2020 BMW 5 Series 530d xDrive 8AT AWD (286 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW introduced the seventh sequel of the 5 Series saga in late 2016, with deliveries starting in 2017, and four years later, in 2020, it refreshed it.

Known as the G30, the seventh generation of the 5 Series sedan was a significant step forward for those looking for a mid-size executive vehicle. While it was sharing most of its technologies and features with the brand’s flagship model, the 7 Series, it was also more affordable. Furthermore, it was sold with inline-four, fuel-efficient engines, which were unavailable for the car’s longer and pricier brother. Then, the 2020 model year came with additional upgrades that made it look even better and more appealing.

BMW didn’t want to call its refreshed vehicles “facelifted” but with a “Life Cycle Impulse.” It did that because sometimes the newer versions sported such small upgrades that some would need a keen eye for detail to spot the differences. In the G30 case, it was not. Its new LED headlights were slimmer and sported different daytime running lights. As an option, customers could fit them with the laser technology, which added L-shaped DRLs. The car’s kidney grille was available with black slats and chromed or dark surroundings. At the same time, depending on the trims and options, the lower bumper sported either a slimmer or a fatter apron with slim LED fog lamps.

From its profile, there were no significant changes, albeit since the front bumper was fatter, the car’s overall length had increased by 27 millimeters (1.1 inches). However, the wheelbase remained the same, and it didn’t need to be any longer than that. On the other hand, the details were subtle, such as the side fake vents on the front doors, which were either chromed or dark, depending on the options. Out back, the automaker installed new OLED taillights that made the car look wider. BMW also provided the vehicle with an M-Package, which included a different, sportier-looking rear bumper than the standard one.

Inside, the automaker slightly updated the interior. Atop the center stack was a 10.2-inch touchscreen for the iDrive infotainment system. A 12.3-inch display was available for the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional. The automaker provided the car with a few options for the front seats, either covered in fabric, Alcantara, or suede. In the back, the 40/20/40 split-folding bench seat was available as an option. There were also various options for the sound system and the number of USB ports fitted inside the vehicle. Four-seat heating with front ventilation was also provided.

Under the hood, the automaker offered a wide choice of engines, depending on the market. The base model was the 520i, which sent 184 PS (181 hp) to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic. In Europe and other countries, BMW also sold the vehicle with a fuel-efficient inline-four 2.0-liter turbodiesel. Mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions were also available, and so were the all-wheel drive (the xDrive) versions for most versions. Furthermore, the rear-wheel steering was on the options list, next to the adaptive dampers. As a result, the 5 Series could easily replace the base models of a 7 Series, but at a lower cost.