One of Malaysia’s hottest selling premium executive sedans is back in an all-new form. This is the G30 BMW 5 Series, available immediately in one single flavour – the 530i M Sport.
While co-developed with the G11/G12 7 Series, this seventh-generation G30 5 Series doesn’t actually share the carbon tub as the flagship limo. But through clever and more liberal use of high tensile steel, aluminium and magnesium, BMW managed to shave 100kg off the G30 from the F10.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | G30 BMW 530i M Sport |
| Engine | 1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Max Power | 252 hp @ 5,200 – 6,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,450 – 4,800 rpm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 6.2 seconds; 250 km/h |
| Price | RM398,800.00 |
EXTERIOR
Since size matters most in this segment, let it be known that the 5 Series has the lengthiest wheelbase when compared to the E-Class and S90. The Bimmer is also over 200kg lighter than the Volvo, and weighs just about the same as the E 250 – just above 1,600kg. Overall, the G30 is larger, longer and wider than the F10 it replaces.
On the outside, the 530i gets dressed in M Sport bodykit all around. Adaptive LED headlamps and LED fog lamps come as standard, and for the first time ever on a 5 Series, the LED DRLs blend seamlessly into the kidney grille. The headlamps intelligently manage beam throw at night so as to not dazzle drivers of the opposing direction.
It sits on 19-inch M lightweight alloys shod with run flat tyres: 245/40 R19 for the fronts and 275/35 R19 for the rear. Behind each wheel is a blue-painted brake calliper with M designation that’s exclusive to this trim. The tail lamps are also LED, and the rear section is tastefully finished by a pair of trapezoidal exhausts.
The G30 5 Series is also an aerodynamic powerhouse, boasting a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.22cd. Managing airflow are a range of functional aero bits, such as an air vent control in the kidney grille, air inlets and air curtains in the front apron and air breathers in the front wings.
INTERIOR
Here, a three-spoke M steering wheel comes as standard, as is the fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Fitted into the centre dashboard is a rather welcoming 10.25-inch touchscreen display which can be operated through the iDrive controls next to the gearstick. Other M-specific dressings include illuminated door sills and foot pedals.
The head unit supports BMW ConnectedDrive (BMW concierge), gesture controls, USB, auxiliary and smartphone pairing functions. It also comes with a 20GB hard drive for you to store audio files. GPS navigation (Navigation system Professional) is standard, as well as a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system with 600W digital amplifier.
Creature comforts like ambient lighting (up to 11 different colours), electric sunroof, roller sunblinds and four-zone climate control are standard fitment.
Admittedly, one of the many standout features of this car is the new BMW Display Key which comes with a full-coloured LCD display. This feeds you with a multitude of information regarding your car, and is easily operated by touch, just as you would with a smartphone.
PERFORMANCE
If you’re expecting a straight-six, sorry but that’s reserved for the 540i. The 530i variants all come with a longitudinally mounted 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower turbo. It belts 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque, enough to send it to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds from standstill. Top speed is electronically cut at 250 km/h.
Drive is of course sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Paddle shifters come free of charge, by the way. It’s pretty frugal for a big car too, with a combined rating of 5.8 litres per 100 km.
Prior to this, there were only three driving modes for the 5 Series: Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro. BMW has added a new Adaptive mode which, through clever interplay between the dynamic dampers and GPS, will automatically adjust damping levels according to your driving style and the route ahead. If you’re going to tackle a corner at a certain speed, the dampers would stiffen at just the right time for optimal control!
SAFETY
BMW is stepping up the game here with a rather extensive list of safety tech. Fitted as standard is the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, meaning the system will automatically accelerate and brake (to a complete stop if necessary) when engaged. This radar-based system is especially useful during traffic jams. What makes it unique is it can detect traffic in roundabouts – something most similar systems fail to achieve!
There’s of course more: Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Approach Control Warning & Person Warning with City Brake function, front and rear parking sensors as well as reverse camera. The list is really extensive, but be sure to download the BMW Connected app on your smartphone for even more mind blowing fun.
WHAT ELSE?
The BMW G30 5 Series is available in four colours – Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect, Alpine White and Mediterranean Blue. Opt for the Black Sapphire, Alpine White and Sophisto Grey and you can have your 5 Series smothered in cognac leather upholstery with contrast stitching. The standard colour is black leather upholstery with blue contrast stitching.
Again, pricing for this fully imported premium executive sedan is RM398,800.00. Each purchase comes packaged with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service. The price includes a 2-Year BMW Tyre warranty.
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