The BMW 5 Series is now into its sixth generation (F10) which is an impressive achievement in this so swiftly evolving automotive world where models come and go. Rivalry between BMW and Mercedes-Benz in this executive midsize class has long been intense, although competition from Audi, Jaguar and others is stronger now. In Australia buyers have a choice of three petrol units (two sixes and a V8) with a diesel sixpack due in September.
Prices start from $83,300 and move through to $178,900 for the 550i. The 535i reviewed here enters the market at $128,900 (but can easily top $160K when options are added). Until the 1970s Mercedes-Benz and BMW’s model-naming systems indicated the size of the engine but times have changed and 535i no longer indicates a 3.5-litre unit. Nevertheless, a 3.0-litre turbocharged (misleadingly called TwinPower Turbo which implies the presence of two turbochargers!)engine offers dramatically more performance than any of its naturally aspirated six-cylinder predecessors.
A much more appealing interior, improved ride, heads-up display, and an eight-speed automatic transmission (standard on the 535i but optional on lesser models) are highlights of the F10 5 Series BMWs.
BMW 535i Overvew
The BMW 535i gets a new eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, adaptive cruise control, xenon ‘cornering’ headlights, and the expected abundance of safety equipment including ‘dynamic braking lights’ which flash to indicate severe braking and active head restraints. The head-up display is a useful new feature. It has an aluminium rear axle and attractive 18 X 8 alloy wheels with run-flat tyres. The engine is misleadingly described as TwinPower Turbo, implying the presence of two turbochargers but there is only one. Despite the high price of the BMW 535i there is still a long options list so do your homework before you step inside a dealership. At least metallic paint is standard, but not on the 528i!
BMW 535i Series Engine
There may be just the one turbocharger but it is highly effective and there is none of the ‘lag’ that still afflicts many boosted engines. Maximum power is a formidable 225 kW and there are 400 Nm of torque on tap all the way through from just 1200 rpm to 5000. Like every six-cylinder BMW engine before it, this is a gem.
The eight-speed transmission enables the 535i to use little more than six litres per 100 kilometres of highway driving. Zero to 100 km/h takes just 6.1 seconds. For most buyers there will be no need to find an extra $50K to buy the 550i, which completes this sprint in five seconds flat. Indeed, for many, the 528i ($99,900 plus metallic paint, 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds) will be more than adequately power, economical and luxurious.
BMW 535i Interior
BMW interiors have been a notch or so below those of Audi in recent years but the latest 5 Series sees a marked improvement with richer materials and more elegant design. The infamous i-Drive has been simplified somewhat but remains counter-intuitive in many respects and inferior to the systems found in other prestige brands, notably Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz.
Shiny black wood and soft leather, a superb sound system, clear navigation system, split-fold rear seat and the head-up display all contribute to first-class travel. The only niggle is a lack of places to put drink bottles (as opposed to cups), street directories, and the other paraphernalia of travel. The boot is substantial, which is just as well.
BMW 535i Exterior & Styling
This is a more conservative looking car than its audaciously styled predecessor. But it still has bold aspects including the large and aggressively BMW radiator grille, which is similar to the hefty item that distinguishes the 7 Series – subtle it is not! While few critics would judge this car to be beautiful, it has an integrated, sleek style, without looking conspicuously modern.
In some respects it looks like a larger 3 Series but will not be confused with that car. A problem for BMW before the styling revolution overseen by Chris Bangle from the late 1990s until just a few years ago was that a 7 Series looked like a big 5 Series which looked like a larger 3 Series. Now each model range has its own distinct look, which has to be a marketing gain.
BMW 535i On The Road
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 the outstanding BMW 535i.
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.
BMW 535i Challenges
The BMW 535 does not enough storage room inside the cabin. The bin between the seats is shallow and so are the door pockets. At this price the sunroof should be standard.
BMW 535i Verdict
The appeal of prestige badges is as strong as ever but the reality is that the difference between a car like the BMW 535i and, say, a Ford G6E Turbo or a Holden Calais has diminished. Certainly this is an even more accomplished machine than the previous Five and that out-there grille will leave no-one in doubt as to which brand of prestige car you have chosen.
BMW 535i Competition
There is great loyalty among buyers of prestige cars and buyers attracted to a BMW 5 Series are unlikely to compare it with a Mercedes-Benz E-Class or an Audi A6. The Jaguar XF is perhaps a closer rival. All of these cars have distinctive characters but perhaps in adopting such relatively conservative styling (grille excepted), BMW runs the risk of diminishing the hard-edged sporting appeal of its brand.
Likes:
Superb six-cylinder engine
Dislikes:
Lack of storage spaces in cabin, hard to see extra value compared with 528i
