About the 5 Series
Seven years back, The BMW 535i was the first car I tested in Canada. This was a great driving experience. I can still remember our slaloms at Ian Law Driving School Training ground in Brampton. The steering, the suspension, the roadholding. Everything and each component pronounced sportiness and dynamic driving.
After seven years, I was sitting behind the steering wheel of “not exactly the same car”. Because, the 535i does not exist any more and was replaced by 540i.
Without doubt, the 5 Series is one of the most successful luxury sedans globally. In its 7th generation, the Bavarian company sold more than 7.6 million 5 Series Sedans worldwide since 1972.
The 2017 model is a pioneer in automotive technology with its performance, active and passive safety features and driver assistance systems. Many features are offered as optional extras thus creating a long and “salty” list. (See below in “Specification”)
During our one-week test drive, at some moments, I asked myself whether we need so much technology and if the human factor will be eliminated at the end (which you should think seriously about)
Engine
The 3.0.-liter inline 6-cylinder with twin-scroll turbocharging generates 332 lb-ft of torque and 335 horsepower. This is enough to propel the Bimmer from zero to 100 km/h in less than five seconds. You never feel underpowered and will not even miss and 8-cylinder.
Driving Impressions
Whichever mode you choose, (Comfort, Sport or Eco-Sport), your communication with the road is nothing less than perfect.
As usual, our test car was equipped with all safety and comfort features worth more than 20 grand. Well, just the total of options is worth a not-so-humble new car price in itself.
All these elements create a perfect driving experience you do not want to leave behind after a one-week test drive.
And this BMW does not disappoint us with its sharp and responsive steering, ultra-quiet cabin, superbly comfortable seats with massage function and so much more.
The extended legroom in the rear is palpable compared to previous generations and even can give some disturbance to its bigger brother, 7-Series.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a luxury car in the “upper-midsize or “gehobene Mittelklasse” (as the Germans say) class, you already have a shortlist mostly dominated by Germans. And if you expect a sports sedan at the same time, BMW 5 Series is a wise choice. And you know, you are an achiever who either can afford a price just south of 6-digit. No matter if you pay for it or your employer thinks you deserve it.
Specifications:
Model: 2017 BMW X5 40e
Paint Type: Bluestone Metallic
Base /as tested MSRP: $69,000 /$90,400
Optional Equipment:
Premium Package Enhanced ($6,500) includes:
- Automatic Trunk
- Universal Remote Control
- Comfort Access
- Soft Close Doors
- Side and Rear Sunshades
- Lumbar Support
- Storage Compartment Package
- Heated Front & Rear Seats
- Ceramic Controls
- Adaptive Full LED Headlights
- High-Beam Asisistant
- Auto 4-Zone Climate Control
- Lights Package
- Active Blind Spot Detection
- Active Protection
- Driving Assistant
- Surround View
- Park Asisstant Plus with 360 Surround View
- Head-Up Display
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio Tuner
- Harman/Kardon Sound System
- ConnectedDrive Services Package
Driving Assistance Package ($1,900)
- Driving Assistance Plus
- Forward Collision Warning w/Full Braking Function
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Warning
- Cross-Traffic Alert, Front and Rear
- Rear Collision Prevention
- Speed Limit Information
- Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Steering and Lane Control with Traffic Jam Asisst
- Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance
- Evasion Assist
Interior Comfort Package ($2,500)
- Ventilated Seats
- Comfort Seats, Front
- BMW Individual Reading Lights
- Ambient Air Package
- Massage Function for Driver and Passenger
Smartphone Connectivity Package ($750)
- Apple CarPlay Preparation
- Wireless Charging w/Extended Bluetooth and USB
- WiFi Hotspot
LED Lighting Package ($2,500)
- Active LED Headlights
- LED Fog Headlights
- High-Beam Assistant
Remote Parking Package
- BMW Display Key
- Remote Control Parking
Stand Alone Options
- M Sport Brakes ($750)
- Adaptive Drive with Dynamic Damper Control ($3,500)
- Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection ($2,500)
- Nappa Leather ($1,500)
Wheelbase (mm): 2810
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4671 / 1881 / 1624
Curb weight (kg): 1873
Engine: 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six
Horsepower: 241 hp @ 5000-6500 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1450-4800 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic with paddle shifters
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD (xDrive)
Suspension-Front: MacPherson struts, coil springs, adaptive dampers, anti-roll bar
Suspension-Rear: Multi-link, coil springs, adaptive dampers, anti-roll bar
Brakes-Front: Ventilated discs
Brakes-Rear: Ventilated discs
Fuel Consumption (City/Highway/Combined)- L/100 km: 11.8 / 8.4 / 10.3
Tires: Goodyear Eagle LS – 245/45R19
Article: Varol McKars
Test Drivers: Varol McKars, Basak Mc Kars, Burak McKars
Pictures: Varol McKars, Burak McKars
Test vehicle was provided by BMW Group Canada
For the most up-to-date and more detailed information, visit:
http://www.bmw.ca
