Acceleration

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

No opportunity to test 525 or 550 models. The 530s have creamy, strong power delivery. Test automatic-transmission 530xi did 6.9 sec 0-60. Automatic works well, but can be tardy on downshifts. Manuals have longish throws, but operate smoothly. No opportunity yet to test with SMT.

Fuel Economy

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

Test automatic-transmission 530xi averaged 18.8 mpg. All engines require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
8	7	8	6.7

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
8	9	8	7.1

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

Quietness

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
8	7	7	6.8

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

Controls

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	6.7

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

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	7.4

Good head, leg room. Firm, supportive seats. Power seats, tilt/telescope steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Only average visibility over the shoulder and to the rear.

Room/Comfort (rear)

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	5.5

Fine head, leg room, though toe space limited. 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

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	4

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

Value within Class

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	7	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 is a love/hate affair, and iDrive can be downright confounding. This year's new 6-cyl engines bring the 5-Series closer to top competitors, even though their horsepower ratings still don't match those of similarly priced rivals.

Total Score

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
63	62	63	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		72