The arrival of the 2024 Bmw 540i (G60) has generated considerable excitement, but also some questions, particularly when it comes to interior quality compared to its predecessor, the G30 5 Series. For those familiar with the luxurious feel of the G30, a closer examination of the new G60’s interior reveals some notable changes. This review delves into a detailed comparison, highlighting areas where the 2024 BMW 540i’s interior might feel like a step away from the premium experience expected by BMW enthusiasts.
Downgrades in Material Quality
Door Panels: Harder Plastics
One of the first tactile differences noticed in the 2024 BMW 540i is in the door panels. Where the G30 5 Series boasted a soft-touch material on the lower sections of the door cards, complete with a padded, cushioned feel, the G60 presents a different experience. It appears BMW has opted for a thinner vinyl wrapping over what feels like harder plastic in the same area. This change in material immediately impacts the perceived luxury, making the G60 door panels feel less plush compared to the G30.
Center Console: Less Soft Touch
The center console and transmission tunnel area, a frequent touchpoint for both driver and passenger, also showcases a shift in material choice. In the G30, this area was characterized by soft-touch padded materials, contributing to an overall sense of premium comfort. However, in the 2024 BMW 540i, the lower sections of this same console area are now constructed from hard-touch plastic. This alteration detracts from the enveloping, luxurious ambiance that the G30 interior provided.
Dashboard and Door Padding: Stitching Gone
Further scrutinizing the interior reveals subtle yet significant changes in detail. While the dashboard of the 2024 BMW 540i remains padded and of high quality, a distinctive element from the G30 LCI models has been removed: the stitching detail. This stitching, which added a touch of bespoke craftsmanship and visual richness, is no longer standard in the G60. The same applies to the upper interior door padding, where the absence of stitching contributes to a slightly less refined aesthetic compared to the G30.
Feature Reductions
Seats: Power Headrests Now Optional
A surprising change in the 2024 BMW 540i is the standard seats. Power-adjustable headrests, a feature considered a standard hallmark of BMW 5 Series seats since the E34 generation, are no longer included as standard. For those desiring power headrests in the G60, it now necessitates opting for the optional luxury seating package. While this package does include desirable features like ventilated front seats and power headrests, it represents an added cost for a feature that was once standard. It’s also worth noting that even with the luxury seating package, the upper section of the backrest articulation, available in some previous models, is not included.
Cupholder Cover: A Small Luxury Removed
Small details often contribute significantly to the overall feeling of luxury. In the G30 5 Series, the front and rear cupholders were equipped with a cover tray that concealed them when not in use, providing a cleaner, more sophisticated look. This cover tray has been omitted in the 2024 BMW 540i, leaving the cupholders exposed. While seemingly minor, this removal aligns with the pattern of subtle cost-cutting measures observed in the G60 interior.
Comfort Access: Limited to Front Doors
Comfort access, a convenience feature allowing keyless entry, has also seen a reduction in functionality in the G60. In the G30, comfort access was conveniently available on all four doors. In the 2024 BMW 540i, this feature is now limited to the front door handles only. This means rear passengers lose the convenience of comfort access, a step back in terms of overall user experience compared to the G30.
Audio and Design Nuances
Stereo Systems: Harmon Kardon and Bower & Wilkins Shift
The audio experience in the 2024 BMW 540i has also seen some repositioning. The Harmon Kardon stereo in the G60, while still a capable system, is described as being more akin to the standard stereo in the G30. The top-tier Bower & Wilkins stereo in the G60 delivers exceptional sound quality, but it is suggested that it now occupies the sonic territory previously held by the Harmon Kardon system in the G30. This implies that while high-end audio is still available, the baseline audio experience might not be as impressive as in the previous generation.
Dashboard Aesthetics vs. Functionality
The dashboard design in the 2024 BMW 540i is undeniably visually striking with its curved display and modern aesthetic. However, it represents a departure from the more traditional, perhaps more overtly luxurious, dashboard design of the G30. Furthermore, the increased reliance on touch-sensitive controls in the G60, while contributing to a sleek and minimalist look, might be less preferred by those who value the tactile feedback and immediate accessibility of physical controls. While acclimation to touch controls is expected over time, the initial impression for some might be a trade-off between visual modernity and user-friendly functionality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the 2024 BMW 540i undoubtedly offers a modern and technologically advanced interior, a detailed comparison with the G30 5 Series reveals several areas where material quality and feature richness have been subtly downgraded. From harder plastics on door panels and center consoles to the removal of stitching details and reductions in standard features like power headrests and comfort access, the G60 interior, while visually appealing, may feel less inherently luxurious to those familiar with the G30. Potential buyers of the 2024 BMW 540i, particularly those upgrading from a G30, should be aware of these subtle but noticeable changes in interior execution.
