BMW's midsize 5 Series has a new look this year, along with upgraded technology and a touch more passenger room. The revised lineup starts with the 530 sedan, which offers turbocharged four-cylinder power for an admirable balance of performance and efficiency.
What's New for 2017
The 530, like the rest of BMW's 5-Series lineup, has been totally redesigned.
Choosing Your BMW 530
The most affordable member of the 5 Series, the 530 carries a base price of $52,195, destination included. The 530 is slightly longer and taller than its predecessor, but weight is actually down a tad thanks to more aluminum and high-strength steel. The turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine produces 248 horsepower, enough to take the 530 from zero to 60 mph in six seconds flat while returning an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in combined city and highway driving. That combined fuel economy is well above average for a gas-powered, non-hybrid luxury sedan of this size.
All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and selectable driving modes. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available in place of the standard rear-drive setup for $2,300.
The 530 comes in a single trim level with standard features like adaptive cruise control, navigation, adaptive LED headlights, front sport seats with driver memory, 18-inch wheels (19s are optional), and power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors. The 12-speaker sound system features HD radio and digital music storage. Wood interior trim is standard, but leather upholstery is a $1,450 standalone option (and mandatory with most option packages).
The popular Premium Package ($2,300) tacks on wireless device charging, a built-in WiFi hotspot, satellite radio, keyless ignition, and a hands-free power trunk lid. The Cold Weather Package ($800) adds heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated and messaging front seats are included in the $1,600 Luxury Seating package.
Traditionalists might go for the Luxury Package ($500), which adds an abundance of chrome trim to the exterior. On the other end of the appearance spectrum, there's the M Sport Package ($2,600) with gloss black trim, an aerodynamic body kit, a sport steering wheel, and standard 19-inch wheels.
The Driver Assistance Plus ll Package ($4,900) contains almost all available safety technology, including active lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with automatic stop/start, collision mitigation with daytime pedestrian detection, and a surround-view camera system. Some features are available in smaller packages for buyers who just want basics like parking sensors and blind spot monitoring. An infrared night vision system remains a $2,300 standalone option.
The only major performance upgrades are an adaptive suspension system for $1,000 (known as Dynamic Damper Control) and larger M Sport brakes with high-performance pads for $650.
Audiofiles have two surround-sound choices: a 600-watt Harman Kardon system ($875), or a top-end Bowers & Wilkins setup ($4,200) that puts out a thunderous 1,400 watts.
It's hard overstate how much advanced technology is packed into the Driver Assistance Plus ll package. We recommend prioritizing it over all but the most essential options (like leather seats).