2004 BMW 545i SMG Road Test

The 5's feline auto-leveling headlights and heavily sculpted bodylines have grown on me, but what I find far less palpable is

The 5's feline-shaped auto-leveling headlights and heavily sculpted bodylines have grown on me. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

the high trunk line and large swooshy, wrap-around taillights. Try as I may, I can't find an ounce of ugly-duckling love for the 5's rear treatment.

Maybe I don't adjust well to change or maybe age has impaired my sense of design, or possibly both, but nevertheless what has yet to deteriorate is my ability to inspect a vehicle's exterior build quality. I was highly impressed with the accurate ultra-slim gapping surrounding the doors, trunk lid and engine hood of my tester. These panels were perfectly aligned and with the flick of a finger sealed shut drum-tight.

The fluid-like Bangle-bodied '04 5-Series is taller, wider and longer than last year's version, which I admit was beginning to

The 2004 5-Series is taller, wider and longer than last year's version. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

show its age in the same way that many of my clothes are. The bigger Bimmer is approximately 5 cm (2 in) longer, 5 cm. (2 in) wider and 3.8 cm (1.5 in) taller than the previous generation. Quite commendably though, the big guy has shed some 10 kilos (22 pounds) in the expansion process, thanks in part to the generous use of lightweight, high-strength aluminum in much of the frame and chassis structure fore and aft of the passenger cabin. The use of this material has also contributed to a handling enhancing 50/50 distribution of the 545i's respectable 1,725 kg (3,803 lb) curb weight. The vehicle's rear axle assembly is also comprised of weight-saving aluminum, which aids in reducing the vehicle's unsprung mass.