2024 BMW 530i xDrive | Jalopnik First Drive

On this edition of Jalopnik First Drive, Jalopnik writer Andy Kalmowitz takes the 2024 BMW 530i xDrive out for a spin. For what the 530i lacks in power, it makes up for in prestige.

Having entered its eighth generation, the BMW 5 Series is all new for 2024, and for the first time, there are fully electric variants of the iconic sports sedan. While those electric i5 models are moving the 5 Series lineup into the future, the gas-powered 530i is quietly the most important model. After all, it’s the cheapest 5 Series you can buy, starting at $57,900 or $60,200 with xDrive all-wheel drive. Hey, you gotta start somewhere. It’s the type of car for folks who want the pedigree of a BMW sports sedan but want to save a few bucks in the process. I get it.

The engines for the 530i and 540i are carry-over, but other than that, just about everything is new inside and out even if it’s hard to tell. The outside of the new G60 5 Series is definitely an evolution, not a revolution. That doesn’t mean it’s not a handsome car; it certainly is. I’d go so far as to say it could be the best-looking vehicle BMW currently sells – and I, unlike many folks, am a fan of BMW’s current design language. It’s got a classic big German sports sedan look, and it’s hard to mess that up if you’re only going to make little changes.

Some of those little changes include the 5 Series getting bigger in every dimension. It’s a little bit taller, a little bit wider and a little bit longer than the outgoing car, but because everything is scaled proportionally, it doesn’t look much bigger at a glance. The new 5 Series is instantly recognizable as a BMW, and it lacks a lot of the more, let’s say, controversial design elements so many of BMW’s current fleet of vehicles have. Honestly, it’s the NPC luxury sedan, if you’re into that sort of thing.

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Drive free or die!

[AATom]

No wonder E34 and E39's prices are rising.

[SBM]

Why not test drive a car with the 6 cyl engine? 540i xDrive models are currenty on dealers lots.

[tyler]

So so much $$$ for a 4cylinder BMW. This one happens to have the B48 and your mom's X3 has the N20

[ron]

They forcing us to go electric with this 4cly engine

[vincentbarkley]

Why is this car so damn ugly. Then there is BMW reliability and depreciation. Who in their right mind would buy one?
The worst part is BMW used to know how to make attractive, high quality cars.

[bizzybezz]

Can I justify $74, 000 for a five series four-cylinder with that price? You can easily go and get a X5 with the in-line six or the X.3 M 40. it's just insane at this point lol. Not to mention they cheapened out with plastics, last generation has more leather

[ben]

Wow, so a car review without any reference to ride, handling, steering or brake feel. I’m feeling your niche…