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11/11/2010, 17:40
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FORMER British champion jockey Lester Piggott was once described as having an expression like a well-kept grave. The poker-faced pony pilot rarely gave anything away – a bit like the BMW 535i, really.
The latest mid-range luxury sedan from the German automobile giant gives little away on the outside for what is on offer under the skin. In reality it turns out to be all things to all men, and women for that matter.
For example, drivers can lounge back in limo style; firm up the journey or pin your ears back with all-out performance . . . all at the flick of a switch on the centre console – that’s Dynamic Driving Control for you.
But, in the best steak knife sales tradition, there’s more . . . lots more.
Adaptive Drive incorporates Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive stability control, as well as BMW’s Integral Active Steering, which pretty much speak for themselves.
Then there’s iDrive. Despite constant upgrading over the years I’m still ambivalent about the multi-media interface operated by a knob and cluster of buttons situated on the centre console.
Like computers, I’ve always tried to treat it on a need-to-know basis and it works for me, giving access to audio, satellite navigation and the like. It is possible pretty much to live without it or to delve into its electronic depths and make use of computer power that is greater than that of the Eagle that landed on the moon nearly half a century ago.
The straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, precision Injection and Valvetronic in the BMW 535i puts out 225kW of power at 5800rpm and 400Nm of torque between 1200 and 5000 revs which is versatile enough to allow the 535i to operate in all its guises from sedate sedan to lively sporting performer with the help of its new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The new 535i comes with almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution front-to-rear, once again a contributing factor to the car’s nicely balanced performance.
An electronic parking brake comes complete with an Auto-Hold
Function that comes into play as soon as the car comes to a halt automatically exerting constant pressure on the brakes, even on a gradient, until the driver presses the accelerator.
He or she is not required to keep the brake pedal pressed down while the car is on hold. The function is switched on and off by a separate button on the centre console.
Another standard feature is brake energy regeneration in which electric power generated for the on-board network on overrun and the application of the brakes.
The 535i versatility is further emphasized by the car’s exterior with the large four-door sedan – it has the longest wheelbase in class - taking on the profile of a coupe through a long bonnet, short overhangs front and back, and sleek roofline.
The sporting edge is sharpened with the signature BMW radiator grille inclined forward, sculpted bonnet, stylish side view and beefed-up behind.
Headlights extend into the side panels to emphasise the car’s width, while future technology meets the present with optional xenon headlights incorporating daytime LED driving light rings. Direction indicators made up of ten LED units have been moved to the outside.
Inside, the cabin is a fine blend of form and function with accessible high-tech hardware moulded into stylish luxury surroundings. The instrument layout is angled to the driver at seven degrees and
the centre console continues this orientation towards the driver, while comfort controls are focused to the middle of the cabin.
Steering wheel-mounted buttons control functions of the audio system and, for the first time, cruise control.
The armrest on the centre console opens up to reveal not only
the USB, Aux-In and power connections, but a spacious storage compartment.
Optional driver assist systems offered for the first time with BMW ConnectedDrive include a Parking Assistant which seeks out an appropriate-size parking space for the vehicle, self explanatory Surround View, collision warning with application of the brakes in conjunction with Active Cruise Control plus Stop & Go, and a new Speed Limiter.
Further features available are Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, a Head-Up Display, BMW Night Vision with detection of
individual persons, and a back-up camera and so on.
It’s enough to take the breath away. For most of us, so is the price of the 535i - $128,900.
BMW 535i ENGINE:
Type: 3 litre turbocharged
Cylinders: Straight six/four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 2979cc
Bore x stroke: 89.6mm x 84mm
Compression ratio: 10.2:1
Fuel system: BMW twin power turbo, direct injection. Valvetronic variable valve control
Maximum power: 225kW/5800rpm
Maximum torque: 400Nm/1200-5000rpm
Transmission: Steptronic eight-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 4899mm
Overall width: 1860mm
Overall height: 1464mm
Wheelbase: 2968mm
Track width, front/rear: 1600/1627mm
Kerb weight: 1685kg
Cargo capacity: 520 litres
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked); 2000kg (braked)
Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres
Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 11.95m
PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 6.1 sec
Max speed: 250km/h limited
Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 8.4 litres/100km; CO2 emissions, 195g/km
RUNNING GEAR
Suspension, front: Double track control arm axle, with separate lower track arm level, aluminium, small steering roll radius, anti-dive; Integral-V multi-arm axle, aluminium with steering function, anti-squat and anti-dive, double acoustic separation
Brakes, front: Single piston aluminium swing calliper disc brakes in frame structure inner vented; rear: Single piston swing calliper disc brakes. ABS, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, dry braking function, fading compensation, start-off assistance. Optional, adaptive drive.
Steering: Power steering with Servotronic
Wheels: 8.J x 17 light alloy
Tyres: 255/55R17 97W
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