If you haven't been keenly observing the latest BMW developments, let me fill you in. The 2014 BMW 5-Series has underwent a little bit of surgery, otherwise known as a refresh. In the BMW kingdom they refer to it as the life cycle impulse (LCI) because they're special, or something.
Anyway. Though the vehicle's facade and hind quarters have been slightly tweaked, you likely won't notice it very much unless you have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Likely the coolest change on the inside is the reconfigurable instrument cluster.
From a model perspective you have a couple of things to note: 1) a 535d — as in diesel — will arrive on our shores, and 2) the V8 found in the 550i gets tuned up a notch to 444 horsepower.
BUT, are these minor changes enough to keep the 5-Series in line or ahead of the competition? Keep in mind that the Audi A6, Lexus GS and new for 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have been keeping this competition a tough one.
There's no question, then, that the 5 Series diesel we drove is a very accomplished car. And it was more sporting than you might expect, with the 3.0-liter diesel sounding keener and producing more instant go than the gasoline-powered 535i.
It's fast, quiet, rides well and delivers the effortless journeying that cars like this are supposed to be about. It also has a roomy, beautifully crafted cabin, packed with electronic convenience items if your wallet is fat enough to afford them.
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