BMW 535iThe BMW 5 series offi cially came into the world in 1972. In 38 years, the world has certainly changed. In those days you bought a 5 Series because it was the most sporty saloon in its class. Nowadays it is cho-sen for its comfort and luxury and its good environmental credentials. Having become the longest in its class, the 5 series is encroaching on the territory formerly occupied by the 7 Series. The editorial team at Di-plomatic World is really pleased to be able to introduce you to this new saloon from Munich!

Concept“How can you believe a car is dynamic if its appearance is everything

but dynamic? Temperament is a thing that has to be seen and felt. It’s like talent, it’s not enough to have it, you have to know how to use it.” Adrian van Hooydonk, designer in chief at BMW Group Design

This sixth generation (codename F10) is the last "work" to be su-pervised by the much disparaged Chris Bangle. Its resemblance to the 7 series is quite worrying, with the exception of its refi ned look. Ne-vertheless, the Munich saloon has character: the very expressive double kidney grille, sculpted hood and sides, chrome inserts… Sensual lines. We think it is the most beautiful BMW 5 Series for a long time. From all angles, the BMW 535i is a great success. The number of heads that turned during our trial was striking.

Bayerische Motoren WerkeHow do you improve on an engine that has already taken the “Engine

of the Year Award” six times?

With a twin-scroll turbocharger, the Valvetronic and the High Preci-sion Injection function….A good start

The improvements to a signifi cant number of details mark an evolu-tion, each of the three technologies having undergone specifi c opti-mization. The revolution, however, is in the way in which they com-plement each other. In the BMW 535i’s TwinPower turbo engine, they come together in an overall concept. The result: 225 kW (306 hp), 400 Nm delivered over a wide range of engine speeds and a very smooth drive. All with a fuel consumption of scarcely 9.2 l/100 km. What a surprise! To date, this engine is the best 6-cylinder petrol engine to be tested in the columns of Diplomatic-World. From the very fi rst turns of the wheel, the engine is surprisingly smooth. A real pleasure to drive thanks to the general design of the engine and gearbox pair.

Reserve power, permanent equilibrium, smooth drive…We were se-riously charmed by the Munich engineers. Mechanical genius.

The diesel option also merits a look. Luxury without waste, even if the new petrol engines mean that there is no longer any real waste. When power goes hand in hand with economy. The six-cylinder in-line diesel engines from BMW are part of a new performance culture; with a maximum power of 180 kW (245 hp) and fuel consumption of no

more than 5.9 l/100 km, they are ready for the future. With the BMW BluePerformance option, the BMW 530d already meets the require-ments of the EU6 antipollution standard which will not come into force until 2014.

ComfortThe new 5 Series has borrowed its chassis from its big sister, the

7 Series. This has undergone changes, even if the wheelbase is still practically the same. It is in the suspension that the new BMW 5 Series garners all of its approval. Fitted with controlled variable suspension as standard the 535i absorbs the irregularities of the road remarkably well. Without a doubt, the BMW 535i is now very comfortable.

On minor roads, we prefer the “sport” mode to the “comfort” or “normal” modes, which are ideal for travelling on motorways and trunk roads. While not going over the top, sport mode reduces movements in the car body, improves the reactivity of the accelerator and gearbox and makes steering more direct. The result is greater enjoyment for the driver without any discomfort for the passengers.

Finally, even without the all wheel drive option, our BMW 535i has a smaller steering circle (11.95 m), which is noticeable when parking.

Interior & technology“Dynamism and elegance merge in a very fl uid movement above the

instrument cluster and the doors. All of the controls are distinguished by their ergonomic design and excellent fi nish. Inside everything is made to measure” Adrian van Hooydonk

The Munich saloon has the best fi nished interior of its class, without contest. The dashboard has taken up BMW’s good habits again. It is directed towards the driver, at an angle of seven degrees, another snub for Bangle who had wanted to do away with this old tradition of the helix. The ergonomics of the controls is impeccable ergonomics and the i-Drive system intuitive. The only complaint would be about the panel-ling for getting dirty too quickly.

Regarding technology, for the fi rst time the new BMW 535i has a whole series of interactive devices, including “integral active steer-ing”, the latest electric steering, “dynamic driving control”, “dynamic damping control”, “adaptive drive”, “head-up display”, camera

systems, “lane change warning” and “lane departure warning”, the parking assistance system, maximum speed limit indicator… the full range of modern driving aids. Do not hesi-tate to ask your BMW reseller to explain each of these modern technologies. Internet access is planned for 2011!

The iDrive, revised and corrected with a return to the centre of the dashboard, like Audi but with the counters at the bottom, is on a par with its main rival when it comes to technology, ease of use and legibility, the only snag being that, depending on the steering wheel height adjustment, the reminder screen is partially hidden from the driver’s view …which is a shame.

On the roadWe travelled some 850km with the new

BMW 535i and although it is even bigger – more in the bodywork than in the living space –,the new BMW 5 Series has progressed in terms of effi ciency and is still one of the best saloons in its class to drive. More remarkable still, it has also progressed with regard to comfort and is now as good as any of its rivals (at least when fi tted with adaptive suspension). Avai-lable from dealerships from March, the saloon will probably be joined by the Touring version in October 2010. Long live the 5 Series, destined to live up to its reputation of excellency !

Information: www.bmw.beThanks to: Mme. Patricia Maris, BMW Belux.

DW • 76