Published:
26 June 2024If you like the interior of the new BMW 7 Series, you will like that of this 5 Series.
Of course, the opposite is also true. Whatever your view, it is undeniable that this represents the greatest generational shift for the 5 Series’ cabin since the iDrive system’s debut 23 years ago.
Yes, BMW’s slide into the world of touch-sensitive screen-based controls and expansive high-resolution displays continues apace here. While the infotainment remains characteristically angled towards the driver, the only other tangible vestige of the old 5 Series is the rotary iDrive controller on the transmission tunnel, though even this is now rendered for visual impact, being in the style of cut glass, with angular facets if you ticked the box for ‘Crafted Clarity’.
Crystalline influence is also found on the convex dashboard. A strip of backlit plastic, which extends along the door cards, is from the 7 Series. On acquaintance it is quite arresting, and its colour-configurability results in a nice night-time ambience. However, in direct sunlight the smudges from any prodding of controls (for the door locks, air vents and headlights) are unsightly. The commands themselves are also not responsive enough. Even firing up the hazard lights often requires a second go. BMW is not alone when it comes to this sort of frustration, mind.
In terms of digital integration of common controls, thankfully the 5 Series doesn’t go as far as some. Wing mirrors, volume, gear selector – all remain in the realm of things you can twist or push. However, climate controls are almost entirely digital, and while the useful shortcuts that surround the iDrive rotary remain, they are harder to press at a glance. Indeed, all testers found they had to look away from the road more than was desirable.
