BMW 5 Series 2015 Review

The chance to sample a Professional Package-equipped 520d, as well as the Exclusive-equipped 535i, was offered at the local unveiling of the cut-price M5 Pure and limited-edition M5 Nighthawk and White Shadow variants.

The drive before us is relatively compact, but offers a range of surfaces and road types ranging from traffic-infested intersections through to some curves and driving at the state speed limit.

Given these packages do nothing to alter power, torque, efficiency or dynamics, the on-road feel is less of a priority; this is more a chance to sample the added comforts of either package.

First up is the smooth-yet-sporty 535i Sedan with the Exclusive package. For a $3800 outlay on this model, Exclusive adds auto soft-close door function, auto boot operation, leather-trimmed instrument panel from BMW Individual, comfort seats for front-row occupants with seat heaters, driving assistant plus, nappa leather trim, lane change warning, ConnectedDrive Freedom and electric rear window sunblinds, which are initially up for full display effect.

This particular car also has the $4700 M Sport package, $2000 metallic paint finish, $3200 glass sunroof, $1000 roller sunblind and $800(!) lumber support for the front-row occupants.

For years now the 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine in the 535i has been well-known for smoothness and a sonorous sound; in this reporter’s view it sounds nicer than the new M4.

What hasn’t happened, however, is an increase in output, remaining at 225kW/400Nm. In the 3 Series it remains brisk, but with the added weight of the 535i it now feels slow in the context of its competition. It’s also not especially efficient at 7.9L/100km (claimed) on the combined cycle; though expect returns in the 9.0L/100km range in regular driving.

On the M Sport suspension the 535i doesn’t like bumps, and instead transfers the vertical movement into the cabin. Other aspects of the 535i experience remain as before, a nice natural rear-drive balance and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

As for the Exclusive package, the addition of soft-close doors is curiously uplifting. Simply, it makes the 535i feel even more premium, a feeling continued by the smell of nappa leather seats with their smooth electric adjustment, as well as the leather dash trim.

Combined with the added safety of the lane departure warning and the driving assistant plus, and it’s a far more valuable proposition than the more expensive and ineffective (from a dynamic standpoint, at least) M Sport pack.

Swapping for the 520d Professional, you lose some 85kW, but torque remains the same at an even 400Nm. You also save $33,100 and gain 3.6 litres of saved fuel for every 100km of driving.

Once again this particular vehicle houses the M Sport package, which at $6400 for the 520d is a large chunk of additional outlay. The $2000 metallic paint and $3200 glass sunroof are also present.

Plumping for the $3400 Professional package gains you an additional $12,700 of value and adds a head-up display, comfort access, auto-dipping mirrors, lane change warning, ConnectedDrive Freedom, driving assistant, surround camera view, digital radio capability and multi-functional instrument display.

Taken as an overall package, the 520d makes more sense, and the Professional kit adds convenience and safety, and that starts with the comfort access system which enables keyless entry and start. It’s something we take for granted today, and you could argue it should be standard on an $80,000 car anyway, but its addition is nevertheless welcome.

Convenience continues with the head-up display filtering key information and the auto-dimming mirrors adjusting for dazzle without you thinking about it. The surround view is a nice step, and even the digital radio addition is welcome.

On the road the diesel impresses with its smoothness and relatively unobtrusive engine note. There is also strong torque delivery on-tap and economy which settles in the 5.5L/100km vicinity. Of course, the eight-speed auto remains lovely to use.

There’s some turn-in reluctance but this isn’t supposed to be racy, even on M Sport suspension and large alloys. It does suffer from a similar lack of vertical movement control as its 535i big brother, however.

In essence, both Professional and Exclusive packages make a lot of sense for 5 Series customers. The value is clearly unlocked with either option, enhancing the usability of whichever model the package is added to.

Given the high cost of specifying stand-alone options – and the unconvincing M Sport package’s cost – we’d urge potential purchasers to make specifying these packages a priority.