A little while back, I personally declared the new G30-generation 5 Series the best 5er since the famous E39-generation. I still stand by that claim. However, I may not have a lot of company. Car and Driver recently drove the new BMW 540i and, while they seemed to like it overall, seemed a bit disappointed in some of the driving aspects of the car.
Admittedly, C&D gave the 540i more praise than anything else. It received high remarks for its brilliant engine, fantastic interior and superb ride comfort (on adaptive M Sport dampers). These are all points we agree with, as the engine is the best in class as is the interior. The only that comes close, in my humble opinion, is Audi’s 3.0 liter Supercharged V6 which is a brilliant engine. And the only cabin that comes close is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class’ which is more luxurious but lacks some of the ergonomics and quality of the 5er’s.
However, the folks at C&D were a bit disappointed with the 540i’s steering feel. While its handling actually impressed them, besting their skidpad best on all-season tires (with the only cars in the class beating it wearing summer tires), they weren’t as pleased with the steering feel. The steering is extremely accurate and weights up nicely through corners, something they do mention. However, they felt that it’s completely devoid of any sort of feel.
When you compare it to the E39-generation, yes, it lacks feel. However, C&D mentions that BMW does this intentionally, though, as customers simply do not want steering feel anymore, they want isolation and comfort. So BMW gives them what they want. It’s just the way of the world. If you want steering feel, get an E39. If you want a modern luxury car that’s superb at literally everything else and handles very well, get the new G30.
[Source: Car and Driver]
C&D also complained about nose dive during braking and squat during acceleration. Have you observed these flaws during your ride?
One thing where BMW should get the stick, rightfully, is in the wild swings their products has seen in recent times. Atleast, as far as dynamics are concerned.
I fail to understand how EPS never became a problem in case of Porsche? They gave fine tuned and updated the same recipe over and over and still managed to keep the essence of its core intact.
This can’t be said about BMW. E39 was pinnacle. E60 was still way ahead of competition. Then, F10 went the other way totally. And now, G30 is somewhere in the midst of this (and never able to make a convincing case for itself when it comes to its own identity).
BMW should really decide what it wants to become. This jack of all trades and master of none approach will hurt it alot in the long run.
Lets accept it as a fact, other than its drivetrain there isnt a single characteristic of the car that is facing heat from someone or the other.
Lets accept it as a fact, other than its drivetrain there isnt a single characteristic of the car that is NOT* facing heat from someone or the other.
Sorry. I missed putting NOT there.
This is total Bullshit. BMW has not developed a single car with Electric Steering that has any feel to it whatsoever. This includes every modern M car. This is not what customers want, the fact is they simply don’t have good enough engineering when it comes to tuning electric steering. If they did, the BS excuse of customers not wanting it would make sense as the M cars would have it, and perhaps the more luxury models would not. It’s a lazy marketing excuse, pure and simple.
Absolutely agree.
I drive a 550i xDrive. The only complaint I have is the lack of feedback, through the steering wheel. That ruins, an otherwise, perfect choice for me.