2017 BMW 5 Series

BMW has unveiled the seventh generation of its 5 Series sedan for the 2017 model year. Between seats that massage, a motioned-controlled infotainment system, two new engines, a lightweight body and a spruced up exterior design, the allnew luxury is a high-tech, high-powered super sedan.

Highlighted by LED-lined, twin circular lights that stretch all the way to the signature BMW double-kidney grille and a short overhang, the front end is subtly sporty. The back side, low-slung and also decked out with LEDs, features either circular tailpipes to indicate a four-cylinder engine or trapezoidal ones signifying the six-cylinder offering.

Speaking of engines, the BMW 530i will feature a new 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder that cranks out 248 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque starting at an impressively low 1,450 rpm. The 530i can reach 130 mph or 155 mph if it’s the M Sport version. The new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder in the 540i can make 335 horsepower and produce 332 lb.-ft. of torque for an even more impressive rev range of 1,380 to 5,200 rpm. Both engines come with either BMW’s xDrive all-wheeldrive platform or standard rear-wheel drive.

BMW kept the dimensions largely the same for the redesigned 5 Series, increasing them only marginally from the 2016 model, but through the use of high-strength steel, magnesium and aluminum throughout the body and redesigned chassis, the German automaker was able to shed as much as 137 pounds off its mid-size sedan.

Sure, styling and mechanical upgrades are nice and, from the looks of it, probably accounted for a great deal of the cost associated with this redesign. But don’t think BMW skimped on other key features, like technology.

For 2017, the 5 Series adopts the gesture control infotainment system that debuted in the 2016 7 Series. This allows the driver to access and control navigation, telephone, entertainment and vehicle features by simply waving his or her hand in front of the control panel. Those who’d rather keep their hands on the wheel or avoid looking like a crazy person can also use their voice to access BMW’s iDrive 6.0 system.

In other iDrive news, the large 10.25-inch display screen can display up to six windows for the various infotainment features.

Up front, the sport seats can be electrically adjusted in as many as 20 directions, are wrapped in a wide variety of materials, held together with decorative stitching and, best of all, offer eight massage programs.

BMW also claims three adults can fit in the back seat and 18.7-cubic foot trunk can fit four golf bags—a very important statistic, of course.