BMW 530d Luxury Facelift First Drive

Fastest-selling 5-series yet gets a mild facelift to keep it on top of its game

You can often tell how successful a model has been come facelift time. If the changes are modest, the car is selling well. And that’ll be the BMW 5-series; the sixth generation is the fastest-selling yet, with more than a million shifted in three years. But if the alterations are more substantial, it’s likely that sales are slow. And that will be the 5GT, whose awkward looks and slightly puzzling role make it a much slower seller. This is why it gets a rear-end restyle and repackaged accommodation.

BMW 530d Luxury front

But it’s the mainstream 5-series saloon we’re sampling here. It gets remodeled lights, indicators in its door mirrors and a re-sculpted nose to mirror the ‘hooded eye’ look of the 3-series. Some versions flaunt dashes of extra bright work, while inside the instruments appear on a digital, reconfigurable screen and there are detail décor improvements. The infotainment’s capabilities can be deepened with an iDrive controller that doubles as a mouse, and facilities for dictating texts and emails. Later this year there will be a self-parking system that requires no inputs of any kind, and a traffic jam assistant that allows the car to steer, accelerate and brake with no intervention from the driver at up to 19mph.

BMW 530d Luxury side

All engines are now Euro6 emissions compliant and have improved aerodynamics. And there’s an engine-decoupling coast facility to reduce CO2 emissions. There’s also an all-new 4.4-ltre twin-scroll turbo 550i V8. More significant to most buyers, however, will be the new entry-level 141bhp 518d, although its 119g/km emissions are the same as the new 520d’s. The 530d sampled here puts out the same 258bhp as before, with 15lb ft more torque and emissions 5g/km lower. The Five’s chassis has had retuned dampers for improved comfort and reduced roll and the electric steering has been remapped for improved precision.

BMW 530d Luxury control

These dynamic improvements are mildly apparent, although we still consider the optional electronic dampers to be a 5-series essential for a pliant ride. The revised steering is a little more precise, but you’ll need the Sport setting for the most consistent, confidence-building rim resistance; this brings with it firmer suspension and a much livelier transmission. Configuring these settings individually, Audi style, would be better.

BMW 530d Luxury back

The new 530 is fast, quiet and slightly more economical and delivers the effortless journeying that cars like this are supposed to be about. It also has a beautifully crafted cabin that can be packed with electronic convenience items if your wallet is fat enough. So no major changes – but then best-sellers don’t need them.