The arrival of the 2024 BMW 540i (G60) has generated considerable buzz, especially for enthusiasts familiar with the preceding G30 generation. As a long-time follower of the 5-Series lineage, I recently had the opportunity to thoroughly examine the interior of the new G60 540i and compare it directly to my experiences with the G30. While the G60 presents a visually striking and technologically advanced cabin, a closer inspection reveals some notable shifts in material choices and feature availability that potential buyers should be aware of.
One of the first things I noticed was a change in the door panel construction. In the G30 5-Series, the lower sections of the door cards were crafted with a soft-touch material, offering a padded feel under your fingertips, conveying a sense of plushness. However, in the 2024 540i G60, this area seems to have transitioned to a harder plastic base, merely wrapped with a thin layer of vinyl. This subtle alteration diminishes the tactile experience and the overall perception of luxury in this frequently touched area.
The center console and transmission tunnel area, situated between the driver and front passenger, also exhibit a similar shift. The G30 utilized soft-touch padded materials throughout this entire section, contributing to a cohesive and premium ambiance. In contrast, the 2024 540i G60 now incorporates hard-touch plastic in the lower portion of this console. While not a drastic change, it represents a departure from the consistent soft-touch approach of its predecessor.
Moving to the dashboard, the G60 maintains a padded upper section of good quality, which is commendable. However, a detail that was standard on the G30 LCI models – the stitching detail on the dash – is no longer present in the base G60. Similarly, the upper door padding appears to have lost this stitched accent, further contributing to a slightly less detailed and potentially less luxurious feel compared to the G30.
Seat comfort and adjustability are crucial in a vehicle like the 540i. A somewhat surprising change in the 2024 G60 540i is the removal of power-adjustable headrests as standard equipment. Power headrests have been a staple feature on BMW 5-Series seats since the E34 generation. To regain this feature in the G60, you now need to opt for the luxury seating package. While this package also includes desirable ventilated front seats, it’s an additional cost to restore a feature that was previously standard. It’s also worth noting that even with the luxury seating package, the upper section of the backrest articulation (front and back adjustment) is not included.
Practicality also sees some minor adjustments. The front and rear cupholders in the G30 were equipped with a cover tray to conceal them when not in use, offering a cleaner and more refined look. This cover tray has been eliminated in the 2024 540i G60, leaving the cupholders exposed.
Another functional change is in the Comfort Access system. In the G30, Comfort Access operated on all four doors, providing convenient unlocking from any door handle. The 2024 G60 540i restricts Comfort Access functionality to only the front door handles. While still functional, it’s a reduction in overall convenience compared to the G30’s implementation.
Regarding the audio experience, the Harmon Kardon stereo in the G60 seems to perform at a level comparable to the top-tier Bowers & Wilkins system in the G30. The Bowers & Wilkins system in the 2024 540i G60 is reported to be exceptionally good, potentially exceeding the G30’s Harmon Kardon system, but perhaps aligning more closely with the G30’s Bowers & Wilkins in terms of overall sound quality.
Visually, the dashboard design in the 2024 540i G60 is undeniably modern and sleek, dominated by the curved display screen. However, in terms of perceived luxury, it arguably takes a step back from the more traditionally luxurious design of the G30’s dashboard. Furthermore, the increased reliance on touch-sensitive controls in the G60, while contributing to a cleaner aesthetic, may not be preferred by all users who appreciate the tactile feedback of physical buttons and knobs. While adaptation to these touch controls is likely over time, it represents a shift in user interface philosophy.
In conclusion, the 2024 BMW 540i G60 interior presents a mixed bag when compared to the G30. While it undoubtedly advances in technology and adopts a contemporary design language, there are noticeable areas where material quality and feature availability have been adjusted, potentially in the pursuit of cost optimization. For those upgrading from a G30, or those particularly sensitive to interior material quality and feature sets, a thorough evaluation of these changes is recommended to ensure the 2024 540i G60 aligns with their expectations of a luxury sedan.
