[Mattl0806]

Hi Everyone,

Quick question for some..

It seems those who have a g60 like them.

For those of you who went from a g30 to a g60 - is there anyone who really regrets it?

Let’s Eliminate the obvious and not model generation specific reasons, for example I went from a 540 to a 530 and regret the lack of power.. or I switched from ice to ev and regret the charging etc…

Thanks in advance!

[bimmer6655]

Myself from G30(530e) to G60 (i5 M60)
None of any point to regret with.
Just some annoy and need to adapt myself in the beginning that G60 soft-closed door are disappeared

[xmanpro]

There’s no soft close doors?!?!?

[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by xmanpro

There’s no soft close doors?!?!?

There appear to be a number of items no longer available on the 5s, most likely to distance it more from the 7. It is very unlikely that a 5 buyer will jump to a 7 these days, especially since there is no longer a SWB 7.

[elbmw]

Originally Posted by xmanpro

There’s no soft close doors?!?!?

Soft close doors? Freaking door sills are now optional and only available as a part of "BMW performance parts" catalog.

I switched from G30 540 ix to i5 40e, overall I do like the new car but there are still a few annoyances such as steering feel, somewhat cheaper cabin materials and user interface. I'm used to the touch screen already but what I can't get over is a few extra steps I have to take almost every day.

Want to turn on the parking lights? Press the lights haptic button, THEN press a button on the main screen to confirm.

Want to adjust seat width? Press the haptic seat button, THEN adjust the width by sliding arrows on the main screen. What happened to all the seat controls which were installed at the seat base for decades, which worked fine and were intuitive to use?

Want seat or steering heat on? Press a button on the main screen, THEN choose what exactly you want on, and THEN choose the heat level.

And I definitely miss the 8 shortcut buttons.

I just don't understand the need for all these extra steps, let alone the fact that you are getting distracted from driving.

[LVBMW]

Originally Posted by elbmw

Soft close doors? Freaking door sills are now optional and only available as a part of "BMW performance parts" catalog.

I switched from G30 540 ix to i5 40e, overall I do like the new car but there are still a few annoyances such as steering feel, somewhat cheaper cabin materials and user interface. I'm used to the touch screen already but what I can't get over is a few extra steps I have to take almost every day.

Want to turn on the parking lights? Press the lights haptic button, THEN press a button on the main screen to confirm.

Want to adjust seat width? Press the haptic seat button, THEN adjust the width by sliding arrows on the main screen. What happened to all the seat controls which were installed at the seat base for decades, which worked fine and were intuitive to use?

Want seat or steering heat on? Press a button on the main screen, THEN choose what exactly you want on, and THEN choose the heat level.

And I definitely miss the 8 shortcut buttons.

I just don't understand the need for all these extra steps, let alone the fact that you are getting distracted from driving.

Have you tried using voice commands? They work very well.

[COBodom]

Had two G30s, 540, pre and post LCI. Now 5k miles into 540 G60.

Overall great car, love the handling, dynamics and angular design.

Two items that continue to bother me in the car:

1. Low quality materials and "de-contenting" as compared to G30. This was brought up gazillion times on this forum so won't go into details. Appears BMW takes 5 steps forward and 3 steps backwards with this generation.

2. Physical buttons and knobs would work much better for frequently used functions. It feels like tech for tech. Borderline, safety hazard (NCAP 2026 proposal is a good idea). Either bring buttons or improve this poor attempt at NLP.

In short, regrets? No, but it certainly does not feel like going from F10 to G30 felt where everything was just much better.

[Ossian]

Currently have a 2018 G30 530e, and I take delivery of my I5 M60 tomorrow. I did quite a few test drives trying to decide between the I4 and the I5, and to LVBM's point, my experience of the I5 changed quite a bit when I began using voice commands. I agree with the complaints around removal of physical buttons, but the voice implementation is quite good and very responsive -- even changing drive modes -- it's clear that BMW wants you to interact primarily via voice, but I understand that it isn't everyone's preference.

I'll let you know how I feel about it once I've owner the I5 for a few weeks, but I can tell you that with each test drive, I was less and less happy to return to my G30. While the cabin is better finished in the G30, it is starting to look dated and I've already become a big fan of ID 8.5 after driving my wife's X50e.

Beyond the interior/feature cost-cutting, I prefer everything else about the I5 over the G30. I'm shocked to hear myself say that, because I initially thought it was flat out fugly, but I have come to really like the exterior design -- that happened to me with the G30 as well - I did not love the look at first, but it absolutely grew on me. The driving dynamics of the I5 are vastly superior to my 530e (might be a different story if I was coming from an M550i) and the EV power delivery is addictive. I've been driving PHEV's for years now, so I am already (mostly) over missing the sound of an ICE. I also find the I5 ride more composed, and the rear-axle steering is amazing for those of us in more urban areas making tight turns. I'm confident that I will not really miss the G30, but I'll check back and let you know!

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

There appear to be a number of items no longer available on the 5s, most likely to distance it more from the 7. It is very unlikely that a 5 buyer will jump to a 7 these days, especially since there is no longer a SWB 7.

I actually made the jump from a 2024 i5 M60 to a 2024 i7 60 M Sport.

Loved my i5 (but I could not deal with black) and I missed a lot of the "luxury" touches that the new 5 is lacking.

The i5 drives amazing, and I had a 2022 5 Series, so I am really versed on both 5 Series models. G30 interior appointments felt more BMW lux, but the G60 drive and feel is to me much better.

One sit in the new 7 Series seats, and it is almost an instant game over, take my money moment The i7 seats are more supportive, more comfortable and plusher than Rolls-Royce or Bentley!

[elbmw]

Originally Posted by LVBMW

Have you tried using voice commands? They work very well.

Voice commands don't work for lights or seat adjustments.

Pressing a button in G30 was still quicker and easier for me than saying "Hey BMW, turn on seat/steering wheel heat"

IMO, G30's user interface was a perfect blend of traditional and new - you could use buttons, voice commands or touch screen.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

I actually made the jump from a 2024 i5 M60 to a 2024 i7 60 M Sport.

Loved my i5 (but I could not deal with black) and I missed a lot of the "luxury" touches that the new 5 is lacking.

The i5 drives amazing, and I had a 2022 5 Series, so I am really versed on both 5 Series models. G30 interior appointments felt more BMW lux, but the G60 drive and feel is to me much better.

One sit in the new 7 Series seats, and it is almost an instant game over, take my money moment The i7 seats are more supportive, more comfortable and plusher than Rolls-Royce or Bentley!

One of my friends when to look at an i5 and came home with an i7. Out of my price range for sure.

[COBodom]

100% agreed with elbmw

Voice recognition hasn't really improved between G30 and G60, sure they added some new commands but recognition is still clumsy and far from something like google or alexa. Unfortunately, in G60 we now dont really have physical buttons so its either the LCD screens and menus, touching glass-like surfaces (aka new buttons) or voice commands.

Also...trying to get a voice command to work with passengers in the car is a lotta fun.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by COBodom

100% agreed with elbmw

Voice recognition hasn't really improved between G30 and G60, sure they added some new commands but recognition is still clumsy and far from something like google or alexa. Unfortunately, in G60 we now dont really have physical buttons so its either the LCD screens and menus, touching glass-like surfaces (aka new buttons) or voice commands.

Also...trying to get a voice command to work with passengers in the car is a lotta fun.

Especially, when you are talking about BMWs with a passenger. The car always tries to answer you. My son did say STFU and it turned her off. He also gestures a lot with his hands and is always changing radio stations.

[Ossian]

Originally Posted by Ossian

Currently have a 2018 G30 530e, and I take delivery of my I5 M60 tomorrow. I did quite a few test drives trying to decide between the I4 and the I5, and to LVBM's point, my experience of the I5 changed quite a bit when I began using voice commands. I agree with the complaints around removal of physical buttons, but the voice implementation is quite good and very responsive -- even changing drive modes -- it's clear that BMW wants you to interact primarily via voice, but I understand that it isn't everyone's preference.

I'll let you know how I feel about it once I've owner the I5 for a few weeks, but I can tell you that with each test drive, I was less and less happy to return to my G30. While the cabin is better finished in the G30, it is starting to look dated and I've already become a big fan of ID 8.5 after driving my wife's X50e.

Beyond the interior/feature cost-cutting, I prefer everything else about the I5 over the G30. I'm shocked to hear myself say that, because I initially thought it was flat out fugly, but I have come to really like the exterior design -- that happened to me with the G30 as well - I did not love the look at first, but it absolutely grew on me. The driving dynamics of the I5 are vastly superior to my 530e (might be a different story if I was coming from an M550i) and the EV power delivery is addictive. I've been driving PHEV's for years now, so I am already (mostly) over missing the sound of an ICE. I also find the I5 ride more composed, and the rear-axle steering is amazing for those of us in more urban areas making tight turns. I'm confident that I will not really miss the G30, but I'll check back and let you know!

Okay, a follow-up after two days of G60 ownership -- as I watch Carvana haul away the G30...

Things I will miss about the G30

• Control buttons. I think most of us agree on this, and I blame Elon for starting this horrible trend. No one asked for this, though I'm sure the manufacturers are loving the cost savings. At best, it slightly reduces usability - at worst, it creates a distraction hazard.
• Overall interior design and quality. Though it looks a bit dated, it is a nicely designed interior, and the quality was what I'd expect at the price point. The G60 interior is fine -- I like it -- but aspects feel like maybe they were rushed and it absolutely feels like a transitional design. Actually, it's less about the design than the quality cuts: no cubby to the left of steering wheel, no seat back pockets, door cards and ar rests are flat out cheap, an abundance of piano black plastic around key interface points, no lining in door pockets -- these aren't huge issues, but they are annoyances at this price point and they compromise the level of luxury finish. Oh - one more - plastic airbag cover on an otherwise good M-sport steering wheel -- this one really does piss me off.
• De-featuring: I list this separately from quality, though I assume they both have their roots either in cost-cutting or lingering supply chain issues. Everyone knows the list: no soft-close doors, multifunction massage seats, fully-opening sunroof, rear comfort access.Again, frustrating at this price point, but I bet that they appear in a future model year -- my wife's 2024 LCI X5 refresh has all of them (except the sunroof)

Overall I have really enjoyed and appreciated my G30, even though it was never a particularly sporty or dynamic car. It had a fantastic design that I think looked great across all trims, levels, and colors. It was a good enough car to keep me happy for almost 7 years -- that's not bad.

That said, even after only two days with the G60, I am entirely sure that I won't miss my G30.

I'll admit, it took a couple of long test drives to win me over, but for me the G60 is a big step up in many ways. Honestly, I think I was negatively swayed a bit by some of the YouTube reviews that I watched early. I rarely end up agreeing with most reviewers once all's said and done...

Things I love about the G60

• Power delivery: I will absolutely never need more speed and torque than what's delivered here. Hell, I don't actually NEED what it has, I just enjoy it. a sub 3-second 0-60 time would not increase my enjoyment. This thing is rapid, and it pulls all the way through.
• Exterior design: I've done a complete 180 on this. I really disliked the G60 when I first saw it. I parked it next to my G30 when I got it home, and realized that I am coming to prefer the more angular and aggressive G60 exterior. The G30 is extremely classy and pleasant looking -- great design that still holds up. But for my purposes, it always felt too soft. I bought it because I needed something comfortable to drive a relative with cancer on long road trips for treatment, and it was great for that, but I personally appreciate a more aggressive design. I went with carbon black with red calipers, and with dark tint I absolutely love the look of it. I'm also noticing people checking it out as I drive by -- the G30 felt invisible by contrast.
• No beaver-tooth grill! That's one BMW styling cue that will never win me over -- I'm grateful they kept to the kidney on the G60.
• Chassis dynamics and ride: this is a much more composed and dynamic car than my G30 (which had M-Sport adaptive suspension). Especially given the insane weight. You can't escape the overall mass, but the BMW engineers did a brilliant job with this chassis, especially given the fact that it's a shared platform. The powered anti-roll bars weren't available, but I'm entirely thrilled with the ride and handling compared to my G30 - I am enjoying this far more. I realize that it's not fair to compare the 530e with the M60, but I never drove the M550i so I can't speak to that car's dynamics.At any rate, I feel like the damping is excellent even on bad roads, the body roll is minimal, and it hides it's weight as much as that is possible for such a beast. Rear-axle-steering is something I never knew I needed, but wow, I really appreciate it.
• Comfort: While I miss the multi-function seats, these new seats are excellent, and I had no problem at all dialing in a position. I also like that the tigh extension isn't a separate piece that collects direct. The cabin is very quiet, and the ergonomics are as good as they can be given the lack of physical controls.Rear seat comfort was better in the G30 - I think that's because the battery raises the floor and I feel like my thights are lifted off the cushion as a result.
• I Drive 8.5: personal preference, but I am a fan of this version relative to previous ones, and I appreciate the curved screen rather than a tablet-like center screen. It's also handy that it matches the system in my wife's X5, so she will now have no issues when she has to drive the I5.

So, overall I have zero regrets as I watch my G30 get hauled off. It was a pleasant, if unexciting, car, and was far more reliable than I typically expected from BMW.

I'm absolutely enjoying the I5 M60, and I am confident that I'll forget about the lack of seat back pockets and door handle stitching after a week or two.

That said, this still feels 100% like transitional tech and design to me, so I leased it, which I never do -- I prefer to buy and hold for at least 6 or 7 years. For my purposes and driving, EV's make total sense. I'm worried, though, that the IX is the first real indicator of what Neue Klasse designs have in store, and I am not a fan. Hoping it ill grow on me over time, but I'm not sure that it will. I'm pretty curious to see what the overall market will look like in 3 years...

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Ossian

Okay, a follow-up after two days of G60 ownership — as I watch Carvana haul away the G30...

Things I will miss about the G30

[LIST][*]Control buttons. I think most of us agree on this, and I blame Elon for starting this horrible trend. No one asked for this, though I'm sure the manufacturers are loving the cost savings. At best, it slightly reduces usability - at worst, it creates a distraction hazard.[*]Overall interior design and quality. Though it looks a bit dated, it is a nicely designed interior, and the quality was what I'd expect at the price point. The G60 interior is fine — I like it — but aspects feel like maybe they were rushed and it absolutely feels like a transitional design. Actually, it's less about the design than the quality cuts: no cubby to the left of steering wheel, no seat back pockets, door cards and ar rests are flat out cheap, an abundance of piano black plastic around key interface points, no lining in door pockets — these aren't huge issues, but they are annoyances at this price point and they compromise the level of luxury finish. Oh - one more - plastic airbag cover on an otherwise good M-sport steering wheel — this one really does piss me off.[*]De-featuring: I list this separately from quality, though I assume they both have their roots either in cost-cutting or lingering supply chain issues. Everyone knows the list: no soft-close doors, multifunction massage seats, fully-opening sunroof, rear comfort access.Again, frustrating at this price point, but I bet that they appear in a future model [...]

Thank you for the detailed write up! It appears the overwhelming feedback is that the drive is the biggest upgrade which helps you forget about the crappy materials and lack of buttons. Also, the more modern exterior / interior seems to be liked by all even if not at first sight. I do agree the interior is much more up to todays design language and the g30s and pre-Lci g05 x5s are now looking dated to me.

I need to get over an drive one of these soon since it seems to be a nice step up, curious to see.

[Ossian]

A couple of other quick points Mattl0806 :

Not sure which G30 you are coming from, but the 2.0 L 4 cylinder in my 530e suffered from tremendous turbo lag when the hybrid battery was depleted, and I know it shared an engine with the 530i. It's such a relief to be 100% lag free now. Much less of an issue if you're coming fro the 540i or M550i, obviously.

Also, the Bowers & Wilkins is a massive upgrade over the HK I had in the G30.

[CarlosM4]

It all depends on what you prioritize in a car.

In the F10 and G30, BMW had moved the 5 Series in the direction of the 7 Series. In the G60, they moved it further way, because as was expected the F10 and G30, took away a lot of 7-Series sales.

The G30 is a more sophisticated car be no doubt about it. It had more luxury oriented features, it had that beautiful all aluminum chassis and suspension, it had a very nice interior and quality, especially with the extended leather option.

The G60 is a step back in those aspects, but its newer tech. Therefore engines will be slightly better, transmission slightly better (better software and integration to the engine), suspension will be slightly better, in the sum of its parts, it will be a better vehicle in many aspects. It still has an incredibly rigid and well built chassis, and definitely has improvements in seats, interior and boot space.

The tech gadgets in the G60 are awesome, but yeah, it does take some getting used to.

I for one as a F90/G30 M5 owner, was very disappointed with the new M5 (what a heavy overweight lump), but to me the weight penalty from less sophisticated materials and larger body (and in the case of the M5 the hybrid system), would be far less noticeable in the non M versions especially as BMW has improved in other chassis components.

Overall the G60 is still a great car. Is it the best in the class? I don't know. Is it better than a G30? Probably for most people who want the latest and newest.

[CarlosM4]

Originally Posted by Ossian

A couple of other quick points Mattl0806 :

Not sure which G30 you are coming from, but the 2.0 L 4 cylinder in my 530e suffered from tremendous turbo lag when the hybrid battery was depleted, and I know it shared an engine with the 530i. It's such a relief to be 100% lag free now. Much less of an issue if you're coming fro the 540i or M550i, obviously.

Also, the Bowers & Wilkins is a massive upgrade over the HK I had in the G30.

I owned a 330e which is the same powertrain. Be it G30 or G60, the 30e powertrain is not designed for such heavy cars once the battery is depleted (unless you go f.... it on Xtraboost but then fuel consumption becomes atrocious).

My 330e G20 was horrendously slow in Hybrid mode once the battery ended. Why? It is a 184hp powerhouse with no assistance for 1700kg. The G60 will be the same.

Only way to fix that is to use Xtraboost where the generator powers the batteries and keeps delivering the goods once the battery is out. Or use the kickdown and Sport as well

[Deho]

Originally Posted by CarlosM4

I owned a 330e which is the same powertrain. Be it G30 or G60, the 30e powertrain is not designed for such heavy cars once the battery is depleted.

My 330e G20 was horrendously slow in Hybrid mode once the battery ended.

I owned and drove a G30 530e for a while and NEVER felt the car was slower when the battery was "depleted" (it never is completely depleted, it keeps a reserve to assist the ICE).

I'm not saying you are lying, as you may be way more sensitive than me to a small change in performance, but I just wanted to set the record straight for customers who may consider the PHEV offerings from BMW.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Deho

I owned and drove a G30 530e for a while and NEVER felt the car was slower when the battery was "depleted" (it never is completely depleted, it keeps a reserve to assist the ICE).

I'm not saying you are lying, as you may be way more sensitive than me to a small change in performance, but I just wanted to set the record straight for customers who may consider the PHEV offerings from BMW.

This is my understanding with the hybrids as well. There are times the hybrids are only running ICE and maybe that’s when it feels slower but that’s not bc the battery is depleted. Full throttle should always access that reserve and get both power sources at once.

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by Deho

I owned and drove a G30 530e for a while and NEVER felt the car was slower when the battery was "depleted" (it never is completely depleted, it keeps a reserve to assist the ICE).

I'm not saying you are lying, as you may be way more sensitive than me to a small change in performance, but I just wanted to set the record straight for customers who may consider the PHEV offerings from BMW.

I too owned a 2022 530e, and when the battery was 'empty', and you were driving one with the ICE, I never once felt the G30 was underpowered or trying to keep up. And with the engine 'tone' set to sporty....the car even sounded pretty good during hard(er) ICE accelerations.

[CarlosM4]

Originally Posted by Deho

I owned and drove a G30 530e for a while and NEVER felt the car was slower when the battery was "depleted" (it never is completely depleted, it keeps a reserve to assist the ICE).

I'm not saying you are lying, as you may be way more sensitive than me to a small change in performance, but I just wanted to set the record straight for customers who may consider the PHEV offerings from BMW.

If you read my post, you would have seen that I said exactly the same thing.