Insurance Group: 40
MPG: 37.2
CO2: 177
0-62 Mph: 5.9 secs
BHP: 306 BHP
Range: 573 miles
PROS: Great performance, good looks, impressive list of standard equipment
CONS: High CO2 emissions and low fuel efficiency.
The 535i SE has a 306 bhp engine delivering 295 lb-ft of torque at 1200-5000 rpm and reaching 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The 8 speed automatic gearbox is fantastic and smooth through the gears and 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 rather expensive option to add what BMW call Adaptive Drive, which is worth the money for the difference it makes to the performance and handling.
The 535i SE looks fantastic from the outside and the cabin is stylish and beautifully finished.
The 535i SE 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 have an unblemished repuation when it comes to producing reliable cars and the 535i should therefore be a very dependable motor.
Standard safety kit includes six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, cornering brake control, dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control. An optional extra is the Active Security Package (with lane change 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 pops up to protect pedestrians in the event of an accident.
In space terms, the 5 Series are practical cars with loads of space in the front and back although the transmission tunnel makes it uncomfortable for taller passengers to sit in the rear middle seat. The boot is big, offering 520 litres of space.
The 535i SE costs £40,465 and has a combined economy of 37.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of 177g/km.
The 535i is much less efficient than the diesels and costs a lot more to run as a result. Although it offers great performance and all the equipment you could want, the diesel is much better value for money. On the plus side, the 535i should hold on to its value well thanks to its desirable badge.
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