Advanced dynamics in BMW 530d
BEST AMONG PEERS: PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN STILL THE HALLMARKS
Fifth-generation of 5 Series is a very good sedan.
Ithink if we are all completely honest with each other, we will admit that a BMW driver is not a Mercedes driver and neither of them are an Audi driver. And when you are spending around R1 million on a car, I think you know what you want, regardless of what most other people say.
And just in case you have forgotten what it takes to buy a R1 million car, you would be paying just over R20 000 each and every month for the next five years. And this is before insurance or other running costs like fuel and tyres that are not covered by the car’s maintenance plan.
So it is fair to say that if you are spending this type of money on what is essentially transport, because a BMW 530d is not a super car, nor is it a SUV, it has to be a very good sedan, because the other premium manufacturers are also screaming for you to notice them when the recommended retail price starts at R1 002 400.
The seventh-generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan features further enhanced dynamics, an unbeatable line-up of assistance systems, an unmatched degree of connectivity and a new and innovative operating system to name some of the improvements in the new car. Rigorous application of the BMW Efficient Lightweight design concept, with increased use of aluminium and high-strength steels, the 5 Series Sedan is down in weight by 100kg over its predecessor. There is a newly designed chassis, a low centre of gravity, BMW’s hallmark even weight distribution and lightweight body just mentioned that offers exceptional torsional stiffness, and this all combines for a dynamic driving experience with the long-distance comfort for when required. The real gem is the 530d powerplant. The 3.0-litre straight six produces 195kW of power and a peak torque of 620Nm. This sees the car getting to 100km/h in 6.49 seconds and the 1km mark at 200.39km/h, while the electronic speed limiter stops the fun at 251.68km/h.
And in typical BMW fashion, it does this without consuming a truck load of diesel. The claim is 4.5 litres per 100km/h but we all know by now that this number is pure fiction when applied to real world driving. I achieved a more realistic 7.3 litres per 100km for the week I had the 530d. And this was without trying to save fuel.
I think driven with a bit more restraint, this can easily get below 7 and obviously on the open road you could go into the 5s. And I think that is exceptional for a full-size sedan with amount of urge on tap.
Like I said, cars like these seem to choose their owners. But at least when you choose the BMW, you know that you are getting the most dynamic in the segment.