Under the Hood

The 528i has a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter six-cylinder, while the 535i gets a 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The 550i has a twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 that makes 400 hp. All three use a new eight-speed automatic transmission; the 535i and 550i also offer a six-speed manual.

BMW's Adaptive Drive system comes with the Sport Package. It includes Active Roll Stabilization, which attempts to actively counter body roll, as well as an adaptive suspension and customizable settings for both the drivetrain and suspension.

Optional Active Steering varies the steering ratio to render easier turning at low speeds and stable handling at high speeds. Toward those ends, the system also alters rear-suspension geometry to effectively steer the rear wheels a few degrees, depending on the situation. Optional adaptive cruise control, meanwhile, now includes full stop-and-go capabilities to manage heavy traffic.

    See also:

    Using voice activation
    Activating the voice activation system 1. Press the button on the steering wheel. 2. Wait for the signal. 3. Say the command. The command is displayed in the instrument cluster. This symb ...

    Manually adjustable seats
    At a glance 1 Forward/backward 2 Thigh support 3 Seat tilt 4 Backrest width 5 Lumbar support 6 Height 7 Backrest tilt Forward/backward Pull the lever and slide the seat in the desired di ...

    Exterior
    The 5 Series is BMW's second-largest sedan, next to the 7 Series, and the wagon adds even more bulk. The rather large rump reminds me of more traditional wagons from the past, while competitors of ...