In a world full of complexity, the new BMW 5 Series remains simple. Unlike the electric i5 and the overly heavy M5, both of which are complex in their own ways, the base BMW 530i doesn’t have to try hard to be a great luxury sedan—it just is.
For $58,895, you get a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with mild hybrid assistance, a luxurious, feature-laden cabin, a fun driving experience, and some tech you might not find elsewhere in this segment.
| Brief Specifications | 2024 BMW 530i |
| Machine | 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder Mild-Hybrid Turbo |
| Output | 255 Horsepower / 295 Pound-Feet |
| Speed 0-60 mph | 5.8 Seconds |
| Heavy | 4,090 pounds |
| Base Price / As Tested | Rp. 58,895/Rp. 68,445 |
The base engine produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. That's seven more horsepower and 37 more pound-feet of torque than last year, and improvements to the combustion process result in higher efficiency; the 530i gets 30 miles per gallon.
The 530i’s 2.0-liter engine makes ample power and does so smoothly. The base 5 Series takes 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph (identical to the electric i5). The mild-hybrid system provides a nice jolt from the line before tapering off in the mid-range of the tachometer, and while the 530i isn’t a speed demon, the 48-volt hybrid system produces enough torque to pass easily at speed. The eight-speed automatic, meanwhile, is smooth.
The 530i isn’t afraid to take a few turns, either. Instead of the overly complicated (but impressive) anti-roll suspension tech of the i5 or M5, the base 5er keeps it simple with double-wishbone front and five-link rear, with this car’s optional M Sport suspension ($3,000) adding adjustable dampers depending on the driving mode.
The chassis is responsive and the steering is excellent. Even with a fair amount of revving, the body movements are predictable. Compared with the xDrive models, the rear-wheel-drive car moves around a bit more in Sport mode (which automatically turns off traction control). The variable-ratio steering also doesn’t feel overly fiddly or jerky, as in some other BMWs. It’s well-weighted and lets you know exactly what the big sedan is doing.
Pros: Comfortable Ride, Comfortable Interior, Quiet, Very Efficient
Visually, the BMW 5 Series probably won’t win any awards for its looks. There are too many creases up front, the wheel choices are a bit sketchy, and the rear looks over-designed. And if you add the M Sport package (as on this car), the front bumper becomes even more pronounced with chunky black plastic. It’s not a look most people will like.
Most buyers, however, will fall in love with the 5 Series once they get behind the road. It’s as quiet as a bank vault; the four-cylinder barely makes a rumble, and the sound deadening produces few annoying thuds. The standard Veganza leather seats are plush; I can’t imagine why you’d want to upgrade to Merino leather ($2,450). And there’s more than enough room for two adults in the second row, with room for four more pieces of luggage in the trunk, thanks to its 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
BMW offers its hands-free Driving Assistance Professional technology on the base model, but it costs $2,500 more. Even without it, the 530i comes standard with Active Driving Assistant with lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. And it has standard adaptive cruise control—which works well on the highway, applying throttle and braking inputs without issue—but adaptive cruise with stop-and-go costs $650 more, for some reason.
At least you get BMW’s iDrive 8.5 infotainment system at no extra cost, which includes a 14.9-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. That setup has crisp graphics, a clean home screen, and very smooth scrolling. It’s only when you really start digging into the options that things get more complicated—but most of what you need is within a click or two. And BMW’s built-in “Hey, BMW” voice assistant makes it easy to turn up the temperature or adjust basic settings (when you want to listen).
Cons: The look is inconsistent, not sporty, and some options are expensive.
If you want more, there are plenty of upgrades available on the base 5er. This particular tester had the $3,000 M Sport package with a beefed-up suspension, 21-inch wheels, and plenty of M badging. It also included the $2,550 Premium package, which added remote start, a heated steering wheel, and Parking Assistant Plus—complete with remote parking.
The total cost of the BMW 530i is still quite affordable at $68,445. The Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are both priced similarly with options. The only competitor that’s cheaper to start and more affordable with options is the Genesis G80—but it lacks a few features.
The BMW 530i does a great job of not overcomplicating things. No, it won’t wow you with its performance or wow you with its luxury, but it has a good engine, a compliant suspension, a beautiful interior, and excellent handling on the road. What more could you ask for from an entry-level luxury sedan?
