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9/2/2007 | BMW
It's getting to the point that it's hard to look cool in an SUV any more. A tank of gas costs $100.Other drivers give you the stink-eye for wasting precious natural resources. And frankly, the things are just no fun to drive, unless you've got some deep snow or mud to tackle. What's a person who honestly needs the cargo and passenger room to do?
Well, we've got two alternatives. First, there's a minivan.
Yeah, we didn't think you'd like that, either.All is not lost, however.There
are plenty of cool station wagons to consider these days.An SUV is essentially
a station wagon on big tires anyhow, right?Maybe it's time to put the big tires
away and come back to earth.No longer just as dorky as minivans, station wagons
have gone upscale and uptown.Near the top of the heap is the 2006 BMW 530xi.
Combining equal parts performance and practicality (well, okay, maybe it's a
bit heavier on the "performance" end), the 530xi is the latest
variant added to BMW's fantastic 5-series class of mid-sized sedans.Considered
by many to be the best-handling luxury sedans in the business, the 5-Series
offers world-class handling, all-wheel drive and a range of all-new
six-cylinder engines for 2006.
That engine is, of course, the heart of the car. The
530xi comes with the larger of the two sixes, a 3.0 liter inline six featuring BMW's
Valvetronic variable valve lift and VANOS variable valve timing.255 horsepower
makes for confident acceleration, and the inline six's naturally torquey
delivery makes it feel like more.SUV drivers will rejoice, while hard-core BMW
aficionados will wish for an ultra-high performance M variant.The 530xi is an
average BMW." Average" by BMW standards is, of course,
"exceptional" by mundane-car measures, and the 530xi may not be the
fastest wagon around, but it's definitely one of the most refined. Reduced
engine weight means less racket from the engine bay, and the 530 xi is as smooth
as a sewing machine. The inline six is hooked up to a six-speed automatic
transmission with buttery shift characteristics. The "x" in the
530xi's name is BMW parlance for all-wheel drive (AWD), and all 530xis are
equipped thus.BMW's xDrive AWD system transfers power seamlessly. This system,
which contributes to spectacular roadholding in the X3 and X5 SUVs, makes the
530xi capable of feats that belie its weight and size. It may carry stuff, but
it sure doesn't handle like a station wagon.
That's due in part to the incredibly sophisticated suspension, which
combines struts with double-pivot lower arms up front with a four-link,
coil-sprung rear.The 530xi is confident whether the road is smooth or rippled,
and the freeway ride is smooth enough to make it an exemplary traveler.
There isn't much point in going fast if you can't stop fast.The four-wheel
disc brakes measure over 12" at each corner.For drivers who moved into
SUVs for safety reasons, the 530xi delivers on that point as well, with
available side airbags and sophisticated passive and active safety features
throughout.
The 530xi comes wrapped in sheet metal that looks as sophisticated as its
mechanical bits.Many BMW fans have criticized the styling of the latest
5-series, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we think the 530xi
looks good.The quad headlights and twin-kidney grille flow into a body that's
more sculpted and expressive than past conservative BMWs.A dual-panel moonroof
that runs almost the full length of the car is standard, and opens up the
interior to the elements nicely.The rear window can be lowered for easy loading
or yet more breezes, and a power tailgate is also available.
Elegance is the name of the game on the interior as well.The 530xi shares
the 5-Series' flowing dash and choice of woods.Unfortunately, BMW's iDrive
interface system is still in place.It's been modified for a more human-friendly
interface, but we still don't like the idea of trying to use a computer-mouse
like controller to change the heater or radio station while driving.Pushbuttons
worked just fine, thanks.Technophiles will no doubt enjoy showing off their
iDrive prowess, and once learned the system does make sense.Sirius satlellite
radio is available, as is a very Pontiac-like head-up display that projects speed
and other information onto the windshield.Heated front seats are ordinary; the
530xi will heat the rears, if you want.
The 530xi is essentially a sedan with extra cargo
space out back and a really big sunroof, but the all-wheel drive positions it
as a viable alternative for upscale buyers who are
ditching their SUVs for less fuelish pastures.
Did we say upscale? This is a BMW, so it doesn't come cheap.The 530xi starts
at $51,100.Our tester cleared $62,000 after the Premium amenties package and
navigation system were added, and that kind of change will buy a heck of a lot
of SUV.Shoppers reeling from sticker shock should check out similarly refined
all-wheel drive wagons from Subaru and Volvo.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 BMW 530xi.
Length: 191.1 in.
Width: 72.7 in.
Height: 57.8 in.
Wheelbase: 113.7 in.
Curb weight: 3880 lb.
Cargo space: 17.6 cu.ft. (all seats up); 58.3 cu.ft. (all
seats folded)
Engine: 3.0 liter DOHC inline six-cylinder
Drivetrain: five-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 225 @ 6600
Torque: 220 @ 2750
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
Est. mileage: 20/27
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