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2006 BMW 530xi Touring Road Test

Far From "Just a Wagon"

The most recent iteration of BMWs mid-size line of 5-Series sedans arrived on North American motorways as a 2004 model. Since then the edgy-shaped, sharply sculpted muscular Bimmer has only been available in a 4-door sedan configuration, leaving those needing the services of a 5-door to settle for the smaller 3-Series wagon or for something manufactured under a competitors roof - but 2006 changes all that. BMW has overcome its wagon shortage by morphing the exotic shape of the 5-Series into such without emasculating the cars bold stance and aggressive lines. In the rebirth, BMW upped the ante by adding their sophisticated xDrive, intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology to the sleek wagon - which incidentally is referred to by BMW as a Touring model, or T for short. No self-respecting builder of premium European motorcars would dare have a "wagon" in their fleet, unless of course it is an Estate Wagon. For our purposes though, I will continue to refer to the 530xi as a wagon, much to the chagrin of the Bavarian Motor Works company.

As

BMW has overcome its wagon shortage by morphing the exotic shape of the 5-Series into such without emasculating the cars bold stance and aggressive lines. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

hard as it may be to push the "cool" factor behind the wheel of a 5-door wagon, the 530xi Touring is drenched in "coolness," especially when equipped with the BMWs M Sport Package, which includes the M Aerodynamic appearance package and BMWs aluminum cube-pure, metal interior trim. But the M Sport Package doesnt end with just good looks, it also adds 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, sport seats, a multi-function leather steering wheel, high-gloss shadow-line paint and an anthracite roof liner; not to mention a sprinkling of discreetly located "M" badges. But whats an M Sport Package without the spoils of BMWs Premium Package to give it grace along with gusto. My tester indulged with both packages, landing me the additional loot of heated front and rear

Apart from possibly a navigation system, this wagon was as pork-barreled as some political parties of late. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

seats, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, a ski bag, BMWs Storage Compartment Package, Park Distance Control and premium Harmon/Kardon audio. Apart from possibly a navigation system, this wagon was as pork-barreled as some political parties of late.

But it doesnt really matter how much pork-barreling or content a manufacturer squeezes into an offering if that offering is more "off" than "on" when it is on rather than off. That may be a tongue twister, but its founded in logic. Throwing a spoiler and fancy wheels on a fundamentally flawed-handling car isnt going to make it any better, and thats not what BMW is about- no far from it actually. When you start with a primary building block as impressive as BMWs 530i sedan, the battle to create a competent handling wagon is pretty much won before its begun. Undoubtedly the engineers assigned to the wagons suspension tweaked and tailored the sedans underpinnings

Cornering that would peel the tires from the rims of a Taurus as it grotesquely understeers are sailed through in the 530xi without as much as a murmur from its 245/40/R18 sport rubber. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

to ensure the extra weight of the wagon was properly accounted for in the Holly Grail search for the perfect balance between ride, handling and cargo hauling capability. So was the elusive Holly Grail of suspension setups found? Well if not found completely intact, the grail in this case has been substantively located. If the firm ride of the 530xi with the M Package was slightly more absorbent over the patchwork we call roadways in my town, the grail would be polished and sitting atop the mantle.

Yet the firmness is part of the formula that secures the 530xi a spot high on the list of best-handling wagons. Beyond question it is one of the most agile, best handling mid-size family sleds Ive had occasion to put through the paces. While not quite as spry on its 18-inchers as say the 330i sedan I recently tested, it is not far behind- and for a wagon 6.5 inches shorter and 394 pounds heavier than a Ford Taurus wagon, it is simply stunning. Cornering that would peel the tires from the rims of a Taurus as it

Thanks to one of the sweetest 6-cylinder powerplants in the industry, the 530xis joy-factor is extremely high. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

grotesquely understeers are sailed through in the 530xi without as much as a murmur from its 245/40/R18 sport rubber. Gently introducing acceleration during a turn further locks the saucy wagon to the pavement as BMWs xDrive distributes torque to all four wheels. Get overjoyed by the temptation and BMWs Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) systems will intervene like a stern parent to aid in keeping the 530xi out of harms way.

Thanks to one of the sweetest 6-cylinder powerplants in the industry, the 530xis joy-factor is extremely high. This is the same 3.0-liter (182 cu in) engine that powers the 330i sedan so eloquently, however the extra poundage of the 530xi places a higher toll on the 255 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque it smoothly generates. Nonetheless, BMW claims a 530xi 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds when the 6-speed manual gearbox is enlisted. Unlike Mercedes-Benz, Audi and others who use V6 mills in their mid-size wagons (when not equipped with a V8 or a diesel I-6) the 530xi is motivated by an inline-six cylinder powerplant featuring 24-valves and BMWs Double Vanos variable valve timing technology. This silky dynamo pulls strongly off-the-line and

Before BMWs xDrive AWD directs horsepower to any or all four of the 530xis rubber it is sent through a slick shifting 6-speed gearbox. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

right through posted highway speeds without breaking a sweat or hitting red line.

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