A MORE SOPHISTICATED 5-SERIES
Wonderful engine, great dynamics
Price premium over 528i seems exorbitant, lack of storage spaces in otherwise splendid cabin, no spare wheel
Introduction
Baby boomer car enthusiasts might be surprised to realise that the original BMW 5 Series is now 34 years old. Since the 528i made its Australian debut in August 1977, the midsize Bavarian sedan has gone through four more generations, meaning the current F10 is the sixth new 5-Series. No model has been more important in defining BMW’s brand values than this one and there has been a consistency of theme through the years. Its chief competition has always come from Mercedes-Benz but there are now strong rivals from Audi and Jaguar.
Remarkably, no fewer than five different engines are offered locally, ranging from the 2.0-litre turbodiesel four in the entry level 520d sedan ($83,300) to the 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 in the flagship 550i sedan ($179,900) and GT ($193,900) variants. The 535i sedan reviewed here costs $129,600 and is equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine running through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Ticking options boxes recklessly can easily take the pricetag north of $160K.
The standard equipment is formidable and includes directional bi-xenon headlights, active headrests, television, reversing camera and heads-up display in the windscreen. And yet there is no spare wheel; tear a sidewall of one of the run-flat tyres out the back of Bourke and it will certainly spoil your holiday,
Exterior and Interior Design
When BMW employed Chris Bangle to redefine the design of its cars, controversy ensued. Probably none of Bangle’s designs polarised potential customers as much as the previous generation 5-Series launched here in December 2003. The current model is more conservative, despite its assertive grille. Although this is an elegant car, it does not look as modern as its predecessor, which might say something about the times in which we live.
Industry insiders have seen Audi as the leader in interior design and quality for more than a decade now but this latest 5-Series throws down the gauntlet. This is a lovely cabin with supple leather and shiny black wood (yes, real timber) and a big improvement on the previous effort. The i-Drive is further simplified but will still confuse and confound many. BMW’s engineers would do well to eat some humble pie and follow the lead of Mercedes-Benz and Audi who have simpler arrangements. But the magnificent audio and clear navigation system help us to forget our dislike of i-Drive.
Accommodation
The current 5-Series offers more interior space than its predecessors and will accommodate five adults in comfort or four in complete luxury. Electric adjustment on the front seats extends to lumbar support. The head-up display and split-fold rear seat are practical features, but BMW continues to shortchange customers who want to store drink bottles, street directories and the other assorted items that are often part of family travel. The bin between the seats is shallow and so are the door pockets. At this price the sunroof should be standard. The boot is generous and if the rear seat is not in use you can carry an astonishing load, enough to make a wagon seem almost redundant.
Performance and Economy
The 535i’s 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine does not use twin turbochargers despite the misleading label ‘TwinPower Turbo’ but the single one is brilliantly designed and there is no turbo lag. It is difficult to believe capacity is only 3.0 litres. Maximum power is 225 kW at 5800 rpm but the secret to the car’s scintillating performance is this engine’s torque – 400 Nm of it, available consistently from just 1200 rpm right through to 5000. Does any other manufacturer produce more accomplished engines? None of the naturally aspirated six-cylinder BMW engines – all of which have sounded glorious! – of the past could approach this level of performance, while the eight-speed transmission not only aids acceleration but also fuel economy. Zero to 100 km/h takes 6.1 seconds, which not so many years ago was supercar material. Fuel economy is 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres but in steady highway cruising this 1700 kg sedan runs in the low sixes.
Ride and Handling
On the last generation 5-Series the run-flat tyres made for a poor ride. There must have been some major developments in this technology because the F10 5 rides serenely with minimal road noise. The steering is well weighted. Like every predecessor, this is a sports sedan at heart and handles accordingly. Few will choose to do so, but the 535i can be driven in manual mode.
BMW’s insistence on using run-flat tyres has produced a marked deterioration in ride comfort in recent models but the latest 5 Series has overcome that problem and rides serenely, transmitting little road noise. Handling is predictably brilliant and the steering is weighted to suit the keen driver. But you do not have to be an enthusiast to enjoy this outstanding car. It is very quiet with relaxed gearing. The automatic transmission offers manual selection but you push forward to change down, which BMW engineers insist is the better choice. Throttle response is immediate and the gearbox responds with alacrity and the spread of eight ratios means you never feel short of a gear.
Rivals
It is unlikely that very many buyers actually compare BMWs with Mercedes, already having established a preference for one over the other. These traditional rivals are perhaps closer than ever and yet each car its own character. The Jaguar XF is worthy of consideration and offers a more sporting appearance than either of the German cars. The Audi A6 has claims but cannot match the resale value of BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Perhaps the 535i’s most deadly rival is its 528i sibling. It offers most of the equipment and still brilliant performance (0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds) for 30 grand less. (Can we mention the Ford G6E Turbo?)
Summary
More accomplished, subtle and sophisticated than its predecessors, the latest 535i sets the benchmark in its class. But we can’t help wishing for more charismatic styling.
BMW
