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BMW 530i Sport Saloon - Fleet News
01.03.2001 |
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The combination of stiffer suspension settings, a 231bhp 3.0-litre straight six and the 5-series saloon makes for a subliminal sports saloon. Paul Clark reports.
A series of engine upgrades and subtle styling changes on the BMW 5 Series has reaffirmed its position at the top of the executive car league, and with new sport packages now available on the 530i, 535i and 540i models perhaps the last-remaining gap in the range has now been filled.
The look is purposeful, with special aerodynamic styling featuring a cut-away rear apron, subtle rear spoiler, an M5-style front apron, colourless indicators, dechroming around the windows and new alloy wheels. Inside sports seats and matt aluminium trim continue the theme, while M Sport suspension, with firmer settings than the standard models, gives the car a lower, more aggressive, stance. Coupled with the recent range-wide revisions to the front lights and grilles, the changes make the 530i Sport a handsome addition to the range.
Available in both Saloon and Touring versions, the 530i Sport is priced from £32,000 on the road for the saloon and £33,900 for the Touring, with Steptronic transmission a further £1220 on each. At that price it competes with the Mercedes E320 Avantgarde (£32,925) and Lexus GS300 auto (£33,460 including sat-nav).
Fleet appeal
BMW has achieved an enviable reputation among fleet customers as a 'safe bet'. Its position as the best-selling executive car in Britain tallies with strong RVs and low running costs to maker a package that appeals to corporate customers and drivers alike.
CAP Monitor awards the 530i Sport a three year/60,000-mile RV of £12,875, or some 40% of cost new. That's slightly less than the Mercedes E320 Avantgarde at £14,400/45%, but better than the Lexus GS300 auto's £13,125/39.
In terms of running costs, there's little in it between the BMW and Mercedes, the 530i at 44.7p/mile and the Mercedes at 44.1p/mile. There is however, a yawning gap between the BMW and the Lexus at 50.1p/mile, a legacy of higher service costs and poorer economy on the Japanese car. At just 24.8mpg on the combined cycle, the GS lags well behind the Mercedes - 27.4mpg and the BMW's impressive 29.7mpg.
Today's 5 Series benefits from extended service intervals, the frequency being indicated by the dash-mounted service interval indicator. On average, an oil change is required at 13,600 miles, though careful driving may see this stretched to an impressive 18,600 miles.
Tax position
For a 40% tax payer covering between 2500 and 18,000 miles, the 530i Sport attracts a tax bill of £3182. In 2002, under the new emissions based regime, the BMW's CO2 emissions of 229g/km mean the taxable value rises by 2%, equating to tax of £3437 for the same driver. Compare this with the current and future tax positions of the Mercedes and Lexus, however, and it's clear the BMW is a winner. The Mercedes will see tax liability rise from £3275 now to £4322 in 2002, while the Lexus driver will have to pay £3328 now and a massive £4659 in 2002.
Driver appeal
With 231bhp on tap at 4000rpm, the 530i Sport is quick: a top speed of 155mph and 0-62mph time of just 7.1secs puts it well ahead of the (auto only) Mercedes and Lexus. Even in automatic form, the BMW's 152mph maximum and 0-62mph time of 7.6secs is fast, while the seamless gear-shifting of the Steptronic system is ideally matched to the engine's torque characteristics.
The firmer suspension settings do a fine job of stiffening everything up to a finely judged point that sits on the right side of the limit for driver comfort, while still dialling in useful extra body control and sportiness compared with the standard car. Never does the Sport feel unsettled, the steering is sharp and communicative while overall composure during rapid cornering is little short of astonishing. The beefy tyres (235/45 R17 front and 255/40 R17 rear) give superb grip, and considerably enhance feel and response compared with the standard car's 225/55 R16 rubber.
Comfort and interior
Sports seats with Alcantara trim and the anthracite headlining are the key distinguishing features of the Sport's interior, though a multi-function M Sport steering wheel is also standard, providing a range of controls that mean the driver's hands seldom have to leave the wheel. Otherwise, it's stock BMW 5 Series which means a beautifully thought out and impeccably finished dash and interior and a sensibly chosen standard equipment list that includes a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel and height, reach and rake adjustable driver's seat which make for a perfect driving position: the seats themselves are firm but supportive.
Our testers were less enthusiastic about the aluminium-effect trim, which replaces the wood on the SE. It's a matter of taste, of course, but the bright metal effect can look out of place in a dark-trimmed cabin. For those not so sure, burr walnut wood trim is a no-cost option in place of the matt aluminium trim.
Safety and security
The 530i Sport comes with twin front, side and head bags as standard, with ABS and traction control as well as five three-point seatbelts and three rear head restraints. The 5 Series took this year's BVRLA security award in the executive sector for the fifth year running - helping the Sport to an ABI insurance rating in Group 17A - identical to the SE model.
Equipment and value
Just about every creature comfort you really need is standard on the 530i Sport: climate control, four electric windows, 17" alloy wheels, traction control ASC+T), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a quality stereo, cruise control, remote locking, park distance control and BMW's multi-function steering wheel controlling most primary functions. Key options include automatic transmission (£1220) and leather upholstery (£1200).
Verdict
Since launch, the 5 Series range has cried out for a more sporting model to close a niche hitherto unfilled. In the 530i Sport it has finally arrived. With the sharper rack and pinion steering that features only on six-cylinder 5 Series BMWs and all the power you really need, the 530i Sport has few peers as a truly rewarding sports saloon. It is combined with a cost profile that, in the final analysis, makes the BMW the only sensible choice in terms of tax liability and running costs.
Moreover, that the 530i Sport can claim a 'Best in Class' is testament to the soundness and quality of design inherent in the 5 Series.