2012 BMW 5-Series Sedan (528i, 535i, 550i)

Basic Specs

Base Price $45,050
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3814
City (MPG) 22
Hwy (MPG) 32
Horsepower 240@5000-6000
Torque (lb-ft) 260@1250-4800
Wheelbase 116.9
Length (in.) 193.1
Width (in.) 73.2
Height (in.) 57.6

The BMW 5-Series is a mid-size premium sedan based on a shrunken version of the platform used by the larger 7-Series. Although less handling-focused than its legendary predecessors, the latest 5-Series nevertheless provides a sporty drive along with an increased level of comfort, luxury and technology features in addition to a new, 34-mpg four-cylinder engine.

Developed under the codename "F10," the latest 5-Series softens the harder lines of the previous E60 with more conventional-looking headlights and a cleaner front-end design. Despite new European pedestrian safety standards that are expected to drastically alter the design of many European cars for the worse, BMW has managed to maintain its classic twin-kidney grille design with the new 5-Series while simultaneously reducing the length of the front overhang.

As is typical of most recent BMW redesigns, this 5-Series adds some space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase nearly 10 centimeters and widening the track. The car's overall length has grown by less than 2 centimeters, while its height is slightly reduced and its width increased by a fraction. A set of 17-inch wheels are the smallest available with 18 and 19-inch wheels optional.

Across this whole range, the sedan body is the same. With a length of just over 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.

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 the latest version of BMW's iDrive system, which controls secondary functions with a one-knob interface.

While the U.S. and European markets both get to enjoy the 5-Series sedans, the engine offerings are quite different due to governmental and consumer demands - but for the latest model year the U.S. has gained an engine traditionally reserved for Europe: a four-cylinder.

Three Turbocharged Engine Options
The 5-Series offers three turbocharged, direct-injected engines that all provide a good mix of power and fuel economy.

BMW has replaced the 3.0-liter inline-six in the 528i with a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder that the automaker says makes this sedan its most fuel-efficient 5-Series ever offered in North America.

Power output for this 50 percent smaller engine comes in at 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, figures that match (horsepower) and exceed (torque, by 30 lb-ft.) the current 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six. Thanks to the twin-scroll turbocharger, BMW says that peak torque hits at just 1,250 rpm, about 1,500 rpm lower than the outgoing six-cylinder.

To save fuel, the 528i gains auto start/stop, which automatically shuts down the engine when the car is stationary at a stop light.

BMW says that the 0-60 mph sprint takes 6.2 seconds with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, a 0.4-second improvement over the preceding model. Fuel economy jumps to 23 mpg city and an impressive 34 mpg on the highway.

Moreover, BMW will now offer the 528i with its xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Previously, the 528i offered only rear-wheel-drive in this market. The price at the pump for all-weather traction is minimal, with the 528i xDrive rated at 22/32 mpg.

The mid-grade 535i utilizes a silky-smooth turbocharged inline-six that produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The engine is sufficient for zero-to-60 mpg times in the mid-five-second range and returns 21/31 mpg with the standard eight-speed automatic. A six-speed manual, available as a no-cost option, remains a must-have feature for enthusiasts looking for the maximum driver-car connection but lowers efficiency to 19/29 mpg.

BMW's xDrive system, available only with the automatic transmission, lowers highway mileage to 30 mpg.

The most power 5-Series (not counting the M5) is the 550i, which boasts a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The 550i sprints to 60 mpg in a claimed five seconds flat and returns 15/22 and 17/25 with the manual and automatic transmissions, respectively. xDrive, again available solely with the auto, lowers efficiency to 16/24 mpg.

High-Tech Features
All 5-series sedans are fitted with Active Roll Stabilization, which replaces anti-sway bars with electronically controlled pumps to maintain a level ride under nearly all conditions. To complement the Active Roll Stabilization system comes Active Steering, which uses electronic steering to supplement the stability controls acting on the wheel brakes and power.

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. The new 5 also offers Park Distance Control and an around view monitor system, similar to Infiniti 's Around View Monitor.

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

Key Competitors
Those looking for a mid-size luxury sedan like the 5-Series should also consider the Audi A6 , Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Jaguar XF and Lexus GS 350 .

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style: Sedan
    • Size: Midsize
    • Market Segment: Luxury
    • Weight: 3814 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 193.1 in.
    • Width: 73.2 in.
    • Height: 57.6 in.
    • Wheelbase: 116.9 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: 63.0 in.
    • Rear Track: 64.1 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 49.4/50.6
    • Drag Coefficient: 0.29
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 5
    • Passenger Volume: 100.5 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 14.0 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 41.4 in.
    • Head Room: 40.5 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 58.3 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 36.1 in.
    • Head Room: 38.3 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 56.2 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 2.0L I4
    • Power: 240 hp @ 5000-6000 rpm
    • Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 1250-4800 rpm
    • Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 32 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
    • Forced Induction: Turbocharger
    • Direct Injection: Yes
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front: 17" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 225/55 R17
    • Rear: 17" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 225/55 R17
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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    Packages

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      Dynamic Handling Package

      • • Dynamic Damper Control

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      Cold Weather Package

      • • Heated front seats • Heated Steering Wheel • Retractable headlight washers • Heated rear seats

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      Sport Package

      • 18-inch Light alloy V-spoke wheels style 328-with performance run-flat tires • Shadowline exterior trim • Sports leather steering wheel • Increased top speed limiter • Multi-contour seats

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      Premium Package

      • • Ambiance lighting • Universal garage-door opener • Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors

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      M Sport Package

      • • Dynamic Damper Control • Increased top speed limiter • 18-inch Light alloy Double-spoke wheels style 350M-with performance run-flat tires • Aerodynamic kit • Shadowline exterior trim • Multi-contour seats • Anthracite headliner • M steering wheel

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      Driver Assistance Package

      • • Lane Departure Warning • Automatic high beams • Parking Assistant • Active Blind Spot Detection

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      Convenience Package

      • • Power tailgate • Soft-close automatic doors • Comfort Access keyless entry

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      Active ventilated seat package

      • • Front ventilated seats • Heated front seats • Multi-contour seats • Active front seats

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      Premium Package 2

      • • Power rear sunshade with rear manual side window shades • Premium hi-fi system • Heated front seats • Navigation system • Satellite radio with 1 year subscription • iPod and USB adapter • Rear-view camera • Park Distance Control

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