The seventh generation of the
BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972, succeeding the New Class Sedans, and currently in its seventh generation.
The 5 Series was initially available as a sedan, with a wagon/estate body style (market ...
consists of the BMW G30 (sedan version) and BMW G31 (wagon version, marketed as 'Touring')
executive car
Executive car is a British term for a large car which is equivalent to the European E-segment and American full-size classifications. Executive cars are larger than compact executive cars (and the non-luxury equivalent mid-size cars), and small ...
s. The G30/G31 has been produced since 2016 by the
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
** Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ge ...
automaker
BMW and is often collectively referred to as the G30. It was officially announced on 12 October 2016 and sales began in February 2017.
The fastback
5 Series Gran Turismo model from the previous generation is no longer part of the 5 Series model range, and has been moved to the 6 Series Gran Turismo nameplate. A long-wheelbase sedan version (model code G38) is sold in China.
On 27 May 2020, a facelifted 5 Series was unveiled. Although the 2021 BMW 5 Series is 1.2 inches longer than the 2020 model, many of the vehicle's other dimensions remain unchanged despite the styling redesign.
In 2023, the G30 5 Series is expected to be phased out in favor of the
G60 5 Series.
Development and launch
The BMW Head of Design during the development of the G30 was
Karim Habib.
Interior design was led by Daniel Mayerle.
The 5 Series saloon was unveiled on 12 October 2016 before making its public debut in January 2017 at the
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), also known as the Detroit Auto Show as of 2022 and prior to NAIAS, is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., at Huntington Place. The show was held in January from 1989 to 2019. ...
(NAIAS) in Detroit.
BMW created ''
The Escape'', a short action film featuring a 540i M Sport, to promote the G30 5 Series. ''The Escape'' was released online on 23 October 2016.
The 5 Series Touring was unveiled in February 2017
before making its public debut in March at the
Geneva Motor Show
The Geneva International Motor Show is an annual auto show held in March in the Swiss city of Geneva. The show is hosted at the Palexpo, a convention centre located next to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. The Salon is organised by th ...
.
The 5 Series long-wheelbase model debuted in April 2017 at the
Shanghai Motor Show
Auto Shanghai (), officially known as the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (), is a biennial international automobile show that alternates with the Beijing Auto Show (Auto China) as China's yearly international automotive ...
.
Its wheelbase is longer than that of the normal 5 Series saloon
and is exclusively sold in China.
Body styles
File:BMW G30 530e IMG 3862.jpg, G30 sedan (M Sport)
File:BMW G30 530e IMG 4327.jpg, G30 sedan (M Sport)
File:2018 BMW 520i SE Automatic Estate 2.0 Rear.jpg, G31 wagon
File:BMW 5 SERIES LWB SEDAN (G30) China.jpg, G38 long-wheelbase sedan
Specifications
Platform
The G30 5 Series utilises BMW's modular
Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform first introduced in the
7 Series (G11). The 5 Series' chassis is made from a mixture of different grades of steel and aluminium. The kerb weight ranges from , depending on specification.
Much of the 5 Series' body panels are constructed of aluminium, including the bonnet, boot lid, roof and doors.
Suspension and steering
The 5 Series uses double-wishbone front suspension and 5-link rear suspension
while Touring models feature self-levelling rear air suspension.
Active anti-roll bars (named "Dynamic Drive") are optional equipment.
All versions of the 5 Series use rack and pinion steering with electric power assistance. "Integral Active Steering" is an option on some models; and combines electromechanical four-wheel steering and a variable-ratio steering rack.
Powertrain
The 5 Series is offered with a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. It is also offered as a plug-in hybrid.
Up until 2018, 520d models were fitted as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the
ZF 8HP
8HP is ZF Friedrichshafen AG's trademark name for its eight-speed automatic transmission models (8-speed transmission with Hydraulic converter and Planetary gearsets) for longitudinal engine applications, designed and built by ZF's subsidiary in ...
8-speed automatic transmission is optional.
All other models, including the 520d xDrive, are exclusively available with the ZF automatic transmission.
BMW's
xDrive
BMW xDrive is the marketing name for the all-wheel drive system found on various BMW models since 2003. The system uses an electronically-actuated clutch-pack differential to vary the torque between the front and rear axles. Models with the DPC t ...
all-wheel drive system is optional on some base models and is standard fitment on top-of-the-line models.
Equipment
Compared with its
F10 predecessor, the G30 includes an updated BMW iDrive system with a higher resolution 10.25-inch display, a new heads-up display that covers 70% more area as well as selective anti-dazzle high beam headlights with a range of up to 500 metres. The 5 Series is also available with gesture control, new multi-contour massage seats, and a Driving Assistant Plus package that features
lane departure warning
In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...
,
adaptive cruise control
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an available cruise control Advanced driver-assistance systems, advanced driver-assistance system for road vehicles that automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. As ...
, a lane centralizing and vehicle following system and a collision warning system. 520-545 models with the M Sport trim and M550 models can be fitted with M Performance Parts. These include a splitter, side skirts, rims, carbon fibre mirrors and a carbon fibre spoiler.
At launch, the G30 is available in two equipment lines: Luxury Line and Sport Line, with the M Sport models becoming available in March 2017.
The main differences of these lines are color availability (for example, the M Sport models have Carbon Black metallic instead of Jet Black), wheel designs, as well as exterior and interior stylings. The Sport Line has been discontinued during the 2021 facelift.
Laser Headlights (LCI only)
BMW laserlight headlights are high-beam technology that not only delivers a brighter beam but adapts to the environment. Laser headlights function by using three small blue lasers pointed at a set of mirrors in the front of the headlight system. The mirrors focus the laser light into a lens filled with yellow phosphorus. Yellow phosphorus when excited by the blue laser emits an intense white light.
Luxury Line
In the Luxury Line, the car carries a classic luxury look with high-gloss chrome finish on exterior elements like the Air Breather vent, the radiator grille, the lower air intakes and the side windows surrounds. Inside, leather upholstery is standard, while the instrument panel is trimmed in Sensatec leatherette as standard. The dashboard as well as the door cards are trimmed in "Ridge" fine-wood finish as standard with other wood finishes available as an option. Standard wheels are 18-inch W-spoke or 19-inch multi-spoke wheels.
Sport Line
![BMW 5 series LCI Laser Headlights](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/BMW_5_series_LCI_Laser_Headlights.jpg)
In the Sport Line, the sporty character of the car is emphasized with high-gloss black finish on the Air Breather vent, the radiator grille slats, the lower air intake and side windows surrounds. Inside, combination cloth/leather upholstery is standard, with leather available as an option. The dashboard and door cards are trimmed in high-gloss Black with Pearl Chrome accents with other trims available as an option. Standard wheels are 18-inch 10 double-spoke or 19-inch V-spoke wheels. This line was discontinued after the June 2020 facelift for model year 2021.
M Sport Package
The M Sport Package has been available for order since March 2017.
In addition to the standard color palette (with the exception of Jet Black and Glacier Silver), the M Sport Package includes an exclusive color option: Carbon Black metallic. The front and rear apron styling are unique to the M Sport models, while the suspension is lowered compared the standard setup. Optionally available for the M Sport Package is the M Sport brakes with blue-painted calipers. On the interior, front sport seats in combination cloth/Alcantara is fitted as standard, with leather and comfort front seats available as optional equipment. Another unique feature to the M Sport models is the M Sport multifunction leather steering wheel. Standard wheels include 18-inch 5 double-spoke wheels or 19-inch 10 double-spoke wheels.
Engines
Petrol
Diesel
Special models
530e iPerformance
![BMW G30 530e IMG 4327](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/BMW_G30_530e_IMG_4327.jpg)
The 530e iPerformance is a plug-in hybrid variant of the 5 Series sedan. It uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine, in conjunction with a
electric motor
An electric motor is an Electric machine, electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Most electric motors operate through the interaction between the motor's magnetic field and electric current in a Electromagneti ...
, to return a combined output of and or 218kW (292 hp) and for the LCI model. At launch, the 530e had a claimed all-electric range of under the
New European Driving Cycle
The New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) was a driving cycle, last updated in 1997, designed to assess the emission levels of car engines and fuel economy in passenger cars (which excludes light trucks and commercial vehicles). It is also refer ...
. The
US EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent executive agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters. President Richard Nixon proposed the establishment of EPA on July 9, 1970; it be ...
estimated all-electric range was . The electric motor was powered by a 9.2 kWh
lithium-ion battery
A lithium-ion or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery which uses the reversible reduction of lithium ions to store energy. It is the predominant battery type used in portable consumer electronics and electric vehicles. It also se ...
beneath the rear seats.
With the 530e, BMW also began an experimental
wireless charging
Inductive charging (also known as wireless charging or cordless charging) is a type of wireless power transfer. It uses electromagnetic induction to provide electricity to portable devices. Inductive charging is also used in vehicles, power too ...
program. Testing was originally limited to Germany, but expanded other markets such as California. The system uses a 3.2 kW wireless charging pad that the car could drive over to charge the lithium-ion battery pack.
For the 2020 model year, BMW increased the lithium-ion battery capacity by about 30% to 12.0 kWh with 10.8 kWh usable. With the increase in battery size, the EPA estimated all-electric range increased to 21 miles for the rear-wheel drive version and 19 miles for the xDrive version.
The 530e iPerformance is offered in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (xDrive) variants.
Preordered 530e LCI models come without the hybrid blue inserts for the BMW logos and edrive badges on the sides, making them a rare spec.
545e xDrive
In December 2020, for the 2021 model year, BMW released the 545e xDrive, a more powerful plug-in variant. As opposed to the turbocharged inline-four engine in the 530e, the 545e xDrive uses a more powerful turbocharged inline-six engine paired with an electric motor. Total power output is 290 kW / 394 hp and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Like the 530e, it uses a 12.0 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Preordered 545e models come without the hybrid blue inserts for the BMW logos and edrive badges on the sides, making them a rare spec.
Alpina
B5 Bi-Turbo
![Alpina B5 Biturbo Touring IMG 0752](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/Alpina_B5_Biturbo_Touring_IMG_0752.jpg)
The
Alpina
Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG is an automobile manufacturing company based in Buchloe, in the Ostallgäu district of Bavaria, Germany that develops and sells high-performance versions of BMW cars.
Alpina works closely with BMW and ...
B5 was introduced at the
2017 Geneva Motor Show in all-wheel drive only Saloon and Touring variants. The B5 features a 4.4-litre N63M30 V8 engine that generates a maximum power output of and of torque. Based on the N63B44O2 V8, it has uprated pistons,
new twin-scroll Garrett turbochargers and new spark plugs by NGK. The B5 can accelerate from 3.5 seconds with a top speed of , making it the fastest estate car currently in production.
D5 S
![2018 Alpina D5 S 3](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/2018_Alpina_D5_S_3.0_Front.jpg)
The Alpina D5 S debuted at the
2017 Frankfurt Motor Show in all-wheel drive only sedan and Touring variants. The D5 S uses a modified 3.0-liter
B57D30 diesel inline-six engine. The engine has three turbochargers and is rated at and of torque in left-hand drive markets, whereas it has two turbochargers and is rated at and of torque in right-hand drive markets. The left-hand drive D5 S saloon has a top speed of and a acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. Alpina claims it is the fastest diesel-powered production car in the world. The
right-hand drive
Left-hand traffic (LHT) and right-hand traffic (RHT) are the practices, in bidirectional traffic, of keeping to the left side or to the right side of the road, respectively. They are fundamental to traffic flow, and are sometimes referred to ...
, saloon-only version has a acceleration time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of .
M5
![2018 BMW M5 Automatic 4](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/2018_BMW_M5_Automatic_4.4.jpg)
The M5, based on the 5 Series (known internally as F90) was announced on 21 August 2017 alongside the ''
Need for Speed Payback
''Need for Speed Payback'' is a racing video game developed by Ghost Games and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. It is the twenty-third installment in the '' Need for Speed'' series. The game was released wor ...
'' video game followed by a public reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2017. The car utilizes a 4.4-litre V8 engine rated at and of torque, and is the first M5 to feature an automatic gearbox as the sole transmission option, and an all-wheel drive system that can switch between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive mode. The M5 was initially offered in a "First Edition" trim that adds a numbered plaque, 20-inch wheels, matte red paint and white leather upholstery. A competition package for the M5 was announced on 9 May 2018. Deliveries of the M5 Competition began in September 2018.
Facelift
![BMW 5-Series G38 Li Facelift Shishi 001 (cropped)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/BMW_5-Series_G38_Li_Facelift_Shishi_001_%28cropped%29.jpg)
The G30 5 Series underwent a facelift and reveal in May 2020 (also called Life Cycle Impulse) in BMW Driving Center, South Korea. It was planned to be revealed at the 2020
Busan Motor Show
Busan International Motor Show (BIMOS), which first convened as the inaugural exhibition for BEXCO in 2001, is held biennially as part of efforts to promote the regional automotive industry and galvanize the local economy. The show has become an ...
, but was delayed due to its cancellation for the
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea
The COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 () caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (). The first case in South Korea was announced on 20 January 2020. The numbe ...
. Exterior changes include redesigned front and rear bumper along with new headlights and taillights and a sharper kidney grille design. The daytime running lights have been redesigned, now having a simplified L shape instead of the octagonal shape of the pre-facelift model, making the headlights slimmer. Adaptive LED headlights (previously a cost option) are fitted as standard (in some markets) with buyers having the option to specify the car with matrix LED or laser headlamps. The front bumper is designed to be more angular with the standard models featuring triangular corner air inlets flanking the center inlet, and the M Sport models getting larger intakes and a U-shaped contour leading into the headlights, similar to the
3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 Series and has been produced in seven generations.
The first generation of the 3 Series was only avail ...
.
At the rear, the taillights get the same L-shaped design as the headlights with the former getting 3D lenses and C-Shaped graphics which integrate the main lighting and brake light modules. A twin-pipe exhaust system with trapezoidal outlets is standard on all models with the base models housing them in grey surrounds while the M Sport models get more prominent contours for the exhaust outlets.
Newly added options include 20-inch two-tone aerodynamic wheels and new exterior colours which include Phytonic Blue, Tanzanite Blue, Bernina Grey, and Aventurine Red. The M Sport models also have the option of red brake calipers aside from the standard blue ones. A M Sport Donnington Edition would be available at launch which would be limited to 1,000 units.
On the interior, the basic dashboard design is retained with the biggest highlight being the new touchscreen infotainment system featuring the BMW iDrive 7.0 having over-the-air updates, Personal Assistant Voice Control, integrated Apple Car Play and Android Auto and BMW maps, which is a cloud-based navigation system featuring real-time traffic updates and an improved search function. The infotainment screen measures 10.25-inch as standard but with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system (which is standard in some markets), measures 12.3-inches. The 5 Series now features the Parking assist system shared with the 3 Series, it has a Reversing Assistant function that enables the car to backtrack where it came from. On top of this, the Parking Assistant Professional incorporates the new Drive Recorder function that can record up to 40 seconds of footage using various cameras.
The engine range has been revamped and features twin-turbocharging for all diesel engines along with optimized direct injection for petrol engines. The hybrid models get a 48-volt system which adds to the total engine output. The M550i gets the same engine from the
M850i.
Production
Production of the G30 occurs at the
BMW Group Plant Dingolfing
The BMW Group Plant Dingolfing is a network of BMW plants in Dingolfing, Dingolfing-Landau, Lower Bavaria, Germany with a total area of around 280 hectares.
The plant is the largest production site of the BMW Group in Europe.
History
The orig ...
in Germany,
and began in November 2016. All 5 Series long-wheelbase production takes place at
BMW Brilliance's factory in the Dadong district of Shenyang, China.
In addition, from March 2017, contract manufacturer
Magna Steyr
Magna Steyr AG & Co KG is an automobile manufacturer based in Graz, Austria, where its primary manufacturing plant is also located. It is a subsidiary of Canadian-based Magna International and was previously part of the Steyr-Daimler-Puch cong ...
began building 5 Series saloons at its factory in Graz, Austria.
Complete knock down
A knock-down kit (also knockdown kit, knocked-down kit, or simply knockdown or KD) is a collection of parts required to assemble a product. The parts are typically manufactured in one country or region, then exported to another country or region ...
(CKD) production of the 5 Series takes place in the following locations:
* 6 October City, Egypt
* Chennai, India
* Jakarta, Indonesia
* Kulim, Malaysia
* Kaliningrad, Russia
* Rayong, Thailand (
BMW Manufacturing (Thailand)
BMW Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is an automobile manufacturing company based Rayong, in the Rayong Province of eastern Thailand and a subsidiary of BMW Group Thailand.
History
The BMW Group Thailand was founded in 1998 as a subsidiary of ...
)
In November 2021 the M550i xDrive and 540i xDrive had an issue where the traction control interferes with acceleration fixed by over the air updates.
Safety
Euro NCAP
The 2017 5 Series received five stars overall in its
Euro NCAP
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is a European voluntary car safety performance assessment programme (i.e. a New Car Assessment Program) based in Leuven (Belgium) formed in 1996, with the first results released in February ...
test.
IIHS
The G30 5 Series is an
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a U.S. nonprofit organization funded by auto insurance companies, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle traffic collision ...
(IIHS) "Top Safety Pick+" for 2017. The Top Safety Pick+ designation is awarded to cars with 'good' IIHS ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests; 'acceptable' or 'good' headlights; and for having an option for a front crash prevention system with an 'advanced' or 'superior' rating.
Awards
* 2017 ''
What Car?
''What Car?'' is a British monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Huntingford and published by Haymarket Consumer Media. Other team members include deputy editor Darren Moss and test editors Will Nightingale, Neil ...
''s 'Car of the Year' and 'Best Luxury Car'.
*2017
iF product design 'Automobiles/Product Gold Award'
* 2017 ''
AutoExpress'' Executive Car of the Year
* 2017 EyesOnDesign Award for Best Designed User Experience
Notes
References
{{BMW cars: 2000s–2010s
5 Series (G30)
G30
Plug-in hybrid vehicles
Euro NCAP executive cars
Cars introduced in 2017
2020s cars