2018 BMW 530d M Sport Review
Car Tested: 2018 BMW 530d M Sport; Road Test No. 945
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 79.94 lakhs
The M Sport body kit on the BMW 530d looks very sporty, the 275 rears add to it
The mid-size luxury sedan segment, especially the one in which the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes E-Class compete in is the most popular as far as luxury cars go because it offers a lot of backseat comfort and is almost 70% of their flagship offerings, especially now because of the latest generation G30 5-Series which resembles the 7-Series to a great extent. A few months back we reviewed the 520d and were mighty impressed by the car but we weren’t really in a position to tell you if the new G30 5-Series is better than the F10 5-Series. We now have a go in the range-topping 5-Series, the 530d M Sport and we already have the answers.
Motor Quest: It is a given that BMW cars are the best to drive around and have fun but the German carmaker went off the path with the F10 5-Series. Honestly, that car wasn’t as driver-focused as, say the E60 but now things have changed. In comes the G30 5-Series with the fun-to-drive factor and just for that ladies and gentleman, it’s got my money.
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The 530d looks racy, mean yet handsome
Exteriors – For the exterior design, the BMW 530d M Sport looks similar to the 520d but there are visual differences between the two. For starters, the 530d M Sport grade gets an M Sport body kit with a more stylised and aggressive looking bumper. The Active Air Stream kidney grille is finished in black and there are wider 275-section tyres (at the rear) with blue brake callipers. Rest all design elements like the LED headlamps with the LED DRLs and LED tail-lights are identical to the more affordable 520d trim. The executive sedan runs on 18-inch M light double spoke alloy wheels.
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The interior is laid-out with the best quality of materials
Interiors – The cabin of the 530d M Sport is again similar to the 520d but comes with subtle differences and slightly more equipment. For instance, the 530d M Sport gets an M multi-function steering wheel, comfort seats for the driver and front passenger. As is with almost every modern BMW cars, the dashboard is focused towards the driver. Other features on offer are a sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, ambient lighting, launch control, auto parking with surround view camera, R/C parking with BMW Display Key and a 10.25-inch iDrive touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity and Navigation. While all these features are on offer even in the 520d variant, the 530d in addition to all the above also gets a full-colour Head-Up display, rear seat entertainment screens and an Anthracite headliner.
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The 530d gets two 10.2-inch HD entertainment screens at the rear, legroom is generous
BMW is offering the 530d in only one variant which is the M Sport variant
The iDrive infotainment is one the most intuitive systems in this price range and the ease of use it offers is just commendable. The system can be operated via the rotary knob in the centre console or via the buttons on the steering or via hand gestures or by touch as well. Too many options, isn’t it? Both the front and rear seats are supreme in terms of comfort and support. Knee room and shoulder room at the rear is decent while there is ample headroom.
