2017 BMW 5 Series: A First Drive Review
The 2017 BMW 5 Series represents a significant evolution for the marque․ It builds upon the legacy of its predecessors while boldly forging a new path․ This mid-size luxury sedan boasts a refined blend of performance‚ technology‚ and comfort․ Our first drive review delves into the intricacies of this impressive machine‚ exploring its strengths and weaknesses in detail․
Performance and Handling
From the outset‚ the 2017 BMW 5 Series impressed with its dynamic handling․ The responsive steering provides a direct connection to the road‚ allowing for precise control even at higher speeds․ The available all-wheel-drive system further enhances stability‚ making it a confident companion in various driving conditions․ Acceleration is brisk‚ whether you opt for the base engine or a more powerful variant․ The engine note is pleasingly throaty without being overly aggressive‚ a hallmark of BMW’s engineering prowess․ This balance of power and refinement makes it enjoyable for both spirited driving and comfortable cruising․
The suspension system strikes a commendable balance between comfort and sportiness․ It effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road surface‚ yet maintains sufficient firmness to prevent excessive body roll during cornering․ This makes the 5 Series equally adept at navigating winding roads and traversing long highway stretches․ The braking system is equally impressive‚ offering confident stopping power with a progressive feel․ Overall‚ the driving experience is one of refined athleticism‚ perfectly embodying the BMW driving dynamics philosophy․
Interior Design and Technology
Stepping inside the 2017 BMW 5 Series reveals a cabin that exudes luxury and sophistication․ The materials are high-quality‚ with soft-touch surfaces and meticulously crafted details․ The design is both modern and elegant‚ eschewing ostentatious displays in favor of understated refinement․ The seats are exceptionally comfortable‚ offering ample support for long journeys․ Ergonomics are excellent‚ with controls intuitively placed and easy to reach․ The driver-focused cockpit design ensures a seamless and engaging driving experience․
Technology is another area where the 2017 BMW 5 Series shines․ The iDrive infotainment system is intuitive and responsive‚ making it easy to navigate the various functions․ The high-resolution display is crisp and clear‚ and the optional gesture control adds a touch of futuristic flair․ The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures seamless smartphone connectivity‚ while advanced driver-assistance systems provide an extra layer of safety and convenience․ These features‚ combined with the superior audio system‚ create a truly luxurious and technologically advanced driving environment․
Infotainment System Deep Dive
The iDrive system’s responsiveness is a significant upgrade from previous iterations․ Navigating menus is quick and efficient‚ and the optional touchscreen interface complements the traditional rotary dial․ The system’s intuitive logic makes it easy to learn‚ even for those unfamiliar with BMW’s interface․ Moreover‚ the system’s integration with other vehicle functions is seamless‚ allowing for effortless control over climate control‚ seat adjustments‚ and other settings․ The inclusion of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures compatibility with a wide range of smartphones‚ a significant advantage in today’s connected world․
Exterior Styling and Design
The exterior styling of the 2017 BMW 5 Series is a testament to the brand’s commitment to elegant athleticism․ The sculpted lines and dynamic proportions create a visually striking presence․ The signature kidney grille is prominent but not overpowering‚ while the sharply defined headlights and taillights add a touch of aggression․ The overall design is refined and sophisticated‚ conveying a sense of both power and grace․ The available wheel options further enhance the car’s sporty aesthetic․ The car’s dimensions are well-proportioned‚ giving it a balanced and harmonious appearance․
The exterior design is not just about aesthetics; it also contributes to the car’s aerodynamic performance․ The streamlined bodywork helps to reduce drag‚ resulting in improved fuel efficiency and stability at higher speeds․ This attention to detail is indicative of BMW’s commitment to engineering excellence․ Every line and curve has been carefully considered‚ contributing to both the car’s visual appeal and its overall performance․
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
While the 2017 BMW 5 Series prioritizes performance‚ it also offers commendable fuel efficiency․ The engine options are designed for optimal power delivery while minimizing fuel consumption․ The available technologies‚ such as automatic start-stop‚ contribute to further fuel savings․ While not the most fuel-efficient car in its class‚ it manages a respectable balance between performance and economy․ Drivers seeking a sporty sedan that won’t break the bank at the pump will find the 5 Series a suitable choice․
Practicality is another aspect where the 5 Series excels․ The spacious interior offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers․ The trunk is generously sized‚ providing sufficient cargo space for luggage and other items․ The rear seats fold down‚ further expanding cargo capacity for larger items․ This combination of passenger space and cargo capacity makes the 5 Series a versatile choice for both daily commuting and longer road trips․
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Safety is a paramount concern for BMW‚ and the 2017 5 Series reflects this commitment․ A comprehensive suite of safety features is standard‚ including multiple airbags‚ anti-lock brakes‚ electronic stability control‚ and traction control․ Advanced driver-assistance systems are also available‚ enhancing safety and convenience․ These features include lane departure warning‚ blind-spot monitoring‚ forward collision warning‚ and automatic emergency braking․ These systems work in concert to provide an extra layer of protection‚ mitigating the risks associated with driving․ The advanced safety features contribute to a more confident and secure driving experience․
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Parking Assist
- Surround View Camera System
The intuitive design of these safety features makes them easy to use and understand․ The system alerts are clear and unobtrusive‚ yet effective in providing timely warnings․ This combination of comprehensive safety features and user-friendly design significantly enhances the overall driving experience‚ providing peace of mind on every journey․
Competitor Comparison
The 2017 BMW 5 Series competes in a fiercely competitive segment‚ facing off against established players such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class‚ Audi A6‚ and Jaguar XF․ While each competitor offers its own unique strengths‚ the 5 Series distinguishes itself with its balanced blend of performance‚ technology‚ and luxury․ Its dynamic handling‚ refined interior‚ and advanced technology features make it a compelling choice for discerning buyers․ The 5 Series often outperforms competitors in terms of driving dynamics‚ offering a more engaging and rewarding driving experience․ The combination of performance‚ luxury‚ and technology makes it a strong competitor in the mid-size luxury sedan segment․
The 2017 BMW 5 Series is a compelling package that seamlessly blends performance‚ luxury‚ and technology․ Its driving dynamics are exhilarating‚ its interior is opulent‚ and its technology is cutting-edge․ While not without its minor flaws‚ the overall driving experience is one of refined athleticism and sophisticated comfort․ It stands as a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess and design philosophy․ This vehicle represents a significant advancement in the mid-size luxury sedan market‚ offering a compelling alternative to its established competitors․ It’s a car that truly delivers on the promise of the BMW brand․
