BMW 5 Series Sedan 528i Review: Never too late

What we like:

Punchy performance from a relatively small motor

well-balanced road holding manners

well-equipped

superb gearbox

What we dislike:

No charismatic straight-six engine note

an overtly common sight

expensive

engine clattery at idle and low speeds

Like its exterior, t F10 5 Series’ interior bears a strong resemblance to other BMW models’ like the 7 Series. It is far superior in perceived luxury and build quality when compared to its E60 predecessor’s. The F10’s latest iDrive operating system and interface is far easier to use than the version one in early E60s. Both the driver and front passenger get standard electrical adjustments for their comfortable and supportive seats. In addition, the driver gets an electrically adjustable steering column for an even more comfortable driving position.

At the rear, there is sufficient enough leg and headroom but the 5’s long bonnet means that an E-Class or A6 is somehow roomier at the back. The reasonably sized boot is accessed by an electrically operated boot lid for convenience and that extra touch of luxury even in this mid-range model.

The 528i is comprehensively equipped thanks to its myriad of convenient and luxury features like the electrically adjustable steering column, electrically operated boot release, soft closing doors, cruise control, sat nav, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, large iDrive screen as well as other standard kit like Xenon headlamps, Comfort Access and so on. The 528i only misses out on the 535i’s four-zone climate control, Park Assistant, electric sunroof, larger 19-inch wheels, Head-Up Display, adaptive headlamps, LOGIC7 hi-fi system and so on.

With superb performance from its tax friendly, 2-litre turbocharged lump in a desirable 5 Series package, the 528i certainly has the potential to further strengthen the F10 5 Series’ position as the top dog executive saloon model here in Singapore.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai