Before BMW's xDrive AWD directs horsepower to any or all four of the 530xi's rubber it is sent through a slick shifting 6-speed gearbox, (unless an automatic transmission has been specified, at which time a 6-speed autobox featuring BMW's STEPTRONIC manual-mode shifting handles gear changes). Whether performed automatically or manually, rowing through the cogs sends the 530xi forward with vigor; but vigorous acceleration
demands vigorous braking, which the 530xi unequivocally has in the way of 4-wheel, ventilated antilock disc brakes bolstered with Brake Assist. Extinguishing all semblance of speed was near instantaneous when my size 10s clobbered the brake pedal; emergency stops were arrow-straight and secure, not to mention sports-car short.
Along with top-notch braking, Bimmer's latest wagon is furnished with a comprehensive list of safety equipment, including driver and front passenger frontal airbags, driver and front passenger side thorax airbags and BMW's Advanced Head Protection System II, for front and rear passengers. Under the Active Safety Feature list, the 530xi is fitted with BMW's Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, adaptive headlights (which peek around a corner slightly as the steering wheel is turned) and adaptive brake lights (which illuminate more intensely when the brakes are forcefully applied). Another unique feature of the 530xi when equipped with the manual gearbox is the vehicle's ability to resist rolling backward on an incline as the clutch is being released. This is referred to by BMW as Start-Off Assist and is most useful when creeping forward on a hill or when the joker behind has planted his front bumper a micro-inch away.
As well as being heartbreaking, inadvertently marring the 530xi's rear bumper would likely be costly to repair. This is an expensive vehicle to buy. With its several option packages and numerous standalone options
and accessories the 530xi's tag can easily increase more than the price of some new, entry-level wagons. Fortunately BMW has supplied plenty of content without the need to check-off multiple boxes on the order sheet, but they're there if both pocketbook and desire are on the same page so to speak.
The 530xi is in many ways all the car one will ever need, assuming those needs don't include a need to seat more than five occupants. The 530xi is not available with a third row seat, as some wagons are, however it performs like a fine handling sports sedan, is highly capable on snow-laden roadways and has impressive cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded flat, plus it oozes both luxury and pedigree. But most of all, this is a tremendously rewarding wagon, er Touring car to drive; yes, it's far from "just a wagon!"
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| Before BMW's xDrive AWD directs horsepower to any or all four of the530xi's rubber it is sent through a slick shifting 6-speed gearbox.(Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Along with top-notch braking, Bimmer's latest wagon is furnished with a comprehensive list of safety equipment, including driver and front passenger frontal airbags, driver and front passenger side thorax airbags and BMW's Advanced Head Protection System II, for front and rear passengers. Under the Active Safety Feature list, the 530xi is fitted with BMW's Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, adaptive headlights (which peek around a corner slightly as the steering wheel is turned) and adaptive brake lights (which illuminate more intensely when the brakes are forcefully applied). Another unique feature of the 530xi when equipped with the manual gearbox is the vehicle's ability to resist rolling backward on an incline as the clutch is being released. This is referred to by BMW as Start-Off Assist and is most useful when creeping forward on a hill or when the joker behind has planted his front bumper a micro-inch away.
As well as being heartbreaking, inadvertently marring the 530xi's rear bumper would likely be costly to repair. This is an expensive vehicle to buy. With its several option packages and numerous standalone options
 |
| The 530xi is in many ways all the car one will ever need. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
The 530xi is in many ways all the car one will ever need, assuming those needs don't include a need to seat more than five occupants. The 530xi is not available with a third row seat, as some wagons are, however it performs like a fine handling sports sedan, is highly capable on snow-laden roadways and has impressive cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded flat, plus it oozes both luxury and pedigree. But most of all, this is a tremendously rewarding wagon, er Touring car to drive; yes, it's far from "just a wagon!"