BMW has been aggressively churning out more models and variants than we can think of.
The i3 and i8 electrified motorshows, and pictures of the M4 (the new M3 Coupe) stole limelight in almost every media. Then just as we welcome the 4 Series on our shores, there are already news on the all new 2 Series.
While the marque is busy filling numbers in its product lineup, there is no turning away that the 5 Series remains as one of the pride and joy of the carmaker. Besides topping the sales chart in its segment, the global seller is almost like the specialty dish in any restaurant - one that brings home the bacon for BMW.
In fact, the 5 Series is the second best selling model - trailing only the 3 Series in BMW's lineup.
Up close and Personal
Unlike the E-Class, BMW chose to give the 5 Series a rather conservative facelift. You will be hard pressed to spot the differences.
Most of the aesthetical changes take place up front, where the facet receives a slight botox for a cleaner-looking bumper and sleeker headlamps.
The i3 and i8 electrified motorshows, and pictures of the M4 (the new M3 Coupe) stole limelight in almost every media. Then just as we welcome the 4 Series on our shores, there are already news on the all new 2 Series.
While the marque is busy filling numbers in its product lineup, there is no turning away that the 5 Series remains as one of the pride and joy of the carmaker. Besides topping the sales chart in its segment, the global seller is almost like the specialty dish in any restaurant - one that brings home the bacon for BMW.
In fact, the 5 Series is the second best selling model - trailing only the 3 Series in BMW's lineup.
Up close and Personal
Unlike the E-Class, BMW chose to give the 5 Series a rather conservative facelift. You will be hard pressed to spot the differences.
Most of the aesthetical changes take place up front, where the facet receives a slight botox for a cleaner-looking bumper and sleeker headlamps.
The changes are just as subtle on the inside. On closer look, you will recognise the iDrive controller is now bigger, and it now has a touch-sensitive pad. The new feature, though, requires time to get used to.
The driver will also get a new TFT instrument panel - a feature first seen on the 7 Series. The screen will display the speedo and tachometer in three different designs - according to the driving mode selected - which are also more readable now.
The 5 Series inherits other user-friendly features such as the all-round camera parking aid, and contactless boot lid operation (with a swipe of your feet underneath the boot) - which can now work to close the boot as well.
The driver will also get a new TFT instrument panel - a feature first seen on the 7 Series. The screen will display the speedo and tachometer in three different designs - according to the driving mode selected - which are also more readable now.
The 5 Series inherits other user-friendly features such as the all-round camera parking aid, and contactless boot lid operation (with a swipe of your feet underneath the boot) - which can now work to close the boot as well.
The Drive
Underneath the hood of the 535i is an identical 3.0-litre in-line six powerplant found in the pre-facelift model. This means there is still 306 strong horses and 400Nm of creamy torque.
And we must say having sampled a variety of engines with great potency and newer technologies, the free-revving six pot from BMW is still a gem to behold. When stretched, the grunt let out by the six cylinders is hard not to fall for. But at the same time it is never too extreme for the cruiser, and gunning the throttle will hardly raise any brows or startle the old folks seated at the back row.
Despite being fitted with larger 19-inch rims, the 535i rides with aplomb. Especially when the chassis is preset to either of the two 'comfort' modes, the sedan easily eases out any undulations on the road, and at the same time insulates the occupants from the fuss and buzz of the traffic. And in those modes, the 5 Series certainly feel softer and more refined than before.
Be rest assured, however, that the 5 Series still has that sporting gene that will make it go as aggressive as it looks. Tune up the driving mode by a notch or two (Sport or Sport +), and the throttle feels noticeably sharper, the chassis tighter and resists rolls better when pushed hard through the corners.
Underneath the hood of the 535i is an identical 3.0-litre in-line six powerplant found in the pre-facelift model. This means there is still 306 strong horses and 400Nm of creamy torque.
And we must say having sampled a variety of engines with great potency and newer technologies, the free-revving six pot from BMW is still a gem to behold. When stretched, the grunt let out by the six cylinders is hard not to fall for. But at the same time it is never too extreme for the cruiser, and gunning the throttle will hardly raise any brows or startle the old folks seated at the back row.
Despite being fitted with larger 19-inch rims, the 535i rides with aplomb. Especially when the chassis is preset to either of the two 'comfort' modes, the sedan easily eases out any undulations on the road, and at the same time insulates the occupants from the fuss and buzz of the traffic. And in those modes, the 5 Series certainly feel softer and more refined than before.
Be rest assured, however, that the 5 Series still has that sporting gene that will make it go as aggressive as it looks. Tune up the driving mode by a notch or two (Sport or Sport +), and the throttle feels noticeably sharper, the chassis tighter and resists rolls better when pushed hard through the corners.
While we enjoy driving with a stiffer chassis (when it's tuned to Sport mode), we reckon the sedan is best enjoyed with the drivetrain settings left in comfort - so that we can have a smooth ride without the engine getting overly enthusiastic with throttle inputs.
Conclusion
Despite sporting very minor upgrades in the facelift model, the 5 Series retains the driveability and enjoyment - those that made it a hot favourite in the first place.
It may lose out in the novelty race when faced with the new E-Class, which wears a more comprehensive makeover. But for those keen in driving dynamics, there aren't many in the market that are as competent as the 5 Series.
And we think it will be here to stay - on the sales chart that is.
Conclusion
Despite sporting very minor upgrades in the facelift model, the 5 Series retains the driveability and enjoyment - those that made it a hot favourite in the first place.
It may lose out in the novelty race when faced with the new E-Class, which wears a more comprehensive makeover. But for those keen in driving dynamics, there aren't many in the market that are as competent as the 5 Series.
And we think it will be here to stay - on the sales chart that is.
