BMW 528i 2012 Review

BMW 528i

Not so much
>> Aurally soulless
>> No seatbelt height adjustment
>> Evident road and tyre noise

Downsizing. It’s one of those power phrases increasingly commonplace not only in business, but under the bonnet of full-size sedans as well. As engine technology improves -- and environmental considerations intensify -- more family-sized models are offered with ultra efficient four-cylinder engines in what was once the exclusive domain of six-cylinder mills.

Case in point: BMW’s newly arrived four-cylinder 5 Series models, which landed in Australian showrooms recently. Available in 520i and 528i model variants, each offer outstanding fuel economy (and CO2 emissions) but with output figures akin to the six-cylinder units they supersede.

The TwinPower Turbo petrol engines each displace 2.0-litres, but as the badge suggest, offer differing outputs.

In 520i a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel-injection and variable valve control combine to deliver 135kW from 5000-6250rpm and 270Nm across 1250-4000rpm. These figures come at the consumption of 6.4L/100km while emitting 149g/km of CO2. Despite the diminutive figures, 520i is no slouch, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds.

BMW 520i is priced beneath the LCT threshold at $77,900. It arrives as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, idle stop-start, sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, Bluetooth telephony, climate control, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

Extracting even more from less, we find the higher output 528i [as tested]. This model shares the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and technology of the 520i, but is boosted to achieve an output figure of 180kW from 5000-6500rpm and 350Nm across 1250-4800rpm. It boasts an average fuel consumption improvement of 14 per cent, to arrive at a combined cycle average of 6.7L/100km, and emits 156g/km of CO2. More than one-and-a-half seconds faster than the model it replaces, 528i accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.

While it may have lost a couple of cylinders, 528i loses none of the executive-class features offered previously. In addition to those features listed for 520i, the new 528i sedan adds electric seat adjustment, an upticked navigation package and internet functionality. It is priced from $98,200.

The four-cylinder engine plies itself economically to the task at hand, achieving a combined fuel consumption average on test of 8.71L/100km. This is two litres more than the combined average; though we hasten to add the car was driven in Comfort mode the majority of the time, with four passengers and their luggage aboard. We felt as though we could have shaved more from this figure through the use of BMW’s clever ECO PRO mode. But, the lack of air conditioning compressor seemed to fog the windows when it was raining outside and the system did not operate over 107km/h (it was a 110km/h zone).

Torque delivery is linear and broad with little of the peakiness found at the top of the rev range of the naturally-aspirated six it replaces. Whether that’s a good thing or bad depends on your take, but it’s worth noting that in a car weighing 1655kg, the four-cylinder does struggle in its higher reaches, losing enthusiasm just north of 5000rpm. In fairness, this isn’t something that will bother those who spend most of their time in the urban environment, but it does effect overtaking at highway speeds, especially when loaded.

BMW’s eight-speed Steptronic (automatic) transmission is seamless, both from standstill and in-gear. The stubby electronic shifter is simple and user-friendly, though we would have like the steering wheel-mounted paddles available on 550i and M5 models.

In Sport mode the transmission sharpens its response considerably, eliciting not only quicker acceleration, but deceleration too, the transmission shifting softly down the ratios as you brake.

Steering is assisted by one of the better electrically-assisted units available currently, offering a smooth and well-weighted action, but with little of the feedback necessary (or arguably relevant) to this class of vehicle. The long wheelbase and adjustable damping of BMW’s lowered M Sport suspension (fitted optionally) soaks up all but the largest of divots without unsettling the car’s intended direction or focus on cornering precision.

On the road the 528i is much like any 5 Series before it, stable, well balanced, and, when summoned, adequately powerful. In-gear acceleration is effective, but is met with an unmistakable four-cylinder hubbub, a strange sensation in a car that was for so many years associated with the melodic drone of an in-line six.

It’s not the only noise noticed, either. Tyre and road noise intrusion seems louder than in previous 5 Series models, BMW perhaps trimming back on areas of refinement to offer more and more features at a better price. At highway speeds and in the rain, the beating of water against the windscreen, too, is loud. Thankfully, wind noise is absent; entirely.

The ambience of the cabin is otherwise pleasant. Visibility is very good all-round, the driving position excellent and seating comfortable.

Like nearly every BMW in the line-up, the controls are straightforward and of high quality in terms of tactility – we especially like the two-phone Bluetooth arrangement, very handy.

Pedal actuation is equally efficient, though the brakes do require familiarity to stop with finesse.

In spite of its deficiencies at higher revs, and the apparent decrease in refinement, the 528i is a roomy, elegant and efficient family sedan. It offers buyers a combination of performance, price and economy expected at this level with all the luxuries and safety features we now take for granted.

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