The all-new 2017 BMW 5-Series (G30)

MANILA, Philippines - The finest mid-size premium sedan in its class just got a whole lot better!

Just before the end of 2016, BMW Philippines sent Jason Dela Cruz of Top Gear Philippines and myself representing C! Magazine/The Philippine STAR to Lisbon, Portugal to immerse ourselves principally with the two variants of BMW’s 7th-generation 5-series that are planned for our archipelago with a July 2017 local launch. With the new codename G30, the premium mid-size sedan is truly all-new despite deliberately looking like a subtle refresh from the previous model that it replaces.

More now than ever before, in many ways the new 5-series is a scaled down version of the fabulous BMW 7-series flagship. It also uses the new modular OKL platform of its big brother but employs less of the more expensive materials without sacrificing ability or structural strength. So even with the abundant new equipment applied and managed by the mostly carryover engines, that have been retuned for even more power while simultaneously increasing fuel efficiency, the marginally larger (36mm longer, 6mm wider, 2mm taller with a 7mm longer wheelbase) new 5-series is as much as 100kg lighter across the model range.

Along with the lighter weight, thanks in part to the generous amount of aluminum applied, extensive NVH measures, new steering and new suspension, is a whole new very aerodynamic body that slices through the wind with as low as .22 cd with a high of only .25 cd supported by active front grill shutters. So not only is the new 5-series at its most fuel-efficient and most environmentally friendly ever since its inception in 1972, it is also at its most refined with the quietest and most comfortable cabin that it has ever had.

The new electronic architecture uses a 48V system so even the reaction times are astonishingly quick and robust with the 6th-generation iDrive control. We first experienced how smart and efficient the new system is when we took a couple of wrong turns along our initial test route, the navigation responded almost instantly which is the very best that I’ve personally tested in any car. It needs to be this quick too because the system also runs all the advanced autonomous driver-assistance programs. The past few generations of BMW 5-series had comprehensive individual customization options but this new generation is on a whole higher spectrum, the wealth and breadth of options are far more extensive than ever before.

We test drove the thrilling 335hp 540i M-Sport and the extreme generalist the 262hp 530d xDrive. Only three-tenths of a second separated the two wonderful luxury sedans from naught to 100 km/h, both well under six seconds. But more importantly it’s how these two cars deliver and manage their potent engines. On every generation, the 5-series defined the best balance of dynamic performance, driving enjoyment, luxury, sophistication, and technology. Each generation capitalized on their strengths, addressed what little compromises it had then catapulted forward, always improving and innovating.

So, for those that had not experienced or needed tactile dynamic reminders on this awesome automobile evolution, BMW also had the older generation cars on hand in Portugal. As a previous owner of a few model generations as well as having several models in our C! Fastfleet, I immediately appreciated the exponential leaps forward with the new models while still reveling on the accomplishments of the old cars. The core BMW values are not just intact but more so celebrated with more of everything great.

This is just the beginning, too, for the new BMW 5-series range. Besides more model and trim variants that include the brilliant 530e iPerformance hybrid and Touring models, the full-blown M5 is still yet to come. For now, I have to say for the very first time that the all-new BMW 5-series is so incredible, so desirable, and so complete that I would enjoy having even the entry level 520d coupled to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic for our Philippine market. It can be packaged with most of the key equipment found in the more potent models, from the 16-speaker 1400W Bowers & Wilkins audio system, 70-percent larger full-color high-resolution 3rd-generation Head-Up Display, the full-featured crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen with voice commands and gesture control, adaptive LED headlights, seamless intelligent start/stop ignition, to the Dynamic Damper Control and Drive Performance Control. Why? Because the 520d now produces a very healthy 190hp with 400Nm of torque which is good for acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds with a 235 km/h top speed while still achieving 4.2 l/100 km overall fuel efficiency.

The best just got better and they will be in BMW showrooms nationwide very soon!