Can this executive sedan tick the boxes for the perfect car?

Almost as if most people simply know this is a good car, they ask "How good is this new BMW 5 Series?"

Is there such a thing as the perfect car?  To answer that complicated question, we have to do the check-list of what a perfect car is:

• it has to have the right look from any angle with an expensive modern clean look, exuding confidence and prestige (though discreetly) plus a touch of executiveness and sportiness... and it has to have these well-balanced 
• its interior has to be well laid-out, spacious enough, comfortable, luxurious and put together well, and make its occupants feel good by use of materials and life-enhancing features

• the technical bits must be the latest technology and be well engineered: the engine must be powerful but not (too) thirsty/eco-dirty, the drivetrain must be smooth and solid, have an excellent gearbox, and be easy enough to drive
• the car must be safe, and handle well, yet ride smoothly
• the "perfect" car must also have that un-pinnable X-factor

The key message in the design brief of the new BMW 5 Series was for it to be "instantly loved".  Have they succeeded?

The current generation BMW 5 Series, with BMW code-name F10, was introduced to the SA market in May 2010.  Whereas early cars kept the much-loved ultra-smooth BMW inline 6, the entry-level 523i and 528i models were replaced towards the end of 2011 by 4-cylinder 2-litre engines, in different outputs, with 523i replaced by 520i, and 528i keeping its name despite dropping a whole litre from a 3.0-litre 6 to a 2.0-litre 4.  Thankfully, for those who appreciate the BMW straight 6 engine, the 535i can still be bought.  The ActiveHybrid 5 uses the 535i as basis, and adds an electric motor (so could have been called simply 535h).  There are also the choices of 3 diesels:  520d, 530d and 535d.

But what if you want more power, and more exclusivity, in an understated package.  There is of course the monster 412kW full-on M5, but if that is too sporty and too flashy for you, the BMW 550i sits in the 5 Series range as the often overlooked model.  Under the bonnet you’ll find a gem of an engine – a V8 4.4-litre which is silky smooth and quiet, and with unfluttered instant response.  BMW felt it necessary to up power and torque from nice round 300kW and 600Nm to 330kW and 650Nm.

Part of the joy of this under-the-radar V8 is its effortlessness – when you need power, simply touch the accelerator pedal, and one gets the impression that it has reserves of power that is easily accessed, which will get the big 5 up-and-away in a brisk flash… but never flashy.  Another joy is the relatively low fuel consumption – the company quotes 8.6 l/100km and just 199g of CO2 during combined-cycle driving – this might seem unbelievable in a large executive sedan with V8 turbo engine, but then it becomes obvious that this engine hardly has to do any work, as it just purrs along.  The seamless and smooth 8-speed Steptronic automatic helps here, in changing up as quickly as possible to keep the V8 up front’s revs as low as possible (and hence its consumption) and allows for low-rev highway speeds.

Make no mistake – this is not a V8 tuned for efficiency only – it might be understated, but it can run from standstill to 100 on the speedometer in just 4.6 seconds, which puts is firmly in the performance car group.  When driven enthusiastically, though, you’ll see that this is still a V8 and still has V8 thirst.

One disappointing aspect is the keep-quiet engineering of this V8.  Where this engine in the BMW 650i has a proper big bass V8 rumble, the 550i is almost muted – even under hard acceleration, there is but the faintest of a growl – gone is the V8 sound.  Back in 1994 when BMW re-introduced V8 to its engine offerings, the then 540i had a good V8 audio track, and BMW even made it a distinctive BMW V8 sound… but now the 550i just goes about its business in silence.  A tell-tale of the 550i is its large rectangular exhaust outlets – 1 each side – where all other 5s have round exhausts.

The BMW 5 Series extensive line-up starts at the 520i, costing around R600k.  The mid-range 535i is priced at about R830k, followed by the hybrid and 535d.  The 550i commands just under R 1.1 million.  Don’t be shocked – this is the price bracket for today’s German executive V8 sedan.

If you don’t want the base car, which is already very well equipped with most of the high-tech BMW “toys” such as head-up display, surround view cameras, electronic on-board owner’s manual, and 3D map displays for navigation (showing where the entrances are, and projecting a bird's eye view of the buildings). 

BMW facelifted the 5 Series in August 2013, bringing subtle but freshening changes, including white LED corona rings as daytime running lights, optional LED headlights, and other detail exteriorn and interior updates.

With 5 Series facelift, BMW also added the Lines options (replacing the previous packages) so you can also choose an upgrade to Luxury line, which adds very tasteful chrome trim outside, and a choice of a more rich interior theme, including colour combinations and stitching exclusive to Luxury line, creating even more of a luxury feel, as indicated by Luxury badges on the front fenders.  Multi-spoke stylish alloy wheels are included with Luxury line, or choose from a spread of other wheels.  At just R10k on the 550i, the Luxury line is easily worth it.  If you want a more sporty look&feel, go for the M Sport package, though here you’ll lose the subtlety of the 550i.  Should you want high-gloss intriguing colours and more interior leather options, look at BMW Individual options.

The interior of the current 5 Series is also a much more plush and comfortable cockpit, compared to the previous edgy 5 Series which had the quality but felt a bit stark – good to see BMW returning to a comfortable sedan.

To have a look back at our check-list of what makes the perfect car, the BMW 550i ticks all the boxes.  Yes, it might seem expensive for most, and the V8 may be a bit too muted, but it so much so well all of the time, it is certainly at the pinnacle of motoring perfection.