Historically, the BMW 5 Series has been the definitive choice in the premium sedan segment if you were after the ultimate driving machine. With it, BMW didn’t compromise on space but ensured the one behind the wheel would always sport a wide grin. The German carmaker got the balance between performance and comfort just right, securing itself a place in the enthusiast’s garage. With the latest-generation 5 Series, BMW’s list of promises has got longer. It now wants to appease the comfort-focussed end of the market, too. We get behind the wheel of the new BMW 530Li to understand if this approach has made the car less likely to be chosen by the enthusiast, or if BMW has somehow sprinkled its ‘joy of driving’ magic on this, too.

BMW India launched the 5 Series last year, followed by the all-electric iteration and the high-performance M5, offering a wide variety of models for prospective buyers to choose from. The variety and the other-worldly performance exhibited by both the i5 and the M5 gave the market a lot of excitement, but the standard car has been at the receiving end of criticism, with many calling the car too ‘chunky’. That’s far from ideal, especially for a carmaker known for driver-focussed, sleek-looking cars. I disagree with the comments. It can’t be forgotten that every car in the segment has grown in size — not just to accommodate modern safety and tech but also to provide a roomy and spacious cabin at the back — and the 5 Series can’t be an exception. The inclusion of a long-wheelbase version in the Indian market is also a brilliant move, as it allows BMW to offer a car that drives well but also stays neck and neck with the competition in terms of comfort.

The crystal-finished iDrive controller and the dual 12.3-inch display setup make the cabin modern

The crystal-finished iDrive controller and the dual 12.3-inch display setup make the cabin modern

Furthering dual nature

The increased wheelbase opens up room at the rear, furthering the 5 Series’ dual nature — emphasising that it won’t falter as a chauffeur-driven vehicle. The front seats have scooped-out backs; this increases knee room for the rear passengers. Plus, there is 530 litres of boot space, too; it is going to be pretty handy for jet-setters. That’s the practical bit about the cabin; the overall experience is typically high-end, with a familiar driver-focussed dashboard layout and top-quality materials. The polished wood and metal inlays lend it a very design-studio-like feel, while the crystal-finished iDrive controller and the dual 12.3-inch display setup make the cabin modern. The infotainment unit has wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, whereas the presence of switchable themes on the system allows for customisation rarely seen in the segment. The front seats are unsurprisingly power-adjustable, and the cabin has a variety of storage solutions, furthering its practicality.

Bold appearance

On the outside, the new BMW 5 Series has what can be described as a bold appearance. The iconic kidney grille has grown in size; the sleek, angular headlights are LED units and complement the new look, and the futuristic taillights balance the aggressive look of the front. The amalgamation works quite well, thanks in part to the clean profile. There’s the right amount of luxury and sportiness, and I can confirm that despite the long wheelbase, the 5 Series hasn’t lost its design edge. It stands out without being disproportionate, although I’d have liked to see some sharper creases.

Under its bonnet is a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The four-cylinder unit makes 254.47 bhp and 40.78 kg-m and is mated to a mild-hybrid system for added responsiveness. While nowhere close to the i5’s insane pull, this setup isn’t bad for a 0-100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds, which for a premium sedan isn’t slow. The eight-speed automatic gearbox sends power to the rear wheels, continuing BMW’s much-appreciated tradition. This recipe has worked well in the past because of better balance and also improved steering — the latter because it’s not adulterated by power delivery through the front wheels.

Choose ‘Sport’ mode, and you’ll witness how the car comes alive — its steering becomes firmer, and power delivery is sharper. It’s almost as if the car forgets that it’s a premium sedan, especially how it attacks corners at speed. As it builds up speed, your confidence grows — such is the stability and feedback. Needless to say, despite being what might appear to be a luxury-focussed machine, the BMW 530Li can make every drive exciting. The increased length doesn’t exactly feel like a negative, and the 5 Series takes on nearly everything you throw at it. Plus, when the road gets imperfect, you can always resort to the Comfort mode and enjoy the fine balance the car offers between overall stability and suppleness.

There is 530 litres of boot space which is going to be pretty handy for jet-setters

There is 530 litres of boot space which is going to be pretty handy for jet-setters

Digital key feature

The inclusion of ADAS Level 2 has made the 5 Series a well-rounded product, with new-age aids like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and even autonomous emergency braking. The increased safety net is complemented by the high-tech digital key feature, which allows the owner to lock/unlock and even start the car using not a traditional key fob but their smartphone. How times have changed — and how brilliantly has the 5 Series evolved!

That’s what the BMW 530Li epitomises: evolution. It hasn’t given up entirely on its driver-focussed DNA, while at the same time, it has widened its appeal by offering a more spacious cabin and a comfortable ride. That it looks good is the proverbial icing on the cake, and the 530Li is bound to interest both enthusiasts (who love BMWs for the way they drive) and top-level executives (who are looking for a comfortable and stylish car).

Prices for the BMW 530Li M Sport start at ₹72.9 lakh, ex-showroom, and it undercuts the extremely popular Mercedes-Benz E-Class, although if you’re after an absolute bargain, the older Audi A6 deserves a look too. The 530Li quite rightly sits between the two, offering great value. Not just in the way it drives and handles but also with the space and luxury on offer, the BMW 5 Series makes a lot of sense. It’s a true driver’s delight, and when more and more cars turn out to be devoid of any feel, the 530Li displays the rare ability to bring a smile to your face without crumpling your three-piece suite.