While some of its rivals have worked hard to catch up to BMW’s 5-series in performance and handling, BMW seems to have switched gears and taken a more luxury-oriented approach with its mid-size sedan. What was once a driver’s delight is now more of a boulevard cruiser—one with a posh interior, plenty of people and cargo space, and a range of efficient and strong-performing engines. When the M550i performance model was introduced for 2018, we were hopeful that the Ultimate Driving Machine was returning to the BMW showroom, but it too suffers from a mixed bag of dynamic traits.There are three new 5-series models for 2018, and they stand at very different points in the performance and fuel-economy spectrums. The plug-in hybrid 530e iPerformance offers up to 16 miles of electric-only range, the diesel-powered 540d xDrive boasts an EPA highway fuel-economy rating of 36 mpg, and the mighty M550i xDrive drops some muscle into the lineup via a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine. Base 530i models and the new 530e can now be equipped with the Dynamic Handling package, which includes adaptive suspension and upgraded brakes; this package also bundles active steering rather than having it as a stand-alone option. Last year’s Luxury Seating package for 530i and 540i models now includes Nappa leather upholstery, and full Merino leather is now available, as is a gray-colored faux-suede headliner and a leather dashboard. |
