Insurance Group: 42
MPG: 52.3
CO2: 142
0-62 Mph: 5.5 secs
BHP: 313 BHP
Range: 805 miles
PROS: Superb fuel efficiency, great performance, good looks, impressive level of standard kit.
CONS: Very uncomfortable ride thanks to run-flat tyres.
As you would expect, the 535d is a superb car to drive with responsive handling and a finely balanced chassis.
The 535d SE has a 313 bhp engine delivering a monumental 464 lb-ft of torque and reaching 62 mph in 5.5 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The cabin is insulated from the outside noise of the engine, tyres and suspension, although there is a little wind noise at high speeds.
The suspension on the 5 Series is not as supportive as you might expect, but there is the option to add Adaptive Drive to the six-cylinder models, which is worth the money for the difference it makes to the ride and handling.
The BMW cabin is arguably one of the best available and the 5 Series is made with high-quality materials and beautifully finished.
The iDrive system is much easier to get to grips with than before and all the controls of angled towards the driver, with perhaps the only downside being how many generic looking buttons and controls there are for the stereo. The system also features electronic controls for the seat height and backrest angle, although you still have to slide back and forth using a manual lever.
The SE saloon comes with leather seats, metallic paint, power steering, stability control, cruise control, climate control, alloy wheels, stereo, MP3 connectivity, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth as standard, with optional extras including satellite navigation for £1,580. The backseat entertainment option includes satellite navigation.
BMW has an nviable repuation for reliability and the 535d should prove to be a very reliable car.
Safety is top rate, too with standard equipment including a minimum of six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, inclusive of ABS, and dynamic traction control. An optional extra is the Active Security Package (with lane changes and lane departure-warning systems), with an alarm, deadlocks and locking wheelnuts as standard. The 5 Series also comes with a spring-loaded bonnet, which makes it much kinder to pedestrians in the case of a crash.
In space terms, the 5 Series are practical cars with loads of space in the front and back. Although BMW claim it is a five-seater, the middle back seat is not ideal as it has to accommodate the large transmission tunnel which runs through the centre of the car. The boot is a good size offering 520 litres of space.
The 535d SE costs £44,290 and offers fuel economy of 52.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 142g/km.
The 535d is a powerful and fuel efficient car with low CO2 emission rates, but it is quite expensive, especially in light of the less than satisfactory suspension, although resale values are strong.
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