BMW 5-Series Sedan (528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i)

The BMW 5-Series offers high-performance driving capabilities in a sedan that can carry five adults in comfort and luxury. In an almost Rubik's Cube number of variations, a new buyer can choose any combination of inline-six or V8 engine, normal or turbocharged air intake, manual or button-selected automatic transmission, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and standard or sport suspension. The only downside is that other manufacturers are now producing alternatives that are nearly as good.

To keep the models straight, 528 in the model designation indicates a normally aspirated inline six engine producing 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, 535 is for a twin-turbocharged engine producing 300 horsepower and pound-feet of torque, and 550 indicates the V8 engine with 360 horsepower and pound-feet of torque.

X after the number indicates all-wheel drive. All models are available with either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission with steptronic gear selection. In addition, the driver who likes a bit more responsiveness at the expense of slightly harder ride can opt for the sports suspension on the 528 and 535 models.

The standard suspension is competent and comfortable. For 2008, 'Active Steering' has been added that uses electronic steering to supplement the stability controls acting on the wheel brakes and power. Active Roll Stabilization is another high-tech improvement, which replaces anti-sway bars with electronically controlled pumps to maintain a level ride under nearly all conditions.

Across this whole range, the sedan body is the same. With a length of 192 inches, the car is long enough to provide luxury-level seating and legroom in the rear and a reasonable amount of luggage space, but is short enough to be easy to drive and park.

Since its introduction in 2002, the design of the 5-Series has been the target of reviewers' criticism, who find its raised trunk lid in the rear and aggressively sloped headlamps in front seemingly at odds with each other. A number of design changes have been made for 2008, minimizing the quirkier portions of the design, but the car's styling is still a matter of taste.

On the interior, trim is a tasteful combination of wood and leather (optional on the 528i and 528 xi), with a variety of choices available. The dash is elegant, with few buttons, but dominated by a center screen that monitors all functions and provides vision for the optional navigation and new night vision systems. All of this is controlled with BMW's iDrive, which offers a one-knob interface that is loved by computer jocks and hated by many other reviewers.

Other optional technical gadgets include Lane Departure Warning, Heads-up display Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go-which does exactly what it says, managing the car's speed in stop-and-go traffic-and Sirius satellite radio, HD radio and an iPod connection.

Of course, the 5-Series offers a full range of passive safety features, including extended crumple zones, six air bags, antilock brakes, traction and dynamic stability control, BMW Assist with collision notification, and optional rear passenger airbags.