2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2023 BMW 7 Series presented a bold new design language for BMW's luxury lineup, featuring a distinctive front-end with an oversized grille and split lighting elements. Initially, the styling was polarizing, but it grew on observers over time. The two-tone paint options and style themes, such as the M Sport and M Sport Professional, allowed for customization that could dramatically alter the car's character. The profile maintained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end was more conventional, with horizontal taillights adding a touch of distinction. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern and minimalistic interior with high-quality materials, though high-gloss trims were prone to glare. The leather upholstery and optional cashmere wool-blend added a luxurious touch, and the Rear Executive Lounge Seating package elevated the rear seat experience to business-class levels.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series embraced a clean, crisp, and minimalist design, both inside and out. The 530i test car featured a large shiny grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, with the M Sport bodywork adding a touch of flair. Inside, the M Sport treatment continued with Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather and aluminum trim, contrasting with the otherwise black cabin. The BMW Curved Display housed most functions, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console. While the 5 Series exuded luxury, the touch-sensing controls on gloss black surfaces were less user-friendly. The 530i M Sport was stylish and plush, with advanced technology like the iDrive 8.5 infotainment system enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered two initial powertrains. The base 740i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The 760i xDrive, with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The V8-powered 760i xDrive impressed with its quick and fluid acceleration, while the brake pedal provided smooth stops. Handling was sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with a slightly stiffer ride. Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness, appealing to performance-oriented drivers.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The engine was quiet and smooth, with the eight-speed automatic transmission shifting seamlessly. The M Sport suspension provided a supple ride, and the car excelled on twisty roads. The 530i's performance was aided by standard variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted, akin to playing a video game. Fuel economy was below expectations, with the 530i M Sport returning 24.7 mpg on the evaluation loop.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered power-operated doors, though they could be frustrating to use. The front seats were comfortable with ample adjustments, while the rear seats were spacious, especially with the lounge seating option. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen added a wow factor but could cause neck strain. The trunk offered 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly larger than competitors. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and small door pockets. The rear window sunshade blocked the rearview, raising safety concerns.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, with comfortable power-adjustable front seats wrapped in Veganza artificial leather. The rear seat was equally comfortable, with good legroom and headroom. Interior storage was practical, with a tray for smartphones and a small bin under the center armrest. The trunk offered 18.4 cubic feet of space, though a spare tire storage box reduced cargo room. The enclosed trunk hinges maximized space, and deep wells on either side of the spare tire container were useful.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured iDrive 8, with a touchscreen, central dial, and voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, deeper menu navigation was complex. Voice controls helped but interrupted audio. The Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System was standard. Capacitive touch shortcut buttons required attention to use. The optional theater screen had inconsistent touchscreen inputs, and the iDrive system felt less intuitive than previous versions.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen under a single curved display. iDrive 8.5 included Quick Select, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The gloss-black touch-sensing panel collected lint and fingerprints. The Premium Package added a head-up display and improved gesture controls. The Intelligent Personal Assistant had mixed performance, with some impressive features but also notable shortcomings. The Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system was a reasonable upgrade, though sound quality was underwhelming. The Premium Package also included Parking Assistant Plus and an interior camera.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control was smooth, and the highway driving assistant reduced driver fatigue.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came with Active Driving Assistant, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The lane-departure warning system was sophisticated, and the lane-keeping assist was subtle. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.