Reviews

The relationship between time and distance at 155 mph is something few of us are likely to experience on U.S. highways. The driver's focus extends at least a half-mile down the road, to take note of traffic that he or she will be dealing with in a matter of seconds -- for example, a car traveling at a mere 80 mph or so pulling abruptly into the fast lane to overtake a slow-moving truck.

That kind of action just isn't part of U.S. driving, but it's common enough on German autobahns, where there are still some rural stretches that allow flat-out running. It's an exercise that demands a high level of concentration from the driver, and an extraordinarily capable automobile.

And that's precisely what BMW's new 5-series sedans are -- extraordinary.

Due to hit U.S. showrooms in May, the new 528i and 540i replace a line of cars that seemed hard to improve upon. But improved they are -- smoother, quieter, safer, more comfortable and more sophisticated.

Although we'd seen the new sedans at several auto shows, our first hands-on experience took place in Germany with a 540i, a heady mix of top-speed autobahn adrenaline and backroad cruising through the Bavarian countryside. Since the autobahn is the development target that still separates German cars from the rest of autodom, we couldn't have asked for a better place to gather our impressions.

Consistent with BMW design philosophy, styling of the new 5-series sedans represents an evolutionary step forward, rather than a dramatic leap. The biggest visible change is at the front of the car, with its rounder nose and new headlamps sheltered by flush-fitting clear plastic panels that wrap around into the fenders.

The curve of the windshield pillar into the roof has been softened, and the car slices through the wind more efficiently -- and quietly -- than its predecessor.

These are bigger cars than the previous generation. The wheelbase has been stretched by 2.7 inches, overall length has increased by 2.2 inches, width by 2.0 inches and height by about an inch. Front and rear track has also increased, lending an even more aggressive, ready-for-business look to the appearance.

While they were enlarging the 5-series chassis, the engineering team also made it substantially stiffer than the previous edition, no small feat. And even more remarkable, they were able to reduce the curb weight of the 528i and maintain the 540i curb weight -- 3803 pounds -- at the same level as the previous model.

There's very little visual distinction between 528i and 540i, but there's a dramatic difference under the hood.

The 528i is propelled by a 2.8-liter dual overhead cam 24-valve inline six, an engine that's also used in the new 328i. With its increased displacement -- the previous 5-series six-cylinder was a 2.5-liter -- it produces 190 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. That's enough to boot the basic 528i to 60 mph in less than eight seconds.

Forward motion in the 540i, however, is far more eye-opening. A number of engineering changes in the dohc 32-valve aluminum V8 -- including a displacement increase from 4.0 to 4.4 liters -- gives the 540i engine substantially more torque (310 lb.-ft.) to go with its 282 hp. With its sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission, it can sprint to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, emitting only a refined snarl in the process.

A six-speed manual version of the 540i will come along later this year. BMW will probably refrain from calling it a Sport model, but it will include a Sport package with wider tires on 17-inch wheels, stiffer M-technic suspension components and lower ride height.

Transmission choices for the 528i include a five-speed manual (standard) and four-speed automatic, a $975 option.

Pricing for the new line starts at $37,900 for the basic 528i. The 540i automatic opens at $49,900, and the six-speed version will cost $51,950.

While BMW continues to create automobiles that provide a superior driving experience, there seems to be a growing consciousness in the company's product planning circles that these cars are competing in a realm where luxury appointments are just as important as performance.

Check the standard features for the basic 528i. The only thing that's remotely conspicuous by its absence is leather, available as part of a $475 premium package that also includes wood trim, metallic paint, cross-laced aluminum wheels and side-impact airbags.

The 540i includes leather, walnut trim and the side airbags, as well as a power moonroof -- instead of the steel-topped power sunroof that comes with the 528i -- plus 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Other standard safety features include dual front airbags, traction control and, as on all BMWs, antilock braking.

While the 5 series maintains the airplane cockpit feel common to BMW cars, the fit is a little more relaxed than in some of the company's sportier models -- the hot rod M3 coupe, for example. The seats, enhanced by a wide range of power adjustability, offer BMW-style lateral support, but aren't quite as snug, a welcome trait for long-haul cruises.

Instrumentation is classic white-on-black BMW analog, bathed in red light after dark, and major controls are generally well marked and easy to reach. The auxiliary switches for the sound, climate and cruise controls that flank the steering wheel hub required a little deciphering, but they're helpful for autobahn driving, which requires undivided attention. At speeds over 100 mph, reaching out to the center of the dash to change radio stations is a no-no.

Our test car was also equipped with a new satellite navigation system BMW is planning to offer later this year. Like some of the other systems beginning to appear in the U.S. market -- from Oldsmobile and Acura, for example -- it features a map display plus a little voice that tells you when and where to turn. BMW hasn't set a price for this feature yet, but we'd expect it to be somewhere in the vicinity of $2,000.

We can think of only two changes we'd suggest for this superb car.

First, we're surprised that there's not more rear-seat legroom. Although the abundance of head and shoulder room offsets this shortfall, when the front seat is at its maximum rearward travel, there's no more rear-seat legroom in this car than there is in a Honda Accord.

Second, we wish there was a switch to defeat the backup feature BMW has programmed into the outside mirrors. When the driver puts the car into reverse, the mirrors automatically tilt down, to provide a view of curbs and other ground-level obstacles. That's fine, but it eliminates the driver's view of bigger things that might be lurking behind -- other cars, for example.

Perhaps the most surprising element of our test drive was how well the 5-series cabin keeps road and wind noise under control. Even at speeds in excess of 120 mph, the average fast-lane rate on open stretches of autobahn, it was possible to carry on a conversation at near-normal decibel levels. The Lexus LS 400 may be quieter, but you'd need a very sensitive meter to detect any difference.

However, our preoccupation with low noise levels shows how spoiled we've become by BMW's outstanding road manners. Even at its electronically limited top speed, we expected this car to display the stability of an aircraft carrier, which it did.

Although the 540i is no wraith at two tons plus with two people on board, we expected the agility of an all-star running back, and the car delivered.

Similarly, the precise steering and world-class braking would have surprised us only if they'd been something less than state-of-the-art.

In fact, aside from quiet operation, the only thing about the 540i's behavior that was even mildly surprising was its smooth ride quality. BMWs have always had great handling credentials, but recent editions have become more supple, taking the hard edge off their response to small irregularities in the pavement.

Although BMW is edging a little closer to the luxury car mainstream with its new 5-series sedans, the edging is occurring in areas that are sure to broaden appeal: ride quality, interior appointments and safety features.

Underneath these improvements the cars still embody an athletic spirit that's increasingly rare in the world of luxury cars. The 540i, in particular, offers exceptionally stirring performance, wrapped up in an elegantly sumptuous package.

BMW has plenty of worthy rivals in the luxury car realm, but when it comes to thoroughbred sport sedans, nobody does it better.