Story and photos by HONG BOON HOW
motoring@thestar.com.my
THE BMW E60 5 Series was one popular Continental luxury sports sedan. It had a reputation for providing its well-heeled owners the adrenaline rush, within a premium package.
Introduced in 2003, the E60 has ended its run and passed the torch to the new F10 5 Series, which rolled out this year. But while the E60 was noted for its striking, if somewhat controversial, styling cues, it looks like BMW has reined in the horses a bit with its successor.
The new styling direction, it seems, emphasises a less hunkered down look, so what you get now is something more slender and elegant.
Two variants of the new series are available in the country, courtesy of BMW Malaysia – the locally assembled 523i, and the fully-imported top-of-the line 535i which was our test unit.
As the flagship 5 for the local market, the 535i is loaded with the latest technological innovations, among them a new generation engine that is lean-burning but more powerful, and a four-wheel steering system.
As BMW cars are synonymous with performance, our 535i had a smooth revving new 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder block deploying Valvetronic technology, twin scroll turbocharge and high precision direct injection. It purrs at low revs but can unload its entire 306bhp and 400Nm of torque with enough punch across a wide rev band to satisfy those in a hurry. Power pours in fast with little noticeable lag for a top speed electronically capped at 250kph. For a car that weighs almost 1.8 tonnes, a 0-100kph dash in 6.1 seconds flat is still possible.
The new eight-speed automatic transmission is fast and seamless, although on at a few occasions, we found it hunting for a gear or two in stop-start conditions, such as during an after-office traffic crawl in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. The paddleshifters slot in your choice of gears promptly if you want a more hands-on driving experience.
The ace up the 535i’s sleeve is the electronic-controlled Integral Active Steering system, first seen in the F10 7 Series, which works by mildly steering rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels.
This is something that all its Teutonic rivals lack and the end result is a mid-sized sedan with the uncanny manoeuvrability of a small hatchback in tight traffic. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn the same direction as the front ones, so the car gently crabs across the lanes.
We managed a speedy run along the windy road from Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor, towards the Gap at Fraser’s Hill, with growing confidence and finesse. It was an adrenaline pumping experience, to say the least.
However, we felt the new electric steering, while being precise, has lost some of the direct feel that we are accustomed to from BMWs. Besides setting the suspension damping, the four drive modes – Comfort, Normal, Sport, or Sport+ – also alter the steering assistance and transmission shifting points, among other things.
In Comfort mode, the ride is softened to soak up any bumps and potholes for limousine-like comfort – this despite the 535i running on standard18-inch runflat tyres. The sportier modes tighten up the suspension for better high speed cornering and handling, without turning the ride bone-jarring hard.
The 535i’s roofline slopes down towards the rear, much like a coupe. It looks good, but the trade-off is less rear headroom. It also boasts a longer wheelbase (8cm) than the out-going model and can claim to have the longest wheelbase in the mid-sized premium luxury segment. The result is ample legroom befitting a luxury ride, a clear improvement on its predecessor.
The new dark grey and beige interior with high gloss veneer inserts and leather seats sets the tone for a plush motoring experience.
The centre high resolution infortainment screen which doubles as a rear view monitor in reverse gear is bigger, at 10.2 inches, and provides high resolution viewing of satellite navigation information, DVDs or other vehicle data.
With green the new black today, the Munich-based auto maker had taken steps to ensure its products do not run afoul of those who’re all out to protect the environment.
Following the BMW EfficientDynamics’ aim of promoting energy efficiency, the 535i recharges its battery using electricity generated from braking, and its electromechanical steering system consumes power only when required.
Standard features include six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control, anti-lock braking system, satellite navigation, bi-xenon headlights with variable light distribution, and keyless entry and start.
With its standard hi-tech kit that’s worthy of a top variant, the 535i is considerably more refined than its predecessor. Yet, it can set your heart pumping. At RM598,800 (OTR without insurance, but with BMW service and repair), you would expect nothing less.
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