2024 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is a midsize luxury sedan that competes with the likes of the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The current model has grown a bit long in the tooth, though, so the 5er gets a major redesign for the 2024 model year. It gets a refreshed engine lineup and all the latest BMW goodies, including the large curved screen we've gotten accustomed to in the 7 Series and all-electric iX. It's also receiving the latest BMW operating system (8.5) to better take advantage of all that extra real estate.

There's also an electric variant of the 5 Series for the first time, the i5, which we cover separately.

An all-new 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system powers the lower two trims, the 530i and 530i xDrive. BMW lists its power output at 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, increases of 7 hp and 38 lb-ft from the previous generation. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds in the rear-wheel-drive 530i. Upgrading to the all-wheel-drive 530i xDrive shaves off a tenth of a second.

The top-trim 540i xDrive gets a refreshed 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, which goes into production November 2023. It makes 375 hp, a 40-hp increase over the last generation. Its maximum torque is up to 384 lb-ft and can be boosted to 398 lb-ft with the additional power coming from the mild hybrid system, according to BMW. The Bavarian automaker cites a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.

We didn't have much of an issue with space in the previous 5 Series, but this new car should be a bit roomier than its predecessor. The 5 Series is now 3.4 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider and 1.4 inches taller. BMW also increased the wheelbase by 0.8 inch, which will likely improve rear legroom. The seats have also been redesigned, with sport seats as standard equipment and multi-contour seats available on other trims.

You can also get your 5 Series fully leather-free, which includes Alcantara-wrapped seats in addition to the steering wheel, for the first time. That treatment is also available on models with the more aggressive M Sport pack equipped.

Perhaps most intriguing is what BMW calls the Curved Display, which you can already find on the 7 Series and iX. The pair of screens, one 12.3 inches and the other 14.9 inches, visually combine to create an impressive, immersive environment. The latest BMW operating system offers additional digital content, including a range of video streaming options and even some limited in-car gaming features.

The BMW Interaction Bar, which debuted in the 7 Series, is an optional feature on the 530i and 530i xDrive. It essentially adds touch-sensitive control points for air conditioning and your hazard lights while also serving as a fancy light show.

The 530i and 530i xDrive both offer 18.4 cubic feet of storage in the trunk. That's slightly smaller than the 2023 530i (18.7 cubes) despite the 5 Series' growth in every direction. That said, the 2024 offers similar flexibility in the form of a folding 40/20/40-split rear seat and the trunk remains fairly generous in size.

Will the 5 Series' technological infusion hold our attention? We'll find out when we get behind the wheel.