While I understand sedans may not be the most popular choice for car buyers these days, I have a personal fondness for rear-wheel-drive sedans, especially the BMW 5 Series. So, for my latest automotive adventure, I decided to try something a bit different: the 2025 BMW 530i.
I'll do my best to remain objective in this review, but my own opinions will naturally shine through.
Built in September 2024 in Dingolfing, Germany, this particular G60 sports a Mineral White Metallic exterior and a "Black" (BMW's official designation) interior. Under the hood lies the 2.0L B48 twin-turbo, paired with an 8-speed ZF 8HP transmission. This mild hybrid, a rear-wheel-drive ("S-Drive") variant, generates 255 bhp and 295 ft-lbs of torque, propelling the car to 62 MPH (100 km/h) in a respectable 5.9 seconds, especially considering its 1,833 kg (4,041 lbs) weight. It's worth noting that while the US market recommends 0W-12 oil for the B48 engine, in the European Union, both 0W-20 and 0W-30 appear to be suitable options. The car rides on 19" "Triple Spoke" wheels wrapped in Continental ProContact RX tires (245/45R19 102V XL).
From a design standpoint, this is my favorite BMW sedan in the current lineup; it embodies a classic BMW aesthetic. A walk around the exterior reveals familiar elements: LED headlights and taillights, an active grille, and traditional door handles. The fit and finish are impeccable; the doors close with a satisfying heft and a solid thunk.
Stepping inside, the first thing that grabs your attention is the curved display shared with other modern BMWs. With its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, it dominates the dashboard and creates a driver-focused cockpit. The system runs on the Linux-based iDrive 8.5, which is remarkably user-friendly. I found it to be visually appealing, with fast response times and an intuitive interface. This particular 530i came equipped with the optional Heads-Up Display and Harman Kardon Premium Audio System, which further enhanced the driving experience. While I primarily used Android Auto for navigation and entertainment, BMW's own voice control system proved helpful for tasks like adjusting drive modes and operating the moonroof. Overall, the infotainment system is easy to navigate and offers a comprehensive suite of features, including convenient access to vehicle information like engine oil level and tire pressure. Even the Parking Assistant Plus system with its Reversing Assistant function works flawlessly, making parking maneuvers a breeze.
One aspect of the interior that truly impressed me was the two-spoke sport steering wheel. With its subtle flat design and thick grips at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, it feels fantastic in hand. However, I couldn't help but think it would be even better if wrapped in genuine leather instead of vinyl, a point I'll elaborate on later.
Another detail that caught my attention was the unique climate control setup. The air vents themselves are touch-sensitive, offering four distinct settings from 0 to 1. It's a surprisingly intuitive system, and I found it to be a refreshing change from traditional knobs or dials. Just below the touch controls, there's a manual lever for adjusting the direction of the airflow, providing a blend of modern and classic functionality. Furthermore, the window and lock controls, as well as the seat memory switches, the defrost button, and even the hazard light switch, are all touch-sensitive, similar to the air vents. While initially surprising, I found this modern approach to be quite intuitive.
Taking a closer look at the rest of the interior, I couldn't help but draw comparisons to the iconic E39 5 Series, which debuted when I was a teenager and epitomized what a BMW should be to me. Unfortunately, this new 530i falls short in some areas, particularly when it comes to attention to detail. Having driven a 2024 BMW X5 over 3,000 miles from California to Florida, I was a bit disappointed with the 530i's interior in comparison. The use of faux leather, especially in a midsize sedan with a $60,000 price tag, feels out of place. The window and lock controls, while functional, lack a premium look and feel, reminding me of a European market Volkswagen Polo. Even the classic dual center console covers feature a disappointing soft plastic finish, and the bland door panel tops contribute to a sense that some corners were cut in the pursuit of cost savings.
However, once you start driving, this is undeniably a BMW in every respect. The steering feel, handling, and braking are impeccable. While the ride might be a bit firm due to the sport suspension, it remains quite comfortable. I'll admit to not being a huge fan of the Auto Start/Stop system, but that's a minor quibble and not unique to this car or BMW. Switching to Sport Mode enhances the driving experience even further, with increased lateral support in the driver's seat and a noticeable boost in responsiveness. It's an absolute joy to drive, one that encourages you to push it further. Hearing the engine sing at WOT was music to my ears. On the other hand, I drove sensibly for the majority of the time and achieved a very respectable combined average of 39.2 MPG using Shell V-Power Nitro (93 AKI).
Despite the minor drawbacks I mentioned earlier, I thoroughly enjoyed my month and 3,100 miles with this car. The praise I received for returning it in "showroom condition" at the end of my trip was a testament to the positive impression it made.
I'll do my best to remain objective in this review, but my own opinions will naturally shine through.
Built in September 2024 in Dingolfing, Germany, this particular G60 sports a Mineral White Metallic exterior and a "Black" (BMW's official designation) interior. Under the hood lies the 2.0L B48 twin-turbo, paired with an 8-speed ZF 8HP transmission. This mild hybrid, a rear-wheel-drive ("S-Drive") variant, generates 255 bhp and 295 ft-lbs of torque, propelling the car to 62 MPH (100 km/h) in a respectable 5.9 seconds, especially considering its 1,833 kg (4,041 lbs) weight. It's worth noting that while the US market recommends 0W-12 oil for the B48 engine, in the European Union, both 0W-20 and 0W-30 appear to be suitable options. The car rides on 19" "Triple Spoke" wheels wrapped in Continental ProContact RX tires (245/45R19 102V XL).
From a design standpoint, this is my favorite BMW sedan in the current lineup; it embodies a classic BMW aesthetic. A walk around the exterior reveals familiar elements: LED headlights and taillights, an active grille, and traditional door handles. The fit and finish are impeccable; the doors close with a satisfying heft and a solid thunk.
Stepping inside, the first thing that grabs your attention is the curved display shared with other modern BMWs. With its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, it dominates the dashboard and creates a driver-focused cockpit. The system runs on the Linux-based iDrive 8.5, which is remarkably user-friendly. I found it to be visually appealing, with fast response times and an intuitive interface. This particular 530i came equipped with the optional Heads-Up Display and Harman Kardon Premium Audio System, which further enhanced the driving experience. While I primarily used Android Auto for navigation and entertainment, BMW's own voice control system proved helpful for tasks like adjusting drive modes and operating the moonroof. Overall, the infotainment system is easy to navigate and offers a comprehensive suite of features, including convenient access to vehicle information like engine oil level and tire pressure. Even the Parking Assistant Plus system with its Reversing Assistant function works flawlessly, making parking maneuvers a breeze.
One aspect of the interior that truly impressed me was the two-spoke sport steering wheel. With its subtle flat design and thick grips at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, it feels fantastic in hand. However, I couldn't help but think it would be even better if wrapped in genuine leather instead of vinyl, a point I'll elaborate on later.
Another detail that caught my attention was the unique climate control setup. The air vents themselves are touch-sensitive, offering four distinct settings from 0 to 1. It's a surprisingly intuitive system, and I found it to be a refreshing change from traditional knobs or dials. Just below the touch controls, there's a manual lever for adjusting the direction of the airflow, providing a blend of modern and classic functionality. Furthermore, the window and lock controls, as well as the seat memory switches, the defrost button, and even the hazard light switch, are all touch-sensitive, similar to the air vents. While initially surprising, I found this modern approach to be quite intuitive.
Taking a closer look at the rest of the interior, I couldn't help but draw comparisons to the iconic E39 5 Series, which debuted when I was a teenager and epitomized what a BMW should be to me. Unfortunately, this new 530i falls short in some areas, particularly when it comes to attention to detail. Having driven a 2024 BMW X5 over 3,000 miles from California to Florida, I was a bit disappointed with the 530i's interior in comparison. The use of faux leather, especially in a midsize sedan with a $60,000 price tag, feels out of place. The window and lock controls, while functional, lack a premium look and feel, reminding me of a European market Volkswagen Polo. Even the classic dual center console covers feature a disappointing soft plastic finish, and the bland door panel tops contribute to a sense that some corners were cut in the pursuit of cost savings.
However, once you start driving, this is undeniably a BMW in every respect. The steering feel, handling, and braking are impeccable. While the ride might be a bit firm due to the sport suspension, it remains quite comfortable. I'll admit to not being a huge fan of the Auto Start/Stop system, but that's a minor quibble and not unique to this car or BMW. Switching to Sport Mode enhances the driving experience even further, with increased lateral support in the driver's seat and a noticeable boost in responsiveness. It's an absolute joy to drive, one that encourages you to push it further. Hearing the engine sing at WOT was music to my ears. On the other hand, I drove sensibly for the majority of the time and achieved a very respectable combined average of 39.2 MPG using Shell V-Power Nitro (93 AKI).
Despite the minor drawbacks I mentioned earlier, I thoroughly enjoyed my month and 3,100 miles with this car. The praise I received for returning it in "showroom condition" at the end of my trip was a testament to the positive impression it made.
