2014 Fiat 500L: Stylish, Room For Five, Starts Below $20,000
Considering the Kia Soul, MINI Countryman, or Nissan Juke? You might want to hold out another few... Read More
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FEATURES | 9 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Other optional niceties include automatic parallel parking, in which the car steers itself into a spot…
Car and Driver
The Gran Turismo's cabin provides everything a long hauler would like, from the navigation system with an optional 10-inch screen to a rear seat entertainment system.
Detroit News
…much more intuitive fourth-generation iDrive all-in-one controller, and with its rationalized menu structures and direct-function buttons surrounding the central controller knob…
Autoblog
The fourth-generation iDrive interface has been improved with the addition of separate buttons for main functions, contradicting its original intent.
MSN Autos
BMW has a reputation for equipping all of its models, like the 5-Series, as luxury cars, yet saving lots of appearance and tech upgrades for the options list.
Rain-sensing wipers, power heated mirrors, xenon headlamps, dynamic cruise control, and a dual-zone climate control system are all included, even on the base 528i, as is poplar wood trim and a synthetic leatherette upholstery. On the rest of the lineup, upgrades like softer Dakota leather, dynamic multi-contour front seats, and a hard-drive navigation system put it in line with any luxury rivals.
Beyond that, there's a bewildering set of extras including upgraded audio, HD radio, heated rear seats, a rear sunshade, or one of many available trims.
Tech options include Active Blind Spot Detection, a Lane Departure Warning system, Xenon Adaptive Headlights with automatic high beams, Active Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go (capable of bringing the vehicle to a complete stop for up to three seconds before driver input), and a new second-generation night-vision system with pedestrian detection. Also available are a sonar parking assistant and advanced backup camera. And audiophiles who don't need to worry too much about the sticker price will want to go for the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
With either the Sport Package or M Sport Package provide a sport suspension, upgraded wheels and tires, and an M Sport steering wheel, plus other dress-ups and additional features.
A new multifunction instrument display, with multiple gauge layouts depending on which Driving Dynamics mode you're in, is now included in all models.
Conclusion
If you have room in the budget, the 2013 5-Series models can be equipped with some of the world's best in-car tech.
