2011 BMW 5-Series Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

The 2011 BMW 5-Series has moved away from BMW's traditional emphasis on driving pleasure to become more of an all-rounder, much like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Refined, roomy and well-built, the 2011 BMW 5-Series will chew up miles with ease but, simply put, it is no longer the best driver's car in the mid-size luxury segment.

2011 BMW 5-Series quick specs

Body Style	Sedan
Class	Mid-size Luxury
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	5

2011 BMW 5-Series ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

In the name of consistency throughout the model range, BMW basically scaled down the 7-Series to arrive at the all-new 5-Series. The cabin also follows a restrained corporate theme that is equally unlikely to offend—nor convince you to part with the huge sum of money required to purchase even the base BMW 5-Series variant. With the 2011 BMW 5-Series' anonymous styling, it is obvious that BMW would rather have a car-generation of blandness than the adventure seen on the previous BMW 5-Series, in the process saving itself from the brunt of a load of criticisms.

Handling

Built on the same basic platform as the 5-Series GT, the 6-Series and the 7-Series, the 2011 BMW 5-Series still possesses 50:50 front/rear weight distribution and a host of technology—notably the introduction of electrically-assisted power steering—that should help the 2011 BMW 5-Series retain the title of the best driver's car in the segment. While still exemplary in isolation, the handling is no longer class-leading, or as good as its predecessor's. The Jaguar XF is simply more agile in reaction, tighter in body control, and more natural-feeling in steering. Understeer is also more prominent than in the previous BMW 5-Series. Adaptive dampers are a necessity if you want to experience the handling sharpness expected of a BMW 5-Series.

Comfort

The ride quality suffers with 18" wheels and standard suspension. Again, the ride is not nearly as cosseting as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' unless adaptive dampers are installed. The cabin is extremely refined, with no intrusion of suspension, tyre, engine or wind noise, though the last of which is noticeable at higher speeds. The default driving position is good, thanks to well-positioned major driving controls, supportive seats, and a wide range of steering and seating adjustments. The iDrive rotary controller, which needs some time to familiarise with, has become more intuitive to use and will make your life easier in the longer term.

Quality + Reliability

Like in the previous BMW 5-Series, the new cabin is a nice place to spend time in, pampering occupants with high-quality materials and faultless fit-and-finish. Bland design aside, the sense of quality and the attention to details throughout is second to none in the mid-size luxury segment. The build quality does not seem to be inferior in our locally-assembled test unit. Given BMW's reputation for reliability and the depth of engineering beneath the skin of the 2011 BMW 5-Series, the underlying mechanics, along with the cabin construction, should stand the test of time with ease.

Performance

BMW has saved all the excitement for its in-line six-cylinder powerplants, known for their refinement, free-revving nature and plenty of power. The 523i, powered by the 204 hp, 250 Nm 2.5-litre N52 engine, is not lacking in pace, taking 8.5 seconds to complete the 0-100 km/h dash. Next up is the 258 hp, 310 Nm 3.0-litre N52 engine that propels the 528i from rest to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The 306 hp, 400 Nm twin-turbo 3.0-litre N55 engine in the 535i easily steals the show, to little surprise. But it is the 2.0-litre turbodiesel in the 520d with 184 hp and 380 Nm that impresses with a surprisingly strong, flexible performance across a wide rev range. The eight-speed automatic transmission is tremendously smooth and intelligent, never failing to pick the right gear at the right time while executing the gearshifts imperceptibly.

Roominess

The 2011 BMW 5-Series is based on a shortened version of the same platform as the BMW 7-Series. Still, the wheelbase is only 100 mm shorter than the 7-series', meaning that it is now class-leading at 2968 mm. There is simply more leg- and shoulder-room at the back compared with before, though the hefty centre transmission tunnel limits legroom for the middle rear occupant. The 520-litre boot is smaller than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' at 540 litres, but at least the shape is usefully uniform.

Running Costs

Both the 523i and the 528i achieve fuel economy of 12.5 km/litre, and the 535i returns 11.9 km/litre. The most frugal is of course the 520d, which returns 19.2 km/litre. Servicing and repairs are expensive, but the same can be said for rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Insurance is another big expense, but not nearly as big as the amount lost on depreciation. The 2011 BMW 5-Series can boast of class-leading resale values alongside the E-Class, but any quantum of loss translates into large absolute amounts considering the high prices.

Value for Money

The 2011 BMW 5-Series is a classy, refined and roomy sedan that performs strongly across its engine range. It makes a comfortable cruiser, but in the city areas, the BMW 5-Series' ride lacks the sophistication seen on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Moreover, with handling that pales in comparison to the Jaguar XF's, the 2011 BMW 5-Series has lost its status as the best driver's car in the mid-size luxury segment. In short, the BMW 5-Series is evolving into the E-Class, placing more emphasis on comfort and refinement than BMW's traditional values of driving pleasure and driving engagement.

Equipment

Standard features for the two base variants of the 2011 BMW 5-Series include alloy wheels, Brake Energy Regeneration, Dynamic Driving Control, Dynamic Damping Control, Integral Active Steering, Dynamic Stability Control, front/side/head airbags, full leather interior, four-zone automatic climate control, iDrive system, 10.2" LCD display, 12-speaker audio system, and BMW Navigation system Professional. The 528i comes with larger 18" alloy wheels, steering-wheel gearshift paddles and Head-Up Display. The 535i further adds on Adaptive Drive, adaptive headlights, 16-speaker audio system and sunroof. Compared with the 523i, the 520d makes do with a two-zone automatic climate control and without the Integral Active Steering.

Environment

The 523i and the 528i both emit 187 grams/km of carbon dioxide, while the 535i emits 195 grams/km, though it is once again the 520d that impresses with a mere 137 grams/km. Taken together with the 520d's 19.2 km/litre fuel economy, it becomes obvious that modern diesel technology should play a much bigger part in the local automotive scene. The government should expedite the lowering of sulphur content in Malaysia's diesel so that BMW and other automakers can bring in more of these diesel wonders.

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2011 BMW 5-Series Review

2011 BMW 5-Series at a glance