The buzz around the 2024 BMW 540i (G60) is undeniable, but alongside the excitement, questions arise, especially for those familiar with the previous G30 generation. One area of particular interest, and some concern, is the interior. Initial impressions and user feedback suggest that while the G60 boasts a cutting-edge design, some aspects of interior luxury might have subtly shifted compared to its predecessor. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison based on firsthand experiences.
Material Quality and Feel: A Shift in Textures?
One of the first points of divergence noted is in the tactile experience of materials. In the G30 5-Series, the lower door panels were appreciated for their soft-touch material with a noticeable padded feel. However, the G60 540i appears to have transitioned to a harder plastic base, merely wrapped with a thinner vinyl. This change results in a less cushioned and arguably less premium sensation to the touch in this frequently contacted area.
Similarly, the center console and transmission tunnel region, a hallmark of soft-touch padding in the G30, sees a similar alteration in the G60. Specifically, the lower sections in this area are now constructed from hard-touch plastic, a departure from the consistent soft-touch experience of the G30.
Adding to this subtle shift, the dashboard of the G60, while still padded and of high quality, no longer includes the stitching detail that was a standard feature on the G30 LCI models. The same applies to the upper interior door padding, suggesting a broader move away from certain tactile refinements present in the previous generation.
Seating and Comfort: Feature Adjustments
BMW’s 5-Series has long been synonymous with comfortable and feature-rich seating. However, the standard seats in the 2024 540i (G60) have undergone a notable change: the elimination of power-adjustable headrests as a standard feature. This feature, a staple in BMW 5-Series models since the E34, now requires opting for the Luxury Seating Package in the G60. While this package does include desirable features like ventilated front seats and power headrests, it’s worth noting that even with the upgrade, the articulating upper backrest section, previously available, is not included.
Another minor but potentially noticeable change is in the cupholder design. The G30 featured covered cupholders, providing a cleaner look when not in use. In the G60 540i, the front and rear cupholders are now exposed, lacking a concealing cover.
Features and Technology: Convenience and Audio
Comfort Access, a sought-after convenience feature, has also seen a functional adjustment in the G60. While the G30 offered Comfort Access sensors on all four doors, the 2024 540i limits this functionality to the front door handles only.
In terms of audio, the sound system hierarchy appears to have been repositioned. The Harman Kardon stereo in the G60 is described as performing more akin to the best stereo option in the G30. Meanwhile, the Bowers & Wilkins stereo in the G60 delivers a sound quality comparable to the Harmon Kardon system in the G30. While the top-tier audio remains impressive, the baseline Harman Kardon experience might represent a shift in relative quality.
Finally, the dashboard design of the G60 is acknowledged as visually striking and modern. However, some users express a preference for the more traditionally luxurious aesthetic of the G30’s dashboard. Furthermore, the integration of touch-sensitive controls in the G60, while technologically advanced, might require an adjustment for drivers accustomed to physical buttons and knobs.
Conclusion: A Modern Take on Luxury?
The 2024 BMW 540i (G60) undoubtedly represents a leap forward in design and technology. However, when it comes to the interior, firsthand accounts suggest a nuanced shift in the expression of luxury compared to the G30. While the G60 interior is modern and feature-rich, some tactile elements and feature availability in the standard configuration might represent a departure from the more overtly plush feel of its predecessor. Ultimately, the perception of these changes will be subjective and depend on individual priorities in a luxury vehicle.
