The sixth-generation BMW 5-Series was introduced for 2011, and remains unchanged for 2013. The mid-size luxury sedan is available with three engines, all-wheel drive, and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model 528i has a 2.0L turbocharged four making 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It's also available as the 528i xDrive, which has all-wheel drive. Next is the 535i xDrive with a 300 hp turbo 3.0L inline six. Top of the line is the 550i with a 4.4L turbocharged V8 making 400 hp and 450 lb-ft.
The 528i gets 9.8 L/100 km city, 6.8 highway. The 528i xDrive gets 10.3/7.2, the 535i xDrive is rated at 11.2/7.9 and the 550i xDrive is rated at 14.8/9.8 city/highway.
All models come with start/stop for fuel savings, adaptive head and tail lights, a heated steering wheel, 10-way power adjustable heated leather seats and dual zone climate control. Standard audio is a 12-speaker system with auxiliary and USB inputs. The 550i gets a 16-speaker system as standard. An iDrive infotainment system is standard with a 7.0-inch touch screen on 528 and 535 models, with a 10.2-inch screen with navigation standard on 550 and optional on the lower models.
Available options on 528i are soft-close doors, a premium stereo, rear window shades, and blind spot and lane departure warnings. A premium package includes heated rear seats, power trunk, soft close doors, rear and surround view cameras, keyless entry, and dakota leather. An advanced safety pack includes lane departure and blind spot warnings. 535i xDrive has an optional premium seating pack with ventilated seatas and Nappa leather. An executive pack comes with power trunk, rear view camera with surround view, navigation and an improved 16-speaker stereo. The 550i xDrive executive pack includes the same as 535i. The premium seats come standard, as does night vision and adaptive cruise with stop and go function.
The M Sport pack on 5-series models is mostly interior trim changes and larger 18 or 19-inch wheels.
The 5-series competes with the Mercedes E-class, Audi A6, and depending on the engine, the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37, Jaguar XF, and Volvo S80. This generation 5-series feels more like a small 7-series than a big 3-series, which is a good thing. Combined with BMW handling, the 5er is a winner.
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