The onboard conveniences are a mixture of great and "why'd they do that?" On the plus side, the new 530i's standard kit includes automatic climate control, a 10-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, and keyless entry. Options include a Logic 7 stereo, Sirius satellite radio, active cruise control, DVD-based navigation, and a new head-up instrument display that projects onto the windshield ahead of the driver such information as vehicle speed and nav-system instructions. Considerably less welcome is the standard iDrive controller/video-screen/blood-pressure booster. As in the 7 Series, this maddeningly convoluted "convenience" can make a seemingly simple task like changing radio stations a catalyst for manic depression.
Wrapping the new 5 Series is a body nearly as controversial as the iDrive. Scores of BMW aficionados have scoffed at the flamboyant, flame-surfaced shapes (new 7 Series, Z4 roadster) penned by BMW Chief Designer Chris Bangle and his minions, and the 530i is likely to generate similar love-it/hate-it responses. To his credit, Bangle takes the barbs in stride, confident that BMW is rightly pursuing a ground-breaking styling philosophy. "Humans need time to get used to newness," he smiles.
The boldly modern 530i cabin offers automatic climate control, titanium-colored trim, and--less welcome--BMW's fussy iDrive controller. Options include dark poplar wood, leather seating surfaces, and a rear-seat pass-through with integrated ski bag.
Like the exterior, the all-aluminum suspension is inspired by the 7 Series. Standard tires are all-season 225/50R17s; the optional Sport Package includes 245/40R18 run-flats. The Sport Package also includes Active Roll Stabilization, plus a new Active Steering system that BMW claims is the first of its kind. In theory, BMW's new system offers myriad benefits--combining speed-sensitive, electronically variable steering (for improved responsiveness during low-speed and sporting maneuvers) with the direct feel of a conventional mechanical system. On the road, though, the Active Steering often felt artificially quick, swinging the nose into turns more abruptly than we'd intended and requiring some getting used to. Uh, since when have we had to "get used to" a 5 Series?
We have no hesitation in gushing over the 530i's powertrain. The DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter straight-six remains one of the world's smoothest and most flexible engines, and it's now mated to a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. Both are superb. Our praise will likely only grow with the arrival of an optional six-speed sequential manual gearbox, due in early 2004. Can't wait for the V-8s.
Overall, there's much to like about the new 530i. Still, there's been some complexification of our beloved 5 Series that gives us pause. We'll withhold our final judgmental thumb until we've had a chance to conduct a comprehensive road test back home. But we aren't going to put away our angry-mob torches yet, either.
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