BMW 5 Series 2012

The BMW 5-Series is a mid-size premium sedan based on a shrunken version of the platform used by the larger 7-Series. Although less handling-focused than its legendary predecessors, the latest 5-Series nevertheless provides a sporty drive along with an increased level of comfort, luxury and technology features and up to 34 mpg on the highway.

Developed under the codename "F10," the latest 5-Series softens the harder lines of the previous E60 with more conventional-looking headlights and a cleaner front-end design. Despite new European pedestrian safety standards that are expected to drastically alter the design of many European cars for the worse, BMW has managed to maintain its classic twin-kidney grille design with the new 5-Series while simultaneously reducing the length of the front overhang.

As is typical of most recent BMW redesigns, this 5-Series adds some space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase nearly 10 centimeters and widening the track. The car's overall length has grown by less than 2 centimeters, while its height is slightly reduced and its width increased by a fraction. A set of 17-inch wheels are the smallest available with 18 and 19-inch wheels optional.

Across this whole range, the sedan body is the same. With a length of just over 192 inches, the car is long enough to provide luxury-level seating and legroom in the rear and a reasonable amount of luggage space, but is short enough to be easy to drive and park.

Inside, trim elements are a tasteful combination of wood and leather (optional on the 528i), with a variety of choices available. The dash is elegant, with few buttons, but dominated by a center screen that monitors all functions and provides vision for the optional navigation and new night vision systems. All of this is controlled with the latest version of BMW's iDrive system, which controls secondary functions with a one-knob interface.

While the U.S. and European markets both get to enjoy the 5-Series sedans, the engine offerings are quite different due to governmental and consumer demands - but for the latest model year the U.S. has gained an engine traditionally reserved for Europe: a four-cylinder.

Three Turbocharged Engine Options
The 5-Series offers three turbocharged, direct-injected engines that all provide a good mix of power and fuel economy.

BMW recently replaced the 3.0-liter inline-six in the 528i with a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder that the automaker says makes this sedan its most fuel-efficient 5-Series ever offered in North America.

Power output for this 50 percent smaller engine comes in at 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, figures that match (horsepower) and exceed (torque, by 30 lb-ft.) the current 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six. Thanks to the twin-scroll turbocharger, BMW says that peak torque hits at just 1,250 rpm, about 1, 500 rpm lower than the outgoing six-cylinder.

To save fuel, the 528i features auto start/stop, which automatically shuts down the engine when the car is stationary at a stop light.

BMW says that the 0-60 mph sprint takes 6.2 seconds with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, a 0.4-second improvement over the preceding model. Fuel economy jumps to 23 mpg city and an impressive 34 mpg on the highway.

BMW now offers the 528i with its xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Previously, the 528i offered only rear-wheel-drive in this market. The price at the pump for all-weather traction is minimal, with the 528i xDrive rated at 22/32 mpg.

The mid-grade 535i utilizes a silky-smooth turbocharged inline-six that produces300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The engine is sufficient for zero-to-60 mpg times in the mid-five-second range and returns 21/31 mpg with the standard eight-speed automatic. A six-speed manual, available as a no-cost option, remains a must-have feature for enthusiasts looking for the maximum driver-car connection but lowers efficiency to 19/29 mpg.

BMW's xDrive system, available only with the automatic transmission, lowers highway mileage to 30 mpg.

The most powerful 5-Series (not counting the M5) is the 550i, which boasts a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that was upgraded with BMW's Valvetronic variable valve timing and lift system for the latest model year. Output is increased by 45 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque for totals of 445 ponies and 480 lb-ft of twist (!). The 550i sprints to 60 mph in just under five seconds and returns 15/22 and 17/25 with the manual and automatic transmissions, respectively. xDrive, again available solely with the auto, lowers efficiency to 16/24 mpg.

High-Tech Features
All 5-series sedans are fitted with Active Roll Stabilization, which replaces anti-sway bars with electronically controlled pumps to maintain a level ride under nearly all conditions. To complement the Active Roll Stabilization system comes Active Steering, which uses electronic steering to supplement the stability controls acting on the wheel brakes and power.

Other optional technical gadgets include Lane Departure Warning, Heads-up display Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go-which does exactly what it says, managing the car's speed in stop-and-go traffic-and Sirius satellite radio, HD radio and an iPod connection. The new 5 also offers Park Distance Control and an around view monitor system, similar to Infiniti's Around View Monitor.

Of course, the 5-Series offers a full range of passive safety features, including extended crumple zones, six air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction and dynamic stability control, BMW Assist with collision notification, and optional rear passenger airbags.

Key Competitors
Those looking for a mid-size luxury sedan like the 5-Series should also consider the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Jaguar XF and Lexus GS 350.