Review Car

2011 BMW 530i

BMW has set itself the ultimate task in launching a 2011 BMW 530i – the benchmark car in its current guise. One of the most challenging tasks faced by any manufacturer occurs when it’s time to redesign a model that is already considered a segment benchmark. This isn’t usually a problem because by the time most cars are due for a redesign (about every five to seven years) they have likely been surpassed by at least one or more competitive models. But in the case of 2011 BMW 530i ,the car remains the model by which all other luxury sport sedans are measured. But successful car companies know the folly of waiting until a vehicle is dying on the vine before injecting new life into it (not that it doesn’t still happen). World-class automakers know there’s always room for improvement, and they’ll work to refine even the most highly regarded cars, regardless of their current position in the marketplace.

While The 2011 BMW 530i is considered a complete redesign, the changes to its basic character seem more like subtle refinement. It was already a comfortable, capable and highly dynamic machine. BMW says it is similar in philosophy to the “steer-by-wire” systems used on aircraft, except the BMW version still uses a mechanical link between the steering wheel and front wheels (if the system malfunctions for some reason, the car will default to a 15-to-1 ratio and it can still be driven). The final effect is that, regardless of speed, the driver is often using the same relatively small level of steering wheel input to negotiate a turn. Additional features to debut on The 2011 BMW 530i include optional adaptive headlights and adaptive brake lights.

Adaptive headlights are bi-xenon units that can rotate to illuminate the road ahead in a turn (they are also networked with AFS and DSC). Adaptive brake lights will brighten the taillights to brake light levels when the driver applies extra pressure on the brake pedal, giving additional warning to following vehicles that hard braking is taking place. Optional run-flat tires – and a tire-pressure monitoring system – as well as a heads-up display (HUD), also make an appearance on The 2011 BMW 530i. The car is also refined and quiet at highway speeds, more so than what we recalled of the current 2011 BMW 530i. We were also surprised by the ride quality on cars equipped with the optional run-flat tires. While these tires often trade “anti-flat tire” security for harsh reactions over bumps, The 2011 BMW 530i ‘ suspension seemed capable of balancing both notions in a single vehicle.

Inside The 2011 BMW 530i, we noticed several 7 Series design cues (iDrive being the most obvious), but we were grateful to see that, even on automatic vehicles, the shifter still resides in the center console rather than on a truncated lever hiding behind the steering wheel. As in the 7 Series, basic audio and climate control functions can be accomplished without going through iDrive, and all controls (along with all interior surface materials) had a quality look and feel. We were particularly taken with the “Dark Poplar” wood interior trim (it’s part of the Premium Package) that managed to look both upscale and sporty at the same time. Rear-seat room has benefited from the slightly larger size of the new 5 Series, and seat comfort (both front and rear) is exceptional.

Innovative technology combined with weight-saving processes, that knock up to 65 kg off the current 5 Series figure, ensure that the best just gets better and provides a genuine new standard for driving dynamics, safety, economy and performance. The inclusion of all-aluminium suspension, second-generation iDrive technology, adaptive headlights and Brake Force Display with the availability of Active Steering, Dynamic Drive Control and Active Cruise Control offer some indication of the seemingly impossible step up from the current 2011 BMW 530i. The impressive technology on offer is supplemented by more space throughout and a new design, inside and out, that clearly shows the new 5 as the most powerful, dynamic and sporting car in its class.