2004 BMW 545i SMG Road Test

Of course, full-force braking doesn't guarantee a near miss. When contact with a foreign object does occur, the 545i has some

The 545i features adaptive headlights, which can aim themselves partially around corners. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

pretty "heady" protectors in place, beginning with frontal airbags for the driver and front passenger, side-impact front-to-rear head airbags, front-mounted side airbags and optional rear-mounted side airbags. Besides the passive safety of up to eight airbags, the 545i also features adaptive headlights, which can aim themselves partially around corners. This feature, which to BMW's credit is standard equipment on the 545i, uses cornering sensors to measure speed, yaw rate and steering angle. According to BMW, an electromechanical system then adjusts the direction of the xenon headlights to match the layout of the bend, providing optimal illumination of the road ahead. I found adaptive headlights useful, but compared to regular lights the

For those wanting to sharpen the 545i's handling skills or enhance its premium comfort levels, several option packages and numerous BMW accessories are available. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

differences are subtle on unlit roads, or at least are difficult to comment on without driving a normally lit 5-Series on the same stretch of pavement in identical lighting conditions. On illuminated city streets, the effect is negligible.

As one would expect, the techno-rich Bavarian champ is very content-rich as well, not to mention pricey-rich. However, for those wanting to sharpen the 545i's handling skills or enhance its premium comfort levels, several option packages and numerous BMW accessories are available including a premium package - the sport package contains the active steering technology and active anti-roll suspension technology. Navigation, which includes voice-activation, is also optional along with a premium audio unit and a parking distance warning system.