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The 530i comes with a 248-horsepower turbocharged 2-litre inline four-cylinder engine used in lesser BMWs , while the 540i has a more potent 335-horsepower 3-litre inline six-cylinder engine . Other variants are scheduled to follow , including the M550i xDrive with a fire-breathing 456-horsepower turbocharged V-8 , as well as its Bizarro World opposite , the 530e plug-in hybrid with an estimated 248 horsepower emanating from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor .
While none of that seems too different from the 2016 5 Series , notable changes have been made .
Consider the optional Integral Active Steering , which steers the rear wheels for added agility and stability at speed . Less delightful is the Active Driver Assistant Plus option , which adds semi-autonomous driving assistance at highway speeds . It ’ s not that bad , I suppose , as it does take the pain out of rush hour stopand-go crawl by maintaining the vehicle ’ s speed for you . The system also regulates the car ’ s speed for highway exits and traffic circles . The car ’ s Active Lane Keeping
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The 2017 BMW 5 Series ’ steering is light and numb , spoiling an otherwise capable car that , when pushed , performs like a BMW 5 Series should
Assistant , however , proved truly devilish , steering the car forcefully back into the lane as you try to clip an apex through a corner . The “ ultimate driving machine ?” Only if you don ’ t order the Active Lane Keeping Assistant .
Of course , once behind the wheel , you might be surprised to find the driving experience prioritizes comfort as much as driving enthusiasm . The steering is light and numb , spoiling an otherwise capable car that , when pushed , performs like a BMW 5 Series should . Tackle the twisties and the car rewards you as you ’ d expect ,
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displaying an athleticism that its steering feel doesn ’ t suggest . The same can be said of the car ’ s compliant ride , which doesn ’ t telegraph its abilities , yet has them , as the car corners with the control and ease expected from a 5 Series .
Enhancing its quiet , comfortable , yet incredibly competent attitude is a quietly opulent cabin that spoils its occupants with iDrive 6.0 on a standard high-resolution 10.25-inch screen . BMW ’ s infotainment interface will provide hours of entertainment as you work through all of the adjustments offered , as well as optional gesture control , which was cribbed from the all-new BMW 7 Series . Wireless charging , Apple CarPlay , multicolor headup display , ambient lighting and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard . See ? I told you ; it ’ s enough to indulge your inner techie .
Well equipped , the 530i sedan will cost somewhere north of 60 grand , with a personality not unlike that of a shrunken 7 Series . While still very much a driver ’ s car , the 2017 BMW 5 Series indulges its occupants as well . And isn ’ t that what a great luxury sedan should do ?
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