2017 BMW 5 Series Photos, engines & full specs

After seven years on the market, the sixth generation of the 5 Series, the F10, had to be retired, and BMW replaced it with the G30, a model that looked like an evolution rather than a revolution.

The seventh generation of the 5 Series was unveiled by the German automaker in late 2016, with sales and deliveries starting in 2017. Even though its overall appearance looked like a heavily facelifted F10, it was actually a new vehicle from the ground up. Firstly, it used the CLAR platform, carried over from the brand’s flagship model, the 7 Series. Apart from a few engines and gearboxes, the G30 inherited nothing from its predecessor. Everything was redesigned and imagined to push the 5 Series into a higher territory. It was more elegant, had better standard features, and provided a more refined driving experience than the sixth generation of the 5 Series.

At the front, the 5 Series received standard LED headlights, leaving customers with the option for Adaptive LEDs if they craved something more. Thanks to these, the vehicle could light up to 500 meters (1640 feet) without dazzling drivers in the oncoming traffic. Depending on the options, the front bumper featured slim lower air intakes or taller ones for vehicles fitted with the M-Packet.

The car’s profile revealed the long wheelbase of the vehicle, complemented by short overhangs on both ends. An oblique fake exhaust adorned the front doors, making the elegant vehicle look sportier. BMW offered it with body-colored door handles and mirrors but with an option for chromed elements that adorned them. The low-slung greenhouse with the sloped-down rear window helped the car get an excellent drag coefficient between 0.23 and 0.26, depending on trims and options. Out back, the broad taillights extended from the quarter panels to the trunk lid made the car look wider, while the lower bumper could also be optioned with the M-Package that made it more aggressive. Most versions featured side exhausts, one on each side, emphasizing the sporty image of the G30.

Inside, the low-mounted dashboard sported the free-floating-looking display of the iDrive infotainment system placed atop the center stack. At the same time, the driver fronted an instrument cluster that was available either with analog dials or with a completely digital panel. The automaker designed the cabin with horizontal lines that amplified the cabin’s width, and it was large enough. At the front, there were three seat options and several other upholstery configurations. It started with fabric and ended up with a Merino leather (man-made) that was smooth and comfortable. In the back, the split-folding (40/60) bench seat could accommodate up to three passengers. However, the transmission tunnel obstructed legroom for the one seated in the middle.

Under the hood, BMW offered the 2017 5 Series G30 with a wide choice of engines, either gasoline or turbodiesel, depending on the market. Most versions were paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. At the same time, while some were available with rear- or all-wheel drive systems, others were exclusively provided with the xDrive systems that sent the power in all corners.