On The Road

Type: 4-door mid-size luxury sedan
Drivetrain: Conventional
Engine: Aluminum/magnesium 4V, DOHC in line 6
Displacement: 3 liters
Horsepower: 255
Transmission: 6-speed
manual (automatic optional)
Front Suspension: Double pivot (independent)
Rear Suspension: 4-link (indepen)
Drag Coefficient: 0.28
Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS, traction control & dynamic brake control
Fuel Tank: 18.5 gallons
Curb Weight: 3,472 pounds
Base Price: $46,800

Right off the bat, the BMW 530i is rated to have a top speed of 150 mph. In the U.S. we can’t use that Olympic ability, but it keeps the “ultimate driving machine” pedigree intact.
There are no surprises driving this almost full size 4-door sedan. The feel of the road it gives is incredible and it accelerates like a bat out of hell.
BMW sedans, though still showing typical Germanic understated interiors, are a bit more luxurious looking inside than their predecessors. A base 5-series is very well equipped, but a laundry list of luxury and performance options are available.
We averaged 25.5 miles per gallon in combined city/highway/rural driving.
Our test 530 had the BMW I-drive computer and controller option with a host of operations from controlling the temperature to turning on the radio. Although the audio system is highly complicated, I got a handle on it midway through my test drive period. With knowledge comes ease of operation. I have not heard any BMW owners returning their cars because of I-drive.