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The 535i that I drove, allowed me to choose between 'comfort', 'normal', 'sport' and 'sport+' suspension modes, with only the latter limiting interference from the stability control system.
In typical BMW fashion, the ride is still a trite firm, even in comfort mode, but it's not uncomfortable. It's even quite tolerable in Sport mode, and here I was smitten by the sensation that this big sedan provided through the ultra-twisty roads just North of Lisbon. It's directness inspires huge confident, as does the meaty and communicative steering system. If this quick impression of the 535i is anything to go by then the 5 Series is still by far the dynamic leader of its segment.
Dynamic Damper Control is another available option, as is the electronically controlled Dynamic Drive anti-roll stability management and Integral Active Steering. The options sheet continues like that of a 7 Series with items like Surround View, collision warning with brake application and BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons also available for those with deep pockets.
Pricing starts just below the R500K mark, thus is on the steep side like its rivals from Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. Yet despite this, it is sure to be among the most desirable choices in the mid-sized executive segment.
-Jason Woosey
Pricelist: BMW 5 Series
523i AT R479 000
520d AT R485 000
528i AT R568 500
535i AT R646 000
530d AT R630 000
550i AT R835 000
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