2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2024 BMW 7 Series

The 2024 BMW 5 Series was designed with a focus on aerodynamics and modern styling, presenting a clean and minimalist aesthetic both inside and out. The 530i test car featured a prominent shiny grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, with the M Sport bodywork adding a touch of flair, especially when paired with the Carbon Black paint. Inside, the M Sport treatment continued with Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather, aluminum trim, and artistic metal speaker grilles, contrasting with the otherwise black cabin. However, the interior suffered from reflections and glare, complicating the use of controls. The BMW Curved Display housed most features on a screen, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console, though these were touch-sensing and could be frustrating to use. Despite these issues, the 530i M Sport exuded luxury, with advanced technology like the BMW Curved Display and iDrive 8.5 infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW 7 Series appeared more conventional than its predecessors, with a traditional luxury sedan shape from the windshield backward. However, the front featured a massive grille flanked by narrow LED headlights, making a bold statement. The car offered a wide array of color and trim choices, including two-tone schemes on the 760i trim. Inside, the cabin was less controversial, with beautifully made metal speaker grilles and seats available in various materials and colors. The interior featured a broad crystalline-looking strip with customizable ambient lighting and a rear-seat theater screen. The 7 Series offered a luxurious experience with options like rear ventilated and massaging seats and a panoramic sunroof with patterned ambient lighting.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i model, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system aided efficiency, and BMW estimated a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The engine was quiet and smooth, with an eight-speed automatic transmission providing nearly imperceptible shifts. The M Sport suspension offered a supple ride quality, and the car handled well on twisty roads, thanks to 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 and averaging 26.7 mpg during the test week.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series offered three potent powertrains, including the 740i, 760i, and the new 750e plug-in hybrid. The 740i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds with AWD. The 760i used a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 750e combined a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The 750e offered fantastic fuel mileage, rated at 65 MPGe (electric) and 25 mpg (gas) combined, though the electric range was less than claimed. The 7 Series handled like a sports sedan, with precise steering and standard air suspension, but lacked steering feedback.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, with a spacious interior and comfortable seating. The power-adjustable front seats were wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather, and the rear seats were equally comfortable, offering good legroom, headroom, and footroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones, door armrests, 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 allowed maximum use of available space.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series, available only as a long-wheelbase sedan, offered opulent comfort. The front seats were well-padded and supportive, with optional massaging functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 42.8 inches of legroom and door-mounted control screens. The rear executive lounge package added a lie-flat reclining seat, akin to first-class airline seating. The "Executive Package" included features like massaging seats and automatic doors, though the latter were finicky. The 7 Series offered 18.5 cubic feet of cargo volume for the 750e and 19.1 for gas-only models, with a pass-through for skis and a low load height.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single curved display, running iDrive 8.5. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and more. The Premium Package added a head-up display and Natural Interaction for voice and gesture controls. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) voice control was hit-and-miss, and the Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system did not meet expectations. The Premium Package also included Parking Assistant Plus with an exterior camera array and an interior camera for remote monitoring.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series featured a massive curved-screen display combining a 12.3-inch driver's screen with a 14.9-inch infotainment display, running iDrive 8.5. The interface was primarily touchscreen-driven, with customizable tabs for apps and info. The voice assistant was helpful but occasionally struggled with inputs. An 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo was standard, with an optional 40-speaker system. The 31.3-inch theater screen was a dramatic interior feature, though it blocked the rearview mirror when in use.

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 driving assistance systems, though the test car did not have this package. The lane-departure warning system was sophisticated, issuing alerts only when necessary. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it shared platform architecture with the 5 Series, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Premium package and Driving Assistance Professional Package offered additional safety systems, though they cost extra. BMW's systems operated smoothly and reliably, with unobtrusive electronic warning systems.