DYNAMIC elegance and sportiness: The 2013 BMW 530d sedan
A global success story, the BMW 5 Series model line has sold over 6.5 million units worldwide since its launch in 1972. In Asian countries including the Philippines, BMW has been the top-selling luxury car brand for many years now with the 5 Series reigning in the large premium executive sedan class.
It’s easy to see why when you drive the latest iteration of the 530d. Although it has undergone only a minor facelift, the 2013 530d is sharper than ever to drive, provides a quieter, more refined and more comfortable ride, consumes less fuel and emits less carbon dioxide while delivering sporty power and speed with incredible smoothness. To top it all, the 530d has a beautiful, impeccably crafted cabin tastefully loaded with state-of-the-art infotainment and connectivity features. As to be expected of a car of this price (P6.19 million), the 530d assures occupants of class-leading safety as evidenced by its scoring 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.
IN THE cockpit, iDrive, infotainment and Dakota leather
SPORTY HERITAGE. All BMW vehicles share a sporty heritage and, while this is a desirable thing, it also sometimes brings a firm, rather uncomfortable ride quality, especially over uneven road surfaces. BMW resolved this problem with Adaptive Drive consisting of Dynamic Damper Control that enables the driver to adjust the dampers to the driving situation and Dynamic Drive whose active stabilizers at the front and rear axles minimize vehicle movements, reducing body roll significantly. The suspension superbly balances refinement and sporting ability while double-glazed front windows smother engine and road noise. I discovered this when I scrolled down the driver’s window and heard, for the first time, the palpitating engine which, being common rail with direct diesel injection, has much reduced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) compared to the traditional diesel engine.
The 530d’s turbocharged 3-liter, straight-six diesel powerplant delivers 258 bhp and 560 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. It surges from standstill to 100 kph in 6.1 seconds and its top speed is 250 kph, yet it averages 16.4 kpl in combined urban and highway driving, and emits only 160 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. The brake energy regeneration system and maintenance-free diesel particle filter contribute to fuel economy and lower emissions. The Auto Start/Stop function turns off the engine when waiting in traffic to further save fuel, thereby making the 530d “green” as well as fun to drive. However, the test unit I drove produced a boing! boing! warning sound whenever my speed hit 100 kph—which is just as well because 100 kph is the speed limit on the Skyway (sigh).
AT THE back, luxurious space, individualized air-conditioning, maximum comfort. Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza
EFFORTLESS POWER. Summoning 560 Nm of torque from just 1500 rpm, accompanied by a muted sporty growl from the twin tailpipes, pulls the rear-wheel-drive 530d with such effortless power that you tend to forget you are behind the wheel of a large executive sedan. The 8-speed sport automatic transmission with Integral Active Steering smoothly and quickly shifts between gear ratios, whether you use the selector lever or the gearshift paddles on the sports leather steering wheel. The Electric Power Steering has been remapped for improved precision and feels perfectly weighted and hefty, yet has a smooth and linear action. Typically BMW, the 530d is agile and responsive, so much so that an enthusiastic owner would rather take the wheel than let a chauffeur drive it.
Aside from excellent handling and driveability, the 530d offers class-leading space in the plush cabin as well as in the trunk. Because of the long wheelbase, there is ample rear legroom, and back seat passengers will be as comfortable as those in front. The seats are set low and are electrically adjustable with memory. In the Sophisto Grey II Brilliant Effect metallic test unit, the oyster Dakota leather upholstery contrasts with high-gloss black trim and ash grain brown wood inserts. The keyless engine start, Start/Stop button, cruise control with braking function, on-board computer with 7-inch info display, iDrive controller, automatic aircon with extended features, HiFi with 205-watt digital amplifier and 12 loudspeakers, BMW Professional Radio with CD drive, double tuner and MP3 decoder, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, USB audio interface, AUX-in connection and TV function are what you will find in the cabin aside from high-quality finishing materials and impeccable workmanship.
ACTIVE SAFETY. Also standard equipment in the 530d sedan imported and distributed by Asian Carmakers Corp. are eight airbags, Active headrests, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, Runflat indicator, Servotronic, hands-free tailgate opening, fog lights front and rear, rain sensor and automatic driving lights control, Park Distance Control. The xenons are Adaptive headlights with variable light distribution, cornering lights and adaptive headlight range control. The 18-inch light alloy wheels turbine styling 329 are shod with Runflat tires of mixed sizes front and rear.
Bottom line, the exterior styling of the new BMW 530d may not be as dramatically stunning as other cars, but it is impressively fast, quiet, smooth, refined and fuel-efficient with a splendid, spacious cabin and complete safety features. A highly accomplished car that combines sportiness and elegance with BMW’s trademark dynamism, for discriminating executives the 530d will always be the choice means of transportation, whether for a business trip, holiday out-of-town cruising or the daily urban commute.
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