2024 BMW 530

The 2024 BMW 5 Series is officially here, and while we drove the electric versions of this midsize luxury sedan last month, now it’s time to try out the first gasoline-powered version. Specifically, we just got behind the wheel of the 2024 BMW 530i xDrive, which is the all-wheel-drive version of the four-cylinder 5 Series. For those hoping for impressions on the 2024 540i xDrive and its boosted inline-six – a U.S. exclusive this time around – you’ll need to wait, as its launch is staggered behind the base 530i.  What do you get with BMW’s entry-level midsize sport sedan? Compared to the previous 5 Series, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is revamped and features mild-hybrid technology. BMW made improvements and optimizations to the intake ducts, combustion chambers, ignition system, fuel injection, camshaft control and exhaust gas routing. In conjunction with the mild-hybrid tech, all of BMW’s changes result in an improvement of 7 horsepower and 38 pound-feet of torque versus the outgoing 530i. That brings the totals to 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is up for 2024, too. Both drive versions achieve 27 miles per gallon city, 35 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined, amounting to bumps of 2 mpg in every category versus 2023. Don’t let those figures wash over you – that’s nearly the same fuel economy as a Honda Accord despite having 63 more horsepower and about 800 more pounds to lug around. Setting aside efficiency, though, hold the “boost” paddle (also the downshift paddle) for 0.8 seconds or more, and the powertrain will maximize the electric torque boost from the mild-hybrid for the best possible acceleration. Pair the engine with rear-wheel drive, and BMW claims a 0-60-mph time of 5.9 seconds. Meanwhile, xDrive models do the same sprint in 5.8 seconds, thanks to the extra traction off the line.  Those acceleration numbers are mighty similar to what you get out of the base i5 eDrive40. We drove the EV right after getting behind the wheel of the 530i xDrive, and can confirm the timing feels similar despite the very different ways these two 5ers deliver their power. The 530i doles out its torquey thrust via an eight-speed automatic transmission with smooth and speedy shifts. Maximum torque arrives at an early 1,600 rpm, though there isn’t much in the way of accelerative or auditory reward for holding onto gears to redline. While acceleration feels even more effortless and silent in the i5, the 530i’s engine takes on a muted gruff-and-growly theme through the abundance of sound deadening. There’s a great argument to be made for good-sounding gas engines being the more enjoyable drive partner than an EV, but that’s not the case here, as we prefer the i5 over this generally middling four-cylinder. BMW invites these sorts of comparisons by making both the gasser and EV take on the same form with nearly identical interiors. It can even be hard to tell them apart from the outside, but you’ll know it's the 530i …
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