-4500rpm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 6.8L/100km

Our score: Not yet rated

Jaguar XF 35t R-Sport

Price: From $104,515 plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol

Power: 250kW at 6500rpm

Torque: 450Nm at 4500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 8.3L/100km

Our score: 7/10

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