2007 BMW 5-Series: Road Test
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2007 BMW 5-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $43,500 -$82,500
- Invoice: $40,200 -$75,900
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Our road test for the 2007 BMW 5-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2007 BMW 5-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 BMW 5-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 BMW 5-Series help you decide if a 2007 BMW 5-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 530i sdn, auto. | 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. | 530xi sdn, auto. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 7 |
No opportunity to test 525i or M5. The 530i model's 255-hp 6-cyl is smooth, strong with either transmission. Test automatic-transmission 530xi did 6.9 sec 0-60. 550i potent at all speeds, did 5.5 sec 0-60 with automatic transmission in our test. Manual gearbox provides smooth action. Automatic works well with any engine, but can be tardy on downshifts. No opportunity yet to test with SMT.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 530i sdn, auto. | 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. | 530xi sdn, auto. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
Test automatic-transmission 530xi averaged 18.8 mpg. No opportunity to measure with other models. All engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 530i sdn, auto. | 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. | 530xi sdn, auto. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6.6 |
Smooth, stable at any speed. Sport Package's stiffer suspension and 17- or 18-inch run-flat tires combine for tautness that allows ruts to pound through, but ride never becomes harsh. 5-Series' ride/handling combination is among the world's best.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 530i sdn, auto. | 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. | 530xi sdn, auto. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7.2 |
Well-balanced, agile, always composed, the kind sport sedan rivals strive to match. Active Steering a boon to low-speed maneuverability, but its activation point feels inconsistent to some testers. 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. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Virtually no wind rush. Only real road noise comes with Sport Package's high-performance tires, and they're hushed on most surfaces. Solid build quality. Engines smooth, produce muted growl in aggressive acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 530i sdn, auto. | 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. | 530xi sdn, auto. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
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. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 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; no opportunity to test with Night Vision.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 530i sdn, auto. | 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. | 530xi sdn, auto. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
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. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
Good trunk room, but liftover is high. Hinges covered to prevent crushing packages, but do gobble space. Meager interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 530i sdn, auto. | 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. | 530xi sdn, auto. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
The 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Steering is a love/hate affair, and the iDrive control center can be downright confounding. But Active Roll Stabilization is truly useful, and helps BMW maintain the 5-Series' world-class handling without compromising its admirable ride quality.
Total Score
| 530i sdn, auto. | 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. | 530xi sdn, auto. | 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | 65 | 66 | 66 | 62.1 |
Total Score: 66
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