The interior of a car is where drivers and passengers spend their time, making it a critical aspect of the overall vehicle experience, especially in the luxury segment. With the arrival of the 2024 Bmw 540, a successor to the highly regarded G30 5-series, questions arise about whether the new model maintains or elevates the interior standards of its predecessor. Having spent time with the new G60 generation, here are some detailed observations concerning the interior, specifically in comparison to the G30.
One of the first tactile differences noticed is in the door panels. In the G30 5-series, the lower portions of the door cards are constructed with a soft-touch material, offering a padded sensation under your fingertips. This added a touch of plushness to the cabin. However, the 2024 BMW 540, or G60, appears to have taken a different approach. The same area on the G60 now feels like a thin vinyl layer stretched over hard plastic. This change results in a less yielding and arguably less premium feel compared to the G30.
Moving to the center console and transmission tunnel area, the G30 continues to showcase its commitment to tactile quality. This entire section in the previous generation was enveloped in soft-touch padded material, contributing to a luxurious ambiance. In contrast, the 2024 BMW 540 presents a noticeable shift. While some sections retain soft materials, the lower parts of the center console in the G60 are now rendered in hard-touch plastic. This alteration in material choice is a departure from the consistent softness that defined the G30’s interior.
The dashboard of the 2024 BMW 540 is undoubtedly visually striking and padded with high-quality materials. However, a subtle downgrade is observed in the absence of stitching, which was a standard feature on the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) models of the G30. Similarly, the upper interior door padding in the G60 also lacks the stitching detail that contributed to the G30’s refined aesthetic. These omissions, while seemingly minor, collectively impact the overall perception of meticulous craftsmanship.
Seat adjustability, a hallmark of BMW’s 5-series, has also seen a change. The standard seats in the 2024 BMW 540 no longer include power-adjustable headrests. This feature, a standard on BMW 5-series seats since the E34 generation, is now relegated to an optional upgrade. To regain power headrests in the G60, one must opt for the luxury seating package, which thankfully also includes ventilated front seats, a desirable feature in itself. It’s worth noting that even with the luxury seating package, the upper section of the backrest with articulation remains absent.
Practicality within the cabin has also been subtly altered. The front and rear cupholders in the 2024 BMW 540 no longer feature a cover tray to conceal them, a functional and aesthetically clean element present in the G30. This small detail contributed to a tidier and more upscale appearance when the cupholders were not in use.
Convenience features have also been tweaked. Comfort Access in the G60 is now limited to the front door handles, whereas the G30 offered this feature on all four doors, providing enhanced accessibility and convenience for rear passengers as well.
In terms of audio, the Harmon Kardon stereo in the 2024 BMW 540 is described as being comparable to the top-tier stereo option in the G30. The Bowers & Wilkins system in the G60 is reported to deliver exceptional sound quality, but it is suggested that its performance is closer to what the Harmon Kardon system offered in the previous G30 generation. This implies a potential shift in the positioning of the audio system tiers between the two models.
Finally, the dashboard design in the 2024 BMW 540 is undeniably modern and visually appealing. However, it is perceived as potentially less luxurious in feel compared to the G30’s dashboard. Furthermore, the move towards touch-sensitive controls in the G60, while contributing to a sleek and minimalist design, may represent a departure from the tactile feedback and ease of use offered by physical controls, a preference that remains subjective and may require an adjustment period for drivers accustomed to traditional interfaces.
In conclusion, while the 2024 BMW 540 undoubtedly brings advancements in technology and design, a closer examination of its interior reveals certain areas where material choices and feature availability suggest a potential shift in focus, possibly towards cost optimization or a different interpretation of modern luxury compared to the G30 5-series. Prospective buyers, especially those prioritizing the tactile luxury and feature set of the previous generation, may find these interior changes noteworthy when considering the new 2024 BMW 540.
