Initial reaction to the G30-generation BMW 5-Series has been somewhat mixed. Some have applauded the brand for maintaining a familiar exterior and interior design while others say it simply isn’t different enough to the model it replaces.
Wherever you stand on its styling, there’s no doubt that more important than its design are its underpinnings. It now rides on BMW’s CLAR platform and therefore makes use of lightweight materials. It may lack the carbon fiber of the 7-Series, but the chassis alone saves 70 kg (154 pounds) over the F10 5-Series. Translated on to the road, does this new architecture serve any benefit?
Well according to this brief review of the new model from What Car?, it does indeed and makes the vehicle surprisingly sporty and enjoyable to drive at high speeds.
Another interesting piece of tech that differentiates the new model from the old is the availability of rear-wheel steering which, according to this review, makes the latest 5er much more agile in the corners.
In all likelihood, the G30 will prove a sales success, but would you have it over the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Audi A6?