BMW has been producing some exceptional products lately, taking its quality up a notch and offering some of the most well-integrated technologies in its products. I recently had a go in the new 5 Series, in 520d guise, and like its 320d sibling, I was left puzzled as to why the diesel engine is slowly being resigned to the annals of history.
Related: BMW 5 Series (2024) First Drive Review
Pros:
-Superbly frugal
-Exceptionally comfortable
-In-car tech is genuinely useful
-Build quality and materials are top-notch
Cons:
-Has lost its dynamic qualities
-The looks are polarising
Styling
The exterior styling of many BMW models appears to divide opinion; however, as seen with other odd-numbered BMW models, the 5's exterior, while still striking, is less polarising than some other models but has still stirred up debate. The Kidney Grille is still massive but more palatable here, and while the rear end and general silhouette are still radical in many ways, you get the impression that this is about as restrained as the brand is willing to be with its current design direction.
Our press unit has a unique look thanks to metallic grey paint, contrasted by the optional Individual Exterieur Line Titanium Bronze, which then adds the BMW Iconic Glow exterior package. Couple this with the 20-inch aerodynamic wheels in Titanium Bronze, and it's safe to say that this specification is unique but certainly not my favourite. I would opt for the exterior trim to be finished in black or silver, which are options within the range, while the five other alloy wheel options all look better, to my eyes at least.
Interior & Space
The interior of the latest 5 Series is a genuine masterclass in modern vehicle ergonomics, material quality, and execution of in-car technology. As a driver, you feel that the entire infotainment and instrument cluster is completely focused on you, primarily because they're formed around the driver's position, and while passengers may have less involvement, the gesture, touch, and toggle controls the latest Drive infotainment system means that they can get involved too! There's no denying that a lot is going on inside from a design perspective, and as with its exterior design, there will be those who like it and those who find the more minimalist design of the previous model more appealing, but I firmly fall into the former category and feel that there's a healthy mix of up-to-date tech, and enough semblance of previous BMWs inside to make this a very pleasant place to spend time in.
Practicality is good, as you'd expect from a large executive sedan, with ample rear leg and headroom, while the 520-litres of boot space is just about what you'd expect in this segment. There's also a respectable 2 000kg braked towing capacity on offer.
Drivetrain
Related: BMW 320d M Sport (2023) Review
Driving impression
The G60 5 Series is some 100kg heavier than the G30 it replaces, and from a dynamic perspective, it has certainly lost its edge, but in its place, there's more comfort and compliance in its ride and drive quality. Road noise is impressively low, as is general cabin intrusion, which is at an all-time low for the 5 Series. The steering lacks some feel, though, and as a driver, you're always aware of the car's heft and size, which its predecessors could mask in some scenarios, making the new model feel more like its bigger sibling, the 7 Series, which, depending on your perspective, is either a good or a bad thing.
The aforementioned diesel drivetrain is an absolute peach, and when combined with the ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox that sends power and torque to the rear wheels, you have a responsive diesel motor, that delivers linear torque, sips fuel, and is totally in keeping with the luxurious slant of the latest model.
Fuel economy
BMW claims a fuel consumption figure of 5.6 L/100km, but our real-world figure of 5.7 L/100km is impressive. A single 60-litre tank of diesel yields around 1 200km of driving range.
Safety
The new 5 Series received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2023. The results include an 89% score for adult occupant safety, 85% for child occupant safety, 86% for pedestrian safety and 78% for its safety assistance systems.
Pricing
At R1 248 731 before options. It is roughly R100 000 more expensive than an equivalent Audi A6 but over R100 000 cheaper than the entry-level version of the recently introduced Mercedes-Benz E-Class. With a quick visit to the BMW online configurator, we specified a 520d to a similar level to our press units, which pushed the price up by over R100 000. The model comes standard with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
The latest 5 Series has sacrificed its fun-to-drive dynamics in favour of being more luxurious, and in the case of the 520d, this is a very good move. The combination of its supple ride, frugal diesel engine, quality and excellent interior make this an exceptional product with very few obvious flaws. This should be at the top of your list when shopping in this segment.
