BMW 525i
The 525i Is Exactly The Sort Of Five Series Model That
BMW Needs To Shift In Big Numbers. The Introduction Of Valvetronic Technology Gives Andy Enright A Fresh Opportunity To Assesses Its Chances
While the column inches may go to the powerhouse models, cars like the 525i are the ones that BMW hope will achieve the sort of volume sales that made the previous generation 5 Series the default choice for any hard-driving executive. Like proper old-school BMWs, the 525i boasts an engine that refers to its name in this case a 2.5-litre six-cylinder powerplant now improved with the addition of Valvetronic technology.
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This has made the 2,497cc engine lighter and more responsive, upping power from 197bhp to 215bhp, while torque is up to 250Nm. The result is a car that posts a zero to 62mph time of 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 152mph and a combined fuel consumption of 32.5mpg.
Theres also a much improved + version of BMWs acclaimed Dynamic Stability Control System included as standard. DSC+ adds five features to the standard DSC: Brake Standby, Rain Brake Support, Hill Start Assist, Fading Compensation and Soft Stop. All of which means that if you can afford prices which start at £28,240 for the SE and Sport saloon and Touring estate models available, the only real drawback is that theres a mechanically similar 523i model which costs £1,500 less and is nearly as fast. As long as you can live with that controversial styling, its hard to argue with the Five Series buying proposition. With this car, much of the focus has gone into developing innovative technology but at the same time keeping weight from creeping up.
More space is coupled with a weight saving of up to 65kg over the previous generation model, due in no small part to lightweight aluminium including much of the chassis and bodywork of the car and the suspension components. This focus on weight saving has resulted in class leading performance and economy. Much thought has gone into the way electronic systems blend with good old manual ones.
BMW have taken the notion that electronics should aid rather than replace manual systems and the active steering system is a good example.
Rather than developing the sort of pure drive-by-wire systems that often isolate the driver from road feedback, BMW has instead developed a system that maintains a link between the front wheels and the steering wheel but which adjusts the power assistance dependent upon speed and yaw rate, promising quick turn-in when you punch the 5 Series into a corner but without the accompanying nervousness at high speed that many such cars demonstrate. This system is networked to an improved + version of the Dynamic Stability Control system, reducing the interventions DSC has to make.
"The 525i is a very good blend between power and economy"
Dynamic Drive, BMWs active suspension system is available as an option, and Active Cruise Control, a system that automatically controls distances to the car in front, is also available to order. BMW hasnt left too many safety features out of the 5 Series. Brake Force Display is an interesting concept, enlarging the brake light area when the driver really anchors on. Another first for BMW is Adaptive Headlights a feature many will associate more with
Citroen.
This system, sadly still an option, swivels the headlights by up to 15 degrees left and right to illuminate more of the road through a bend. Unlike Citroens rudimentary old mechanical system, this calculates speed, yaw rate and steering angle before steering the beams. Another technology borrowed from another manufacturer in this case
Chevrolet is a Head-Up Display that projects information onto the windscreen. Measuring 4.
48m in length, the Touring estate version is a good deal longer than the previous generation version, as well as being marginally wider and higher. Theres 3cm more shoulder room and 4.5cms of additional rear passenger knee room as a result with increased headroom for all occupants. Whats more, load capacity has been raised to 535 litres with the 60/40 split folding rear seats in place and a hefty 1,650 litres with the seats folded down an increase of 125 litres over the old car.
Like that model, the latest version features a split bootlid with the rear window opening separately for the easy loading of small items. Customers can also opt for a fully automatic tailgate operation with a press on the key fob opening the hatch and simultaneously retracting the boot load cover. Neat. Theres a lockable floor panel that conceals a 35-litre area for the spare wheel and tyre, but if run-flat tyres are chosen, this is converted to additional storage space for valuables.
Two trim levels are available, the well-specified SE version and the Sport which emphasises the Fives dynamic side more overtly. Prices start at £28,240 but for £30,265 you could be driving the Touring estate version. The Sport equivalents are just under £3,500 more in each case. The 525i compares favourably with its key rival, the Mercedes E240 Elegance which retails at a hefty £32,000+ and is down by nearly 35bhp straight off the bat.
BMW faces a tough task with the latest Five Series but its a job which has been made a whole lot easier by the introduction of Valvetronic technology to petrol variants like this 525i. Going for the diesel 525d version is now, in this case, no longer the default option. You really will need to try both and do some serious calculator work before choosing.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: BMW 525i range
PRICES: £28,240 - £33,425 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 16
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.5s / Max Speed 152mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 32.5mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags / ABS / DSC
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height tba
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