[stormchaser]

Ive posted a few times on the differences of the outgoing G30 and new G60 with with the 4 cylinder gas engine (530I). Hmmmm. The more I drive the new model (G60) the more I really appreciate the incredible ride comfort, newer seats and upright driving position (Higher off the ground providing a commanding view). Geez, I really want to iike my G30 better owning one. The shift points seem smoother as well on the G60. At high speed on the motorway the car is silent as well.

The G60 is rated better than the G30 at 35MPG on the highway. Does anyone have any comparisons on the 4 cylinder gas 530 to compare with the outgoing model? Much heavier car with better MPG is pretty impressive.

So far, the things I don't like are missing the grab handles on the driver door (Nice place to rest your arm on the open freeway), Cheap feeing turn signal know on the G60 (Its really unfortunate on such an expensive car), and not loving the I drive screen menus.

So far the drive comfort and for straight line highway driving the G60 wins. if I were in Germany driving on the Autobahn this would be an amazing cruiser all the way to Croatia (Long drive).

Someone chime in with real world MPG on the 530 with X Drive if you have your G60 yet. My G30 does well with 35MPH average on the highway at 75-79. I bet the G60 does better.

[PsychDoc]

Over almost 3000 miles I'm averaging 31.3 mpg between highway and city in the G60 540xi. I'm beyond impressed with the power and efficiency of this car. My outgoing 540xi (G30) was giving me ~26 mpg.

[deutsch100]

I am curious why people keep talking about "cheap" feeling turn indicators that several have talked about in the i5/iX/i7, etc.. I have had/have all of these cars and I do not find the turn indicators feel any worse (or better) than past BMWs.

i5 sun visors are beyond dismal though, and lower door panel/storage compartments feel and sound awful.

i7 sun visors, door padding, B pillar materials, etc. feel like a Rolls-Royce compared to the new 5 however!

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

I am curious why people keep talking about "cheap" feeling turn indicators that several have talked about in the i5/iX/i7, etc.. I have had/have all of these cars and I do not find the turn indicators feel any worse (or better) than past BMWs.

i5 sun visors are beyond dismal though, and lower door panel/storage compartments feel and sound awful.

i7 sun visors, door padding, B pillar materials, etc. feel like a Rolls-Royce compared to the new 5 however!

I’m pretty sure you can switch out sun visors with a different model. I’ve seen some posted for sale.

[CarlosM4]

I have had a crack at the I5 M60 (only G60 in Brazil yet) - it feels significantly cheaper than the G30.

Not only it lost the aluminum chassis and parts of the suspension, it feels abysmally cheaper inside, on the door panels, center console, even the sound insulation is a little worse.

BMWs used to be about engineering over tech gyzmos, now they favoured the tech gyzmos. I am glad we still have some awesome M cars, but if they keep heading in the direction of pushing us hybrid overweight barges with tech above good engineering, I am one hopping out of the brand.

[stormchaser]

Bottom line: The G60 feels cheaper inside (Door panels, Turn knobs, Door rest areas), and I am not a fan of the buttons (The lock button requires a firm push) and the I Drive 8 screen versus button focussed cockpit. Sound insulation to me felt excellent. The comfort of the seats is the best I have seen in a BMW (Normal sports seat). The ride quality was fantastic compared to the G30, including the turning radius (Nimble for a bigger car). Visibility due to higher ride height (Cockpit) is a big bonus.

In high-spirited driving I did not get to do much of in Vegas, the car's heft comes out a bit (I got the wheels to squeal on sharp turns). Not sure how it would do on Independence Pass in Colorado where I often drive my G30. Would it push a bit due to the weight?

Overall for owning a fully loaded 23 G30, I would still consider this car for the comfort factor (Seats and ability to soak up bumps better), and the very noticeable higher driving position (Better visibility). MPG surprisingly might be better.

What might stop me? I am not a fan of the extra size or weight (I am not sure I can justify this since the car was nimble but I did not get to do too much spirited driving. Not a fan of larger wheels either ($$- Tires) and prefer 18s in the winter on my G30 (Are 18s an option in the EU for the G60?). The 530 that I drove was plenty fast for me (Seems like the shift points and boost were better than my G30).

The price is high especially since the dealer won't provide much on a trade-in of a 23 G30. I could sell my car privately easily with nearly every option including Driver Assistance Pro. Does anyone on this thread like the new Highway Assist? How sensitive is to any eye movement? I like the upgrade of Highway Assist.

Bottom Line: Don't judge the car by its odd looks (You will warm up to it). Driving experience from a luxury standpoint and comfort is a step up for sure. Tech is better. The actual sport factor might be less (Lighter steering). I prefer the G30 cockpit. It is an upgrade to the G30 for the right buyer. This car excels at highway cruising (Very stable and quiet at high speeds and on the Autobahn in Germany will be a dream. Once you get to the Dolomites in Italy, it might be a different story. I would be very happy on a 10-hour road trip with this car. I'm holding off for now on making changes as the G60 will be there should I pull the trigger later.

Disclosure: I think my rental was RWD only (530). There was no Xdrive insignia on the back. Do the X Drive models on this car display that badge on the back? Maybe the X Drive model would have felt a bit more sluggish. Not sure.

[stormchaser]

Originally Posted by PsychDoc

Over almost 3000 miles I'm averaging 31.3 mpg between highway and city in the G60 540xi. I'm beyond impressed with the power and efficiency of this car. My outgoing 540xi (G30) was giving me ~26 mpg.

What type of MPG is on the highway only? I average 90% highway with 75-80 speeds. Are you pulling 35-36 is my guess. My G30 pulls 35 also. I test-drove this G60 on the highway with similar read outs (35). I own the 530 now on the G30. Are we sure its better than the G30? You had a larger engine correct?

[PsychDoc]

Originally Posted by stormchaser

What type of MPG is on the highway only? I average 90% highway with 75-80 speeds. Are you pulling 35-36 is my guess. My G30 pulls 35 also. I test-drove this G60 on the highway with similar read outs (35). I own the 530 now on the G30. Are we sure its better than the G30? You had a larger engine correct?

Both G30 and G60 were with the B58 six cylinder engine.
Can't really break down city v. highway but overall my G30 was getting me 26 mpg while the G60 is giving me 31 mpg.

[vvx12]

Originally Posted by PsychDoc

Both G30 and G60 were with the B58 six cylinder engine.
Can't really break down city v. highway but overall my G30 was getting me 26 mpg while the G60 is giving me 31 mpg.

How have you found the fuel capacity/range of the G60? I understand the tank is significantly smaller (which I find to be a big negative) — but the increase in efficiency would seem to offset that.

[Roki_014]

This is my 3rd generation 5 series and thus far this is the best one, so not sure what you are comparing it to. yes the car is heavy but the car is a rocket

Originally Posted by CarlosM4

I have had a crack at the I5 M60 (only G60 in Brazil yet) - it feels significantly cheaper than the G30.

Not only it lost the aluminum chassis and parts of the suspension, it feels abysmally cheaper inside, on the door panels, center console, even the sound insulation is a little worse.

BMWs used to be about engineering over tech gyzmos, now they favoured the tech gyzmos. I am glad we still have some awesome M cars, but if they keep heading in the direction of pushing us hybrid overweight barges with tech above good engineering, I am one hopping out of the brand.

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by stormchaser

... and I am not a fan of the buttons (The lock button requires a firm push)

Regarding the lock button and the other buttons on the door light strip: I too thought at first that they needed a firm push, but they actually don't. I find that they are simply touch sensitive. You just have to touch the right spot. I find that if I sort of roll my finger over them, that works. I hardly put any force at all anymore. I think you just need to cover enough surface area and hit the right spot for it to work. You'll get used to it once you play around with it a little.

[stormchaser]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

I am curious why people keep talking about "cheap" feeling turn indicators that several have talked about in the i5/iX/i7, etc.. I have had/have all of these cars and I do not find the turn indicators feel any worse (or better) than past BMWs.

i5 sun visors are beyond dismal though, and lower door panel/storage compartments feel and sound awful.

i7 sun visors, door padding, B pillar materials, etc. feel like a Rolls-Royce compared to the new 5 however!

I drove my G30 today and discovered the actual knob might be the same or similar to the G60. BUT, I think what I was noticing was the actual action of the lever (Cheap feeling) versus the knob itself? Not sure without both cars next to each other. The cockpit on my G30 s much nicer in my opinion and one of the best in the industry. Love the G60 seats and non run flat tires. Trade offs.

[CarlosM4]

Originally Posted by Roki_014

This is my 3rd generation 5 series and thus far this is the best one, so not sure what you are comparing it to. yes the car is heavy but the car is a rocket

My son has a G30 540i M Sport, and I own a 2022 F90 M5 Competition.

I know the G30 line-up pretty well. Here in Brazil, thus far we only get the i5 M60 (others are still coming).

I wasn't impressed. The car is a true tech fest, probably the most tech I have ever seen or experienced in a car. But the car just doesn't cut it for me. The finish is more on a par with a 3-Series, not a 5, it just does not feel as well built, or as high quality, especially as extended leather is no longer available in the Brazilian 5ers. The door panels, the center console, feel cheap.

I liked the handling, seats and power, but there is no M550i for me to compare. It does feel heavy, but then again its an electric car. Nonetheless the spec sheets indicate a large weight penalty over the outgoing G30, and thus far, everyone has complained about the handling in the standard models compared to the G30 (which was not necessarily praised either). I also like the fact that BMW has increased the number of engine options susbtantially.

It is comfortable - seats and ride is a little more comfortable than G30. Nonetheless, it feels less sporty.

To me it feels like BMW is going in the direction of making a German Lexus, with cheaper materials.

I for one, feel its a step in the wrong direction. I as a G30 owner would not trade it for a G60.

Great car, but just not what I expect from a 5er.

[Ossian]

I agree with the criticisms of the cabin as far as obvious cost-cutting goes -- specifically the hard plastics and the door cards. That said, after a long test drive of the G60, getting back into my G30 hardly felt like I was getting into a Maybach. I still prefer the G30 design, inside and out, but I also get that manufacturers are racing to focus their cabins around tech whether we want it or not. The G60 cabin is much better acoustically damped and isolated than my G30, so from that perspective it feels more luxurious at cruise. My main criticism is that they cut costs in the cabin while raising the overall cost of the car. Won't keep me from buying it, but it's annoying for sure.

[CarlosM4]

Originally Posted by Ossian

I agree with the criticisms of the cabin as far as obvious cost-cutting goes -- specifically the hard plastics and the door cards. That said, after a long test drive of the G60, getting back into my G30 hardly felt like I was getting into a Maybach. I still prefer the G30 design, inside and out, but I also get that manufacturers are racing to focus their cabins around tech whether we want it or not. The G60 cabin is much better acoustically damped and isolated than my G30, so from that perspective it feels more luxurious at cruise. My main criticism is that they cut costs in the cabin while raising the overall cost of the car. Won't keep me from buying it, but it's annoying for sure.

I found the G30 to be better damped and isolated (excluding engine sound), but I drove a M60, therefore you hear the tyres and outside a lot more compared to a combustion version.

I liked the G60, its just not a car on the spirit of a BMW 5er. I know the G30 in the past got a ton of hate when it came out, but I drove it at launch and quite liked it. The G60 was a big meh.

[Cortexiphan]

Originally Posted by CarlosM4

To me it feels like BMW is going in the direction of making a German Lexus, with cheaper materials.

BMW has been "going in the direction of Lexus" according to some posters since I've first subscribed to this forum in e90post days.
It seems it's a very long road to 'Lexus'

[CarlosM4]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

BMW has been "going in the direction of Lexus" according to some posters since I've first subscribed to this forum in e90post days.
It seems it's a very long road to 'Lexus'

Drive the competition and you will understand.

[stormchaser]

Originally Posted by Ossian

I agree with the criticisms of the cabin as far as obvious cost-cutting goes -- specifically the hard plastics and the door cards. That said, after a long test drive of the G60, getting back into my G30 hardly felt like I was getting into a Maybach. I still prefer the G30 design, inside and out, but I also get that manufacturers are racing to focus their cabins around tech whether we want it or not. The G60 cabin is much better acoustically damped and isolated than my G30, so from that perspective it feels more luxurious at cruise. My main criticism is that they cut costs in the cabin while raising the overall cost of the car. Won't keep me from buying it, but it's annoying for sure.

I kinda agree as well form my original post. I just put my 19 inch wheels back on my G30 and the ride quality is not comfortable to me (Never really has been on long drives). The run flats suck. My winter tires were on 18 inch rims with normal tires and made for a much better ride. That said, the G60 with its 19 inch wheels felt very comfortable and as you mentioned the cabin is extremely well isolated from wind and noise and loves high speed straight Line. I love my knobs and controls on my G30 so much including the door handles with stitching. (Rest my hand) plus the gear level that I am on the fence about trading. Give me a G30 ish cockpit and higher quality materials on the G60 and It's a no brainer.

[vvx12]

Originally Posted by stormchaser

I kinda agree as well form my original post. I just put my 19 inch wheels back on my G30 and the ride quality is not comfortable to me (Never really has been on long drives). The run flats suck. My winter tires were on 18 inch rims with normal tires and made for a much better ride. That said, the G60 with its 19 inch wheels felt very comfortable and as you mentioned the cabin is extremely well isolated from wind and noise and loves high speed straight Line. I love my knobs and controls on my G30 so much including the door handles with stitching. (Rest my hand) plus the gear level that I am on the fence about trading. Give me a G30 ish cockpit and higher quality materials on the G60 and It's a no brainer.

Same here — just switched from 17 inch wheels/snow tires to the 19 inch OEM wheels/summer tires back on my G31 — and the ride of the 19 inches isn’t great. I’ve considered just getting a set of summer tires for the 17 inch wheels …

I’ve got to test drive a G60 soon to see the difference …