BMW 530i Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: BMW 530i range
Prices: £34,955 - £40,175 - on the road
Insurance Group: 18
Performance: 0-60mph 6.3s / Max Speed 155mph
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 35.8mpg
Safety: Twin front, side & window airbags / ABS / DSC+
Dimensions: Length/Width/Height 4841/2035/1468mm

MATURE EFFICIENCY

Our Rating: No Rating Available

BMW has produced one of the most powerful cars in this class with the revised 530i. It is capable of producing 272bhp and a maximum torque of 320Nm. The 2,996cc engine is able to produce a flat torque curve and impressive power low down that produces instantaneous response and smooth acceleration. With all of this power the 530i is able to go from 0-62 in only 6.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 155mph while still averaging 35.8mpg. BMW attributes the impressive efficiency in part to their Brake Energy Regeneration technology which takes power that normally would have been applied to the overrun or under braking to recharge the car's battery.

The 530i comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission; there is also the option for drivers to choose a six-speed automatic or an Automatic Sports Transmission which uses paddle shifters if they prefer automatics to manual transmissions. The six cylinder transmission also incorporates DSC+ technology which offers an advanced safety system with features such as Brake Standby, Rain Brake Support, Hill Start Assist, Fading Compensation and Soft Stop.

BMW has also made some enhancements to the interior of the 530i, they have decided not to assault the driver with overbearing reminders to buckle their seatbelts, and instead they have installed soft chimes to casually remind the driver to buckle up. They have also included a favorites system that allows the driver easier access to information than in previous models. If you are looking for the added sportier look you may want to consider adding the M Sport package. This will offer you the sports suspension, wider air intakes, deeper bumpers, larger wheels and an optional trunk mounted spoiler.

The exterior has also been modified from previous versions. The new 530i has glass covered headlights and turn signals, the kidney shaped grill now sits flush with the bumper, the rear air duct has been modified and horizontal LEDs have replaced the previous brake lights.

While the 530i is a big car, it may leave taller passengers a bit cramped in the rear seats. There is also ample storage room in the trunk, and if needed the rear seats can be folded down to allow larger pieces to be stored safely. There is also the option of choosing an automatic tailgate opening system that is operated by pushing a button on the keychain for easier access.

Other options available for drivers are the Dynamic Drive System and Active Cruise Control which will automatically control the distance between you and the cars ahead of you. BMW also offers their Brake Force Display system which makes the brightness of the brake lights increase or decrease depending on how much force the driver is applying at the time. There is also the chance to utilize BMW's Adaptive Headlight system that allows for the headlight to swivel up to 15 degrees left or right for better night time driving vision.

With the newly redesigned 530i, BMW has designed a vehicle that any driver will enjoy from the moment they turn the key for the first time.