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Christopher Jackson | 9/6/2007 | 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)
Base price:
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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