I test drove a G30 540i today and came away a bit underwhelmed. I know it’s a bigger vehicle that isn’t going to be light on its feet like the 3 series but I didn’t think it would be that much less. Coming from a G20 330i with both M Sport package and the Dynamic handling package (just adaptive dampers and M Sport LSD as additional sporting equipment essentially), the 5 series was much more geared towards a luxury ride. I have carved some serious corners in my 3 series in a way i could see the 5 just barging right through. But The B58 engine could go on for days compared to the B48 in my car. The ride was sublime and I felt I could easily take this on a weekend roadtrip. It has some great things going for it. So I am still debating whether or not it’s a worthy contender for my next car.
Maybe the M5 would split the difference better and give me what I’m looking for…
Those of you who have moved from a 3 series to a 5 series, would you recommend it? What prompted the switch?
But a big heavy sedan will handle like a big heavy sedan. Physics is physics and that 50-50 weight distribution doohickey the dealerships love will not change the fact that a heavier car will more quickly approach the limits of traction, and a larger car will not have the dynamic handling of a car with a smaller wheelbase. The 5 Series is designed more for luxury than a sporty drive. The B58 in it isn’t the sportier version, wouldn’t be surprised if the transmission is tuned differently too. More sound dampening, no artificial exhaust noises, more luxury materials.
My move from a 3 Series to my current 5er was from an E92 335i with a tuned N54, manual transmission, sport package, and an M Performance exhaust. It was fast and loud. My 5er is geared more towards comfort. It’s quiet but still quick. Better designed for highways than winding roads. I’m at a different point in my life and different needs and wants. I need more room in the cabin and wanted a car that’s still made in Germany.