Far From "Just a Wagon" The most recent iteration of BMW's 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 wagon to settle for the smaller 3-Series wagon or for something manufactured under a competitor's 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 car's 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
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| BMW has overcome its wagon shortage by morphing the exotic shape of the 5-Series into such without emasculating the car's bold stance and aggressive lines. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
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 hard as it may be to push the "cool" factor behind the wheel of a 4-door wagon, the 530xi Touring is drenched in "coolness," especially when equipped with the BMW's M Sport Package, which includes the M Aerodynamic appearance package and BMW's aluminum cube-pure, metal interior trim. But the M Sport Package doesn't 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 what's an M Sport Package without the spoils of BMW's Premium Package to give it grace along with gusto. My tester
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| Apart from possibly a navigation system, this wagon was as pork-barreled as some political parties of late. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
indulged with both packages, landing me the additional loot of heated front and rear seats, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, a ski bag, BMW's 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 doesn't 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 it's founded in logic. Throwing a spoiler and fancy wheels on a fundamentally flawed-handling car isn't going to make it any better, and that's not what BMW is about- no far from it actually. When you start with a primary building block as impressive as BMW's 530i sedan, the battle to create a competent handling wagon is pretty much won before its begun.