Acceleration

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	8	6.6

Test automatic-transmission 525i did 7.7 sec 0-60 mph, manual 530i did 7.1, automatic 545i did 5.5. Neither 6-cyl engine has much low-rpm torque, but they keep pulling to provide adequate acceleration. V8 stronger at all speeds. Manual gearbox provides smooth action. Automatic works well, but can be a bit tardy on downshifts. No opportunity yet to test with SMT.

Fuel Economy

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4	4.6

Test automatic-transmission 525i averaged 18.4 mpg, 530i manuals averaged 19.7-20, 545i automatic averaged 17.7. All engines require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
8	8	7	7	6.9

Smooth, stable at any speed. Sport Package's stiffer suspension and 17- or 18-inch run-flat tires combine for stiffer feel that allows ruts to pound through, but ride never becomes harsh. 5-Series' ride/handling combination among world's best.

Steering/Handling/Braking

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
8	8	9	9	7.1

Well-balanced, agile, always composed. The sports sedan rivals strive to match. Active Steering a boon to low-speed maneuverability, but its activation point felt inconsistent to some testers. Little body lean in fast turns, even less with Sport Package's Active Roll Stabilization. Braking strong, stable, straight.

Quietness

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
8	8	7	7	6.8

Virtually no wind rush. Only real road noise comes with Sport Package tires, and they're hushed on most surfaces. Solid build quality for few creaks, rattles. Engines smooth, produce muted growl in aggressive acceleration.

Controls

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	6.7

Must interact with iDrive for anything other than simplest audio, climate adjustments. That complicates most functions and diverts driver attention. Control layout itself simple, convenient. Elegant interior decor benefits from top-notch materials.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.4

Good head, leg room for all but the very tall. Firm, supportive seats. Power seats, tilt/telescope steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position.

Room/Comfort (rear)

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.6

Fine head, leg, toe space. Taller riders may want more head clearance and will have leg room problems only with front seats all the way back. Long, firm cushions provide fine comfort.

Cargo Room

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	3	4

Good trunk room, though high liftover. Hinges covered to prevent crushing packages, but do gobble space. Needs more interior storage.

Value within Class

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.9

The 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Roll Stabilization is truly useful and helps BMW maintain the 5-Series' world-class handling without compromising its admirable ride quality. But Active Steering can be a love-hate affair, and iDrive can be downright confounding. Furthermore, 6-cyl models feel underpowered for this class, and no 5-Series is bargain priced.

Total Score

525i, auto.	530i, auto.	530i w/Sport Pkg., man.	545i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
63	63	62	63	61.6

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		61
High Score		72