The seventh iteration of the 5-Series sticks with Munich’s current design language and is reminiscent of a scaled-down 7, only with more aggressively penned sides and a wider, lower stance than the previous generation.

Under the skin, though, it’s all change. The new saloon is based on the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform that makes extensive use of advanced, lightweight and even though it does without the 7-Series’ carbon fiber, total weight has been trimmed by as much as 100 kg (220lbs), 70kg (154 lbs) of which come from the chassis alone.

The suspension retains the double wishbone front and multi-link rear layout, but BMW’s engineers have changed its geometry and made extensive use of aluminum to further improve handling and comfort. Moreover, there are four different versions: the standard setup, the firmer sports suspension, one with electronically controlled dampers and, for the top models, the latter with active roll bars, too. 

At launch, the 2017 5-Series will be available with four turbocharged engines: two petrol units, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 248 HP for the 530i and a 335 HP 3.0-liter inline-six for the 540i, and two diesels, a 2.0-liter for the 530d and a 3.0-liter for the 530d (yes, the naming strategy is, once again, confusing…).