BMW 530d

Breathtaking, inside and out

The epitome of aesthetic perfection, cutting-edge efficiency and exhilarating performance – the new BMW 5 Series redefines the idea of the business sedan.

Brake Energy Regeneration uses the kinetic energy created during braking to charge the battery and reduce fuel consumption. The 8-speed automatic transmission Steptronic assures a luxuriously smooth drive, while the double-wishbone front axle and options such as Park Assist and Head-Up Display ensure that the technology inside the new BMW 5 Series is as remarkable as its breathtaking exterior.

The BMW 530d can accelerate from 0-100km/h in around seven seconds. A top speed of around 242km/h is shatteringly fast for a diesel-powered five-seater saloon car, which will primarily be driven by the businessman to work during the week and out for a weekend trip with the family on Saturday.

Poise and balance on the open road is nothing short of excellent. The BMW 530d can be hustled through corners point to point rapidly while retaining fine balance and control. The engine is superbly flexible and the six-speed semi-automatic is silky smooth when engine revs force a gear change.

The comfort levels inside the BMW 530d impress. A dual zone automatic air-conditioning unit keeps the ambience in the cabin pleasant. There is a rear central air outlet to aid rear-seat passenger comfort.

A nice warm cup of coffee or other beverage can be held within reach by the front cup holders. In order that those sitting in the back do not miss out, a rear centre armrest with two cup holders and an in-built storage capacity serve the rear seat passengers.

Leg room in the back is good, and the BMW 530d can hold three adults in the back adequately. It has sliding front armrests to add to the already incredibly comfortable and impressive front seats. A long journey becomes a breeze in a machine such as this.

Add to this the Rear Seat Entertainment System, and your kids will love you forever and a day! I had heads turning on every corner and noses pressed up against window glass as I drove by fellow drivers – something that BMW has done remarkably well with of late, with cars such as the X6. But it is surprising to see in a more conventional shape.

If any car can convince the public as to the merits of the latest generation 5 Series, the 530d is the one. Impeccably built and quick yet without a devastating punch in the disposable, it is a car that has no meaningful Achilles heel.

The dream ticket of repeatedly wielding all that torque with little financial penalty takes some beating. What is more, no one else has quite figured out how yet, as let us not forget this is a diesel to boot! ▲

BMW 530d GT Fast Facts

Engine: 2993cc six-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power: 180kW at 4 000rpm

Torque: 540Nm from 1 750–3 000rpm

0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds (claimed)

Top Speed: 240km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 6.5l/100km

(claimed combined)

Price: from R733 000

Robbie Stammers