New front and rear suspension systems make for a more nimble and well-controlled ride experience. The new Integral Active Steering technology allows electromechanical steering of the rear wheels for even greater handling and control, both at low speeds and high. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front but be careful as you may find the car turning more sharply than you may be used to. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the fronts for more control and stability. Braking is exceptional thanks to oversized rotors front and rear. All new 5-Series sedans ride on variations of 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels and tires. Our 530i tester arrived with 19-inch light alloy wheels with run-flat tires. The run-flats do add a bit of noise and harshness but the tradeoff for the piece of mind of being able to limp home safely on a flat is a good tradeoff.
Our tester also arrived with the Dynamic Damper Control that offers improved stability thanks to electrically controlling the anti-roll bars. Dynamic Damper Control also adds an Adaptive setting to the Driving Dynamics Control system. This setting allows the driving systems to automatically adapt to the each driver – and also to the route thanks to integration with the Navigation System Professional that accounts for the road up ahead.
Don’t like driving in stop and go conditions? Let your new 5-Series do it for you. In addition to the standard Dynamic Cruise Control system, BMW offers Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go mode that can basically drive itself. And speaking of driving itself, you can now drive your new 5-Series by remote control from outside of the vehicle. Right now that only works in forward and reverse parking situations but it is quite the sight and will really impress your co-workers. This is the perfect technology for when jerks park too close to your vehicle. Simply pull your vehicle forward or drive it in reverse via the oversized keyfob until the doors clear the other vehicles and you have ample room for access.
Some of the other technologies included or available are Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Side Collision Avoidance, Evasion Aid, Traffic Jam Assistant, 3D Surround View, ParkNow and On-Street Parking Information, and Wireless Charging that is also used for charging the flip-phone sized vehicle remote.
We finally make our way inside the 2017 BMW 5-Series and we find just as much technology and craftsmanship here as we did outside and under the hood. First on my favorites list is the massaging front seats with heat and ventilation. These are almost as good as a trip to the spa (and yes, you can get the Spa channel on the satellite radio). Next up is the gesture control that operates numerous items in the infotainment system including audio system volume. Simply spin your finger clockwise in front of the center console and the volume goes up – counterclockwise to reduce volume. Atop center dash is the new 10.2-inch high-resolution display for the iDrive 6.0 where nearly all electronic systems in this vehicle can be set or controlled.
We enjoyed the mid-range Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system in our 530i tester. Buyers can also opt for the range-topping Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system and there is an optional rear-seat entertainment system available as well. Seating is comfortable for up to five adults with very good leg and headroom in both front and rear seat areas. Trunk space has been increased for 2017 as well and the trunk lid is power operated. Overhead is a nicely-sized power moonroof and a power sunshade is offered for the rear window with manual shades on the rear doors.
