528i a solid, ethical entry to revamped 5 Series
BMW raised the high bar again last year for challengers in the mid-sized luxury class, and this year it adds a very interesting new entry level version to its superb 5 Series sedan line.
The 2011 edition of the 528i was powered by a 240-horsepower variant of its renowned 3.0-litre in-line six. While the car is externally unchanged, the same entrylevel 528i for 2012 is powered by a new turbo 2.0-litre engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It results in a car with more torque and horsepower that also uses less fuel.
The venerable in- line six-cylinder engine, dearly loved by BMW devotees, still lives on in the 535i. And at the other end of the power spectrum, BMW offers the audacious twin-turbo V-8 in the 550i. Another change for 2012 is that both of these models are now only offered with xdrive, an all-wheeldrive system, in Canada.
The 535i and 550i are also available in Gran Turismo editions, and a new high-performance M5 will be joining the product line later this year. While you rightfully might not expect gas pump savings to be a big selling point for a car buyer in this price bracket, the 528i still makes sense on many levels. It’s another sign of the times in a changing auto market where fuel conservation issues are high priorities. And what you drive is a reflection of your values.
BMW has reduced CO2 emissions right across its entire product line by 30 per cent since 1995, and expects to reduce it another 25 per cent by 2020. The challenge for automakers, when it comes to “greening” a fleet, is to do so without dramatic compromises to performance or driving dynamics
he new 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbo. The engine is one-third smaller than its predecessor, yet it can produce more horsepower and considerably more torque (258 pound- feet) across a much broader range of engine speed. Zero to 100 kilometres per hour acceleration is only about a second behind the 550i, and half a second behind the 535i, according to BMW.
The 528i also offers a choice of four different driving modes: sport+, sport, comfort and eco pro. Comfort is the default mode and the sport modes offer more aggressive suspension, steering, transmission and stability control settings. The eco pro mode promotes a fuel-efficient driving style, lowers accessory energy demands on the engine and includes the use of an automated idle stop-start feature.
With something old and something new, the new look is a marriage of both traditional 5 Series design traits and fresh styling details.
The long hood, long wheelbase (80 millimetres longer), short body overhangs and, of course, signature kidney grille make it easy to identify as a BMW. The new face, however, positions the grille lower and is more upright. It’s also flanked by adaptive xenon headlights with distinctive eyelids and LED halo rings of light. The turn indicators and the tail lights are also illuminated by LED in a distinctive pattern. Structurally, the body is 55 per cent stiffer than the previous generation 5 Series, due to the use of more high-strength and ultrahigh-strength steel.
Inside is bright, comfortable and meticulously crafted. The interior of my test 528i came with cream coloured leather seats and trim.
The dash panel is inclined toward the driver and power adjustments abound — even the head restraints and steering column adjustments were power functions. A heated steering wheel was a very welcome feature in subzero weather and a tilt-away feature on the steering wheel made exits and entries easier. Another great feature of the dash was the extra-wide (1280 x 480 pixel) centrally positioned MMI screen. It’s wide enough to clearly show different views in a split screen mode. It’s also a trans-reflective display that uses sunlight to enhance images and make them easier to see in daylight. The 5 Series comes with a 4th generation version of BMW’S idrive system. Its all-in-one rotary controller has been criticized in the past for being too complex, but I found this version more userfriendly. Or maybe I’m just getting the hang of it.
Active safety features on my test 528i included Blind Spot Detection and a Lane Departure Warning system. It also came with a superb parking assist system with sensors and cameras both front and back. At the push of a button, an overhead bird’seye view of the car could also be displayed on the screen, which was extremely cool.
The new 528i is not just a politically correct eco op- tion, it’s one of the best sedans I’ve ever driven. As it happened, my time in a 528i xdrive coincided with the week that winter decided to unleash some very nasty weather on Metro Vancouver. Its performance on snow, ice and in sub-zero temperatures was outstanding. I drove the 550i last year and while it possesses awesome power and sounds great, my preference would be the 528i. Lighter and more agile, the 528i has an even more finely balanced feel. An electronically controlled central clutch pack allows xdrive to send all power to either the front or rear axle, as needed. It’s also a smart system that improves the car’s stability a cornering situation by sending more power to the . rear wheels, if needed.
An ethical sport sedan, the 2012 BMW 528i is remarkably well-balanced automobile that’s exciting to drive and its optional xdrive system is ideal for Canadian winter driving conditions.