2024 BMW 530i xDrive: Executive Revival
The new 2024 BMW 5 Series takes a few steps back, giving us a new base powertrain in the 530i xDrive model. This new powertrain takes this midsize luxury sedan to a place that BMW abandoned years ago. With this new powertrain, thoughts of an earlier 2004 E60 model might appear this was the last time the 5 Series was propelled by a small engine.
What powertrain propels the new 2024 BMW 530i xDrive?
As the BMW 5 Series enters its next generation with the 2024 model year, the executive persona of old returns to this stately luxury sedan. The new base model, 530i xDrive, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
This powertrain hooks up with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver smooth shifting and easy driving. The small four-banger makes more power than last year’s model, returning 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Is this powertrain strong enough?
You might not expect zippy acceleration or speed in a car that tips the scales at 4,090 pounds. Still, this BMW sedan puts up some pretty strong numbers. Car and Driver reports the 60-mph sprint time is 5.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time is 14.2 seconds at 96 mph. Although these figures don’t make the 530i a supercar, they aren’t sluggish either.
The EPA fuel mileage rating for the new BMW 530i xDrive is 30 city/27 hwy mpg.
BMW makes driving even easier in this new 5 Series
BMW offers the option of the new Driving Assistant Professional, which is a hands-free driving system up to 85 mph. This system has a few tricks up its proverbial sleeve. One is a lane-change system that responds to the driver looking at the sideview mirror to make these changes.
Passengers in the rear seat can play games using the AirConsole in-car gaming setup. This system provides a 14.9-inch screen with 20 games programmed into the system, making the ride a little more fun.
Another cool feature is the Sky Lounge roof, a large glass overhead panel. The sunshades for this roof deploy from the front instead of the back. This is a little different in the new BMW 5 Series than in most other cars.
This BMW provides German complications
BMW has a history of overcomplicating controls and systems, which is a truly German thing to do. The new 530i could confuse some drivers. This new luxury sedan has creases and folds similar to the iX electric crossover, making it look smaller than it is. The quietness of the turbo four is impressive, but the feeling of a comfortable sedan is missing. Add to these challenges an infotainment system that makes driving more complicated, and you’ve got a car that could make you scratch your head.
