2005 BMW 530 Preview

The New BMW 5 Series

The Ultimate Driving Machine handles even better, but what about its looks?

Bottom Line

Although BMW has yet to announce the pricing of the new 5s, we expect the cars to start in the high $30,000 range, with the 530i coming in at around $41,000. The pricing for such items as the Sport Package (bigger wheels and tires, SMG gearbox) hasn't been announced as of this writing, either.

But we can tell you this much: The new 5 is a driver's dream, and with the larger interior it also has become a more comfortable car for passengers. If you dislike the styling intensely, this won't matter to you. And if you want the fastest sedan for your dollar, there are now other cars that will beat the 530i. But if you want the best balance of power, handling, luxurious space and status, BMW once again has upped the ante -- you just cannot do any better.

Competitors

• Acura RL


• Infiniti G35


• Jaguar S-Type


• Mercedes-Benz E-Class