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BMW 535i SE

don’t be fooled by the softer look – the new 5-Series is more capable than ever!

BMW 535i SE

By Matt Davis

January 2010

  • Rating:

There are some long faces at BMW... Slow sales in 2009 meant the firm’s 5-Series lost its coveted crown as the world’s favourite executive saloon to rival Audi’s A6. Now, a new version is out for revenge.

The latest evolution of the 5 promises to set fresh standards in this competitive class, thanks to a combination of cutting-edge technology and carefully judged design. Its initial impact is very different to that made by the previous 5-Series. Back in 2003, the then all-new saloon shocked with its aggressive design and profile – and it turned the firm’s conservative image right on its head.

BMW isn’t playing the same trick again. Although the car still proudly displays the brand’s trademark dual-kidney grille at the front, the styling is much safer by comparison. There’s also a softer-looking, curved bonnet to satisfy pedestrian impact regulations, while the lights appear familiar – they’re virtually identical to those of the latest 3-Series and X5.

In profile, the car now has a coupé-like silhouette, while the new 17-inch wheels, fitted as standard across the range, fill the bodywork better than the previous 5’s 16-inch rims.

This results in a sportier stance which doesn’t rely solely on flared arches and big exhausts to make an impact. And there’s more to look forward to inside, with comfortable seats and a commanding driving position. Material quality is first rate, and the huge multimedia screens are easy to navigate.

What’s more, the UK version of the 5 has been engineered with the steering wheel on the right from day one. That promises a better driving position, plus neatly ordered controls.

It’s anticipated that 95 per cent of all owners will specify the new eight-speed auto first seen on the latest 7-Series – and our car featured this slick-shifting unit. It feeds the 3.0-litre turbo’s 302bhp to the rear wheels, and helps the BMW deliver heady mid-range urge despite its 1,700kg kerbweight.

Refinement is first class, and even at high speeds the cabin is pleasantly free of excessive wind noise.

The ride is supple and refined, without being too soft. Our car also had the optional four-mode Driving Dynamics Control system, with Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings to progressively sharpen the chassis. It speeds up throttle and shift responses as well, and along winding roads makes a considerable difference to the handling.

Integral Active Steering is another new option. This promises to improve all-round road manners, from low-speed manoeuvrability to high-speed stability. At its core is an active rear-wheel-steering arrangement which ensures the 5 turns into corners more rapidly than before. There’s a new aluminium front axle, while the engine is set as far back in the bay as possible – and all this means the new 5-Series is one of the most accomplished driver’s cars BMW has ever launched.

There will be plenty of choice, too, with six powerplants on offer when UK deliveries begin on 10 March. These start with the six-cylinder 525d and 530d turbodiesels – the latter can be specified with BluePerformance technology, which complies with Euro VI emissions rules.

Direct-injection petrol six-cylinders feature in the 523i and 528i turbo, as well as our 535i turbo, plus there’s a 402bhp V8 bi-turbo. Later in 2010 we’ll get the EfficientDynamics 520d, with a supermini-rivalling CO2 output of 132g/km. Estimates suggest a six-speed manual version of this will also return strong economy of 56.5mpg.

Later come xDrive 4WD variants, an ActiveHybrid 5, the estate and the fifth-generation M5. The latter is said to have a 550bhp twin-turbo V8. And while British buyers won’t get a Sport pack at launch, it will be offered by the start of next year.

The new 5-Series is the very best model in its class – and the competition, including the A6, should be scared all over again.

Rival: Mercedes E350 CGI
E-Class has a very different, edgy look, and for the hugely competitive price, you get a refined and capable cruiser.

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18 Comments

Design?

For me the design of the car is really a disappointment. It´s going back to the boring generic design of the older generation. There is nothing exciting or even remotely interesting about it. Unfortunate for those of us who maybe thought BMW had lost its harness of boredom and found something good with the outgoing 5, 3-series, latest Z4 etc.

By Raywave on 26 January, 2010, 9:13am

Boring

I've now seen quite a few of the new model here in Munich, and all I can say is boring. I even confused it with the Kia Magentis the other day. And those rear lights are designed by a kid with a crayon. I think BMW is now just aiming for the American market with big fat cars. What happened to the Ultimate Driving Machine?

By gherkins123 on 26 January, 2010, 9:47am

So what's it like?

Did you actually drive it? It sounds like a BMW press release. What's it like to drive? How does it compare to the E60 to drive? Looking for real information, not a list of options.

I had a 530i E60 and loved it. But I need to know what's it like to drive before I place an order for an F10 535i (manual). Guess I'll just have to wait to test drive it myself.

By ashleystevens on 26 January, 2010, 10:27am

smike

I like it.

Technically as good as we have come to expect of BMW.
Sure the design is understated, but it's handsom and well proportioned. New isn't always better. Thje Aesthetically Illiterate Chris Bangle demonstrated that clearly enough

By smike on 26 January, 2010, 10:54am

Re: New BMW 5 series

You don't mention Jaguar in the competition.
How do you rate the BM compared with the Jag. XF-S?
For example other magazines put the XF well ahead of the A6 .

By bobdennish on 26 January, 2010, 5:43pm

A safe bet

This car will do well. Its handsome and classy and it will be desired and imitated. But, I believe the outgoing 5 series to be among the most handsome cars available. It has been copied by manufacturers all over - just take a look at the light clusters and angles of any number of recent new french cars and you'll see the 5 series in them. Chris Bangle made BMW unique when others failed to take risks and make a statement. Hail Bangle.

By jcrowley012 on 26 January, 2010, 6:30pm

Yes, well..........

Well it looks nice enough but I can't say it looks much different to any 5 series before it. Cabin looks nice though. I wouldn't say it was an outstanding looker really and the rear light clusters look very similar to anything else at the moment, including Audi. If I were in the fortunate position to be able to buy either offering, for me it would be Audi every time.

By nick7 on 26 January, 2010, 7:19pm

An excellent car with zero disirability

I have no doubts that this car will do everything well but it is souless and doesn't stand our from the crowd. This would be dissappointing at the best of times from BMW but at a time that Jaguar, Mercedes and Audi have cars which are far easier on the eyes this could hit 5 series sales hard and I certainly won't be rushing to trade in ours. The interior is the same, pleasant and well made but with no sense of occassion. BMW don't help themselves but delaying the launch of the sport variants for nearly a year. In previous 5's the sports aggressive looks have had a dramatic impact on the look of the 5. Let's hope so because regardless of the 5's driver appeal, which let's face is a given, it just doesn't do it for me and as soon as Jaguar replaces it's Amstrad dashboard they will converted another once loyal BMW owner.

By Fipzee on 26 January, 2010, 7:24pm

The Best 5 series ever!!!

It will beat again the Jag,Audi and Mercedes ...In Summary (the class leader as always)..Best bimmer ever..It is not easy for a German car to get 5 stars from British..

By black_ghost87 on 26 January, 2010, 7:58pm

I always wanted a 5 series but...

now that it's exactly the same as my 335i (except for slightly more knee room) I won't need to upgrade!

By jones_iain1 on 26 January, 2010, 8:11pm

Tiny boot?

Is it just the bad perspective of the picture or is the boot tiny with loads of intrusions on each side?
Also have to say very boring looking, but will no doubt sell & sell to all the sheep who have to buy it just because of badge

By KkKkKk on 27 January, 2010, 8:26pm

Horrible

It looks like an over sized 3 series ... another BMW flop.

By racerx2005 on 28 January, 2010, 2:30am

2ltr D??

Lets hope the new 2ltr diesel is quieter than the last noisey lump.

By PAULD90 on 28 January, 2010, 3:42pm

I'd rather have a Jaguar XF any day

The Jaguar XF has just been awarded What Car's executive car of the year, for the 3rd year running, and has won dozens of awards worldwide.
This new BMW 5-series is better looking than its predecessor and is, I have no doubt, a great car. Yet I cannot understand why AutoExpress fails to even mention the Jag when stating the Beamer's rivals as the Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class.
Jeremy Clarkson is just the same for The Times. I have just checked their site and he has not reviewed the Jaguar XF at all. He has done plenty of German exec models though.
Strange therefore that he loves, like so many Englishmen, to play up to the old War thing ... "Achtung, Schnell, ze Germans", etc ... yet in practical daily life and work he might as well be earning a huge wad of deuschmarks from these firms for cooing over their products whilst completely ignoring British ones (OK, barring ownership itself it is all Brit) ... that is unless they are rubbish, in which case you can't stop the man from denigrating them.
I wonder what a psychologist would say about a tendensy towards for gloating, followed by serious bouts of self-flagellation.
Let's hope the same illness has not infected the offices of AutoExpress.

By sirsidneyruffdiamond on 28 January, 2010, 3:49pm

If it's not electric, then don't buy it! You're simply wasting your money.

By luvtheearth on 28 January, 2010, 6:35pm

Boring! Boring! Boring!

When will BMW give a bit of style to their exec car. Might be a good drive but oh so boring!!!!

By Derek513 on 31 January, 2010, 2:09pm

Looks wise

I have to agree with a number of the commentators, that its a step back in terms of looks.
In 2003, when the previous 5 series was launched, it was jaw droppingly different, initially many didn't know what to make of it -whether it was good design or bad design, however, thought the years, many have come to see it a good design. The new 5 series is back to standard school-boy design patterns, not too bad looking but nothing outstanding.

By mhn001 on 20 February, 2010, 9:46pm

awesome

finally they made a car for the real bmw drivers. not the wayne rooneys that loved the e60

By julianlee on 30 December, 2010, 11:13am

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FIRST OPINION

    BMW has really hit the bullseye with its new 5-Series saloon. The design is less confrontational and yet just as dramatic as its predecessor’s, while the car is extremely good to drive. The interior is comfortable, and buyers should be reassured by the promise of top residual values. Under the bonnet, the new 3.0-litre turbocharged engine is a star attraction. Delivering an impressive 302bhp, it always has plenty of thrust, yet is much more efficient and economical than the previous powerplant. Executive car drivers have never had it so good.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: ÂŁ37,090
    Engine: 3.0-litre in-line 6cyl turbo
    Power/torque: 302bhp
    Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
    0-60/top speed: 5.8 secs/155mph
    Econ/CO2: 33.2mpg/199gm/km
    Equipment: Adaptive xenon lights, 10-way adjustable sports seats, Professional iDrive, 60:40 split-fold rear seatbacks, Driving Dynamics Control, Dynamic Damping Control, Active Roll stabilisation
    On sale: 10 March
     
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