BMWBLOG Drive Review: 2011 BMW 550i – Survival of the Fittest

Words: Shawn Molnar | Photos: Shawn Molnar

In the evolutionary doctrine, all animal species change and arrange to ensure their own survival. Cumbersome qualities are traded for more agile traits; physical handicaps are traded for athletic strengths.

What if an animal inherited evolutionary changes that compromised its strengths? In other words: what if monkeys had even bigger ears, smaller brains and an ever more insatiable appetite for bananas?

Now in its fifth iteration, BMW's 5 serial sedan has undergone many evolutionary changes along the mode. Starting its life in 1972 as a midsize sport sedan for the times, it has continually grown in size, strength, intelligence and ability.

Of form, at that place are many creatures in this automotive jungle. How does BMW's new 5 series compare? Has its latest evolutionary jump kept it ahead of its jungle rivals? Has it grown fat with age gorging on bananas, or has it been quietly honing its shape, adding agility and lightness?

Read on to discover the intricacies of BMW's latest 5.

Impressions as a Daily Driver:

The morning commute is a breeze in such condolement, luxury and convenience. Comfort is derived from stellar multi-adjustable seats that volition caudle anyone's bottom just correct. Ample room in all dimensions goes a long fashion; from the rear seat, 6' plus passengers volition feel comfy and can stretch-out if so inclined. Once inside BMW's new 5 series, information technology would exist easy to mistake information technology for a 7 – so spacious and roomy is its interior.

Also the high quality leathers, metals and plastics that surround y'all, luxury is institute in the artistic sculpture of the dash. Concave and convex shapes link up and fly across the cabin with flare and pizzazz. Gone is the cold, isolating interior of the E60, y'all will notice smashing "warmth" and condolement in BMW'southward latest F10 design. A commuter-oriented dashboard follows BMW's standard approach to ergonomics and makes you lot feel in control.

All of BMW's latest technologies are available on the v series pick list. From infrared nighttime vision, to blind lane exit side-view cameras, to lane departure warning cameras – this car will augment your vision. Feeling impuissant, tired and ham-fisted? Information technology volition even parallel park itself.

Of form, a brilliant sound system will play your song-list in high allegiance audio, and BMW's latest accept on i-drive volition have you questioning why people ever complained about information technology in the first place (it has come a long style in improvements). Answering an incoming telephone phone call while you parallel park is so piece of cake, fifty-fifty a well-trained monkey could do it.

Ingress and egress from the vehicle is excellent with large door openings and ample headroom through the frame. The trunk is large plenty to concur 3 big suitcases, and a few things more than.

Keyless admission and ignition is an invention that rivals sliced breadstuff. Information technology is difficult to picture information technology any other manner, and once yous've gotten used to it, returning to a less equipped automobile is absolute penalty.

While navigating city streets, bumps are clandestine and captivated by the suspension; a highly rigid steel frame isolates wiggles and judders from entering the cabin. The backbone of BMW's latest 5 series is at present shared with its larger sibling, the 7 series. Rock-of-Gibraltar solidity leaves you with a feeling of security and precision.

"…information technology would be easy to error it for a vii – and then spacious and roomy is its interior."

When information technology comes time to dice up traffic, the new 5 is up to the task. Light on its feet as you travel city streets, the 5 series feels smaller and more than meaty the faster you get. Ultimately, 50:50 weight distribution and rear-cycle drive are responsible for its sporty handling. We had no trouble slicing through thick traffic and navigating tight parking lots – though the auto does begin to feel quite "longish" when maneuvering through tight spaces.

Throttle response is immediate with no perceptible turbo lag, and if you stay on the ability, 407 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque will be released through BMW's new viii-speed automatic transmission.

Purists tin can breathe a sigh of relief: BMW's latest 5 series will be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission – regardless of engine selection. Munich's latest 6-speed transmission offers dry out-sump lubrication for reduced frictional losses and greater efficiency. We've yet to confirm whether the F10 M5 volition offer a proper manual transmission, but our fingers are crossed in global unison.

Much like the N63'due south throttle response, brake feel is precise and information technology is easy to modulate the brakes smoothly ala chauffer duty. Steering feel is a different story. For the first time in its evolutionary path, the 5 serial has adopted electromechanical steering every bit standard equipment beyond all models. While it is first-class for a complex electronic setup, it only lacks that crystal clear road feel you're used to receiving through the wheel of a BMW.

While there is still direct mechanical linkage between the steering bike and the drive wheels, an electrical motor is used to aid steering on need. As the electric motor kicks in, it seems to distort feedback through the wheel. Since the electrical motor is but used when steering input is added, there is less energy consumed verses a conventional hydraulic steering assist setup, but this free energy savings comes at a high price.

"Concave and convex shapes link up and fly beyond the cabin with flare and pizzazz."

On center feel is numb and leaves you guessing most of the time. Once the wheel is turned beyond 5 degrees, more data is progressively fed through the wheel, but still non in the raw, mechanical mode we and then adore. Route undulations are felt through the bicycle, just there is definitely a middleman in this equation. While efficient electronic systems do accept their identify, it seems that this steering engineering has evolved likewise far. Lets get back one evolutionary step and restore the pure, honest, steering feel of v series by.

In bumper-to-bumper traffic, an "motorcar-hold" function of the electronic emergency brake will agree the brakes for you once you bring the vehicle to a complete stop. To move ahead another few feet, only tap the accelerator pedal, and so brake to a consummate stop once more, letting the e-restriction hold the car for you. This is a simple technology that goes a long way to reduce the monotony and frustration of stop and go traffic.

The electronic east-brake thus gains a redeeming factor, but don't wait Jason Statham to buy a new 5 series without the power to manually hand brake effectually the baddies at will.

When you lot finally observe that coveted parking spot along the adjourn, it's time to parallel park – often with traffic pressing on from backside. Ever wish for a auto that could park itself? For those who take pride in their ability to parallel park, this technology is conspicuously not for you. However, those who feel less confident in the maneuver will eagerly check this option box. When testing information technology out for the first fourth dimension, I must admit to my amazement – accompanied past a light-headed laugh, "look at information technology spinning the bicycle!" Pigs are almost the fly, or so it seems. If zip else, this engineering is highly entertaining and a groovy conversation piece.

Sound dull is fantabulous, isolating y'all from exterior noise. Congested city streets are silenced as you lot relax inside the v series plush interior. All buttons and switches take a satisfying feel; tolerances in fit and finish are excellent. It seems every possible convenience and luxury has been thought of. five generations of development has certainly covered all the bases; BMW's 5 series is an extremely well thought-out motorcar.

"Feeling clumsy, tired and ham-fisted? Information technology will fifty-fifty parallel park itself."

All in all, BMW's latest 5 serial will carry you in relaxed condolement through the daily grind. I institute information technology to be a sanctuary from the loud intensity of down town Philadelphia and Toronto, a worthy companion for my daily travels.

More than the Sum of its Parts?

There is one measurement of a car's personality that I will money the "Round the Block Cistron." You may as well call it the "Long Way Habitation Factor." At the end of a bulldoze, do you find yourself unwilling to park and abandon your ride? Are you humble to plow off the ignition and go inside? Does your car egg you on to keep driving just a little flake further; perhaps accept the longer, twisty route domicile? This is a direct measurement of a machine's energy and passion – its soul.

During my time with BMW's F10 5 series, I frequently establish myself enjoying the tail finish of a song way too much to turn into the driveway and terminate the fun. "I could take O'Connor to Vic Park and swing back down." Oh, that's another actually great song. "Okay, how well-nigh Woodbine downwardly to the beach?" The v needed no convincing – information technology's always confident in its ripped, defined lines, ready for attention on the sand.

As eyes glared through tinted sunglasses beyond the embankment, BMW'southward 5 was in no way bashful. While not arrogant or flashy, this five has a quiet conviction virtually it, ready for attention from anyone looking.

When it comes to passion and soul, certainly these reside in the v series' engine. Fifty-fifty later wringing information technology out on a proper racetrack, sport-manner and a heavy dose of throttle often beckoned. While demonstrating the N63's twin-turbo Five-viii power to friends and family, colorful words filled the cabin. It'south that fast. A throaty exhaust notation accompanies the ability; the middle of this car beats strongly.

In the "Circular-the-Block Factor," I would assign the F10 5 series with a score of 6/10 (0/10 being average); high praise for a large, practical 4-door car with great accent on luxury, engineering and comfort.

A Lap of New Jersey Motorsports Park:

Pressing on lap subsequently lap, BMW's 550i proved unflappable. True to its heritage, perfect balance and rear-wheel drive continue this large sedan on its toes, careening through corners at speeds more typical of two-seat sports cars.

Of course, similar all BMWs – at its eye the 550i is a sports car. Never mind its four doors and spacious body, let'south focus in on its balanced handling, powerful engine and strong brakes for a lap of New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Downwardly the back straight speed is gathered equally the speedometer swings from left to right across the nuance. Gear after gear, the tachometer is a blur with 407hp behind the needle.

Braking for the first corner, large xiv.7" discs fire off speed at an impressive rate, the pedal remaining house and precise lap after lap.

"Rock-of-Gibraltar solidity leaves you lot with a feeling of security and precision."

With forward weight transfer, the front tires grip and turn the nose toward the apex. Pushed to its limits, the 550i exhibits mild understeer only below this threshold the automobile remains neutral, ready for another turn of the wheel.

At apex the auto feels balanced, all 4 tires doing an equal share of the work. Powering out to the leave, a gentle right human foot is needed so as non to overcome available traction. Once straightened out all 407 hp can exist released, hurling the 550i support to landscape-blurring speeds.

BMW'due south N63 engine features dual twin-scroll turbochargers, spooling up at low rpm to produce a very flat powerband. Between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm, 442 lb-ft of torque is on queue; the engine goes on to make 407 hp betwixt five,500 – 6,400 rpm. Reverse airflow management with headers, catalytic converter and turbos housed inside the "Five" depository financial institution of the engine permit for the smallest possible distance between the exhaust valves and turbine blades – hence profoundly reducing turbo lag (for a more in-depth consideration of BMW turbo technology, consider our turbo editorial found here). Variable valve timing and direct fuel injection besides play their part in the high-tech wizardry of this 4.4 Liter V8.

While steering feel could exist more communicative on public roads – counter intuitively – enough information makes it through the steering to drive at the limit of adhesion while pushing hard on rail. In fact, the 550i can exist coaxed into a controlled drift where information technology could happily remain all twenty-four hour period (though in the interests of tire preservation, we wouldn't recommend information technology). Owe this to the brilliant suspension setup, bolted to what feels to be a solid axle of iron.

"Gear afterwards gear, the tachometer is a mistiness with 407hp behind the needle."

What'south nearly impressive about this car while pushing hard at the racetrack is its solidity and security through it all. Again, 55% stiffer than its predecessor, its rigid steel chassis comes into the equation, providing a solid backbone to transfer ability from its muscles. This type of refined speed volition accept you lot awkwardly grin at the police officer asking yous for your documents. We suggest that you leave the HUD speedometer on while driving on public roads. A programmable speed chinkle is also handy, politely reminding you that you are nearly to lose your license if y'all and so much every bit gyre your toes. This is a quiet road rocket that could get you in problem if you rely on "feel" to judge your pace away from the racetrack. Don't underestimate the brute below this BMW's neatly pressed hood.

Height speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, if you lot should always see information technology.

A Two 60 minutes Tour:

Actually, make that a nine-hour tour direct from Philadelphia to Toronto, Canada. Heading North along several twisty Interstate roads, we pressed on as day turned to dark, and heavy rain began to autumn. How does BMW'south latest 550i serve equally a long distance touring car?

Many of the comforts and luxuries that keep you happy over shorter distances testify to be invaluable on a long trip. Supportive seats and ample head, leg and shoulder room are sure to please, reducing the number of rest-stop breaks and 'are nosotros in that location yet?' questions from rear seat occupants. A rear seat entertainment setup will also appease those in the 2d row.

"While not arrogant or flashy, this 5 has a quiet confidence virtually it…"

While at first glance a few bachelor commuter assistants may seem over-the-top and a touch redundant, as the miles wear on, their value becomes clear. Take for instance, BMW's lane difference warning system. Fresh backside the wheel, I can't call up of an instance where an attentive driver would benefit – but add on 900 km and its relevance is obvious. A severely fatigued driver would practice well to accept this technology watching his back, there to vibrate the steering cycle if he drifts over the paint.

Being the scrupulous car-tester at your service, I took it upon myself to test the reliability of this applied science. When nearing the paint on either side of the lane, steering wheel vibrations were felt, regardless of how faded the route paint was. The darkness of night did not foil the system either, but there was one Achilles heal to this device. While driving through a heavy downward pour, the sensors were unable to read the pigment strips, and allowed the car to drift beyond the paint without warning. Of course, such weather conditions telephone call for increased attentiveness, and if fatigued, poor weather calls for residuum from behind the wheel.

Lane change assist technology is activated when y'all turn on your plough signal. Sensors on the exterior body watch your blind spots and if occupied, illuminate a pocket-sized ruby-red triangle on the inside painted portion of the left or right side-view mirror. This system was fool proof, and did not fail when probed.

Active prowl command volition maintain a prophylactic altitude from the car ahead and even apply the brakes if necessary to go on that distance. An infrared camera facilitates dark vision and allows you to run into the heat signatures of cars, pedestrians, and animals far down the road.

Collectively, the above technologies make for a relaxed, confident bulldoze on long journeys, and by the time nosotros reached Toronto: we appreciated every one of them.

8th gear kept the engine spinning slowly, reducing fuel consumption as well as dissonance and vibration inside the motel. Conversations can be held just higher up a whisper at highway speeds and even with the moon-roof open, wind noise remains low.

Bright loftier intensity belch (HID) headlights illuminate the road ahead and allow yous to proceed your eyes mode up towards the horizon. This car'southward high beams are so powerful they could probably point aliens from several neighboring galaxies. Exist sure to turn them off when approaching other cars, and incase you forget… yet another engineering science volition catch your indiscretion: car loftier-axle help.

"This type of refined speed will have you lot awkwardly smiling at the police officer asking yous for your documents."

Our mega road-trip was a grueling exam of this BMW's highway worthiness. Later on 900 not-end kilometers, I tin confidently say that BMW's five series is an ideal highway car, leaving you refreshed, relaxed and ready for many kilometers more than.

Where's The Beef? Qualms and Quibbles:

We enjoyed every minute we spent behind the cycle of BMW'southward latest v serial; mile afterward mile we grew more attached to the car. Information technology was difficult to permit go of the keys.

Of course, as an independent automotive periodical, nosotros are obliged to report all technical glitches that we feel while testing a car. The following is a consideration of areas we see for improvement.

Firstly, we are disappointed with the five series' standard "Bulldoze by Wire" steering setup. As highlighted earlier in the article, we plant the steering relatively uncommunicative with numb on-center feel. We long for the honest, unadulterated feel of direct mechanical steering. While nosotros appreciate the function electronic steering plays in the interests of efficiency, this trade off compromises driver enjoyment likewise severely. Why not make this technology an option for those who would trade (negligible) energy savings for steering feel. Telepathic steering feel is synonymous with "BMW," and for those amidst u.s. who own BMWs to drive them – we wouldn't trade steering feel for the world.

Virtually half fashion forth our journey from Philadelphia to Toronto, we had a hankering for a hearty dinner. Otherwise flawless in its functioning, the navigation organization led us to a false address. Pulling up to a residential home we idea, "that doesn't wait much like a steak house." Turns out it wasn't.

While probing BMW'southward lane departure warning arrangement to its limits, we found that information technology can be foiled by heavy rain. This is ultimately a moot point as the organization operated without fail until subjected to severe weather, and its optical limitations are understandable.

Speaking of heavy rain, information technology appears that the windshield wipers could utilize an boosted, higher speed setting. There is no "freak-out mode" for heavy downpours while driving on the highway. Otherwise having aplenty traction and sufficient visibility, our speed was limited strictly past the windshield wipers! Dropping down from 100 km/h to 80, we wonder how the 5 series will handle the autobahn at higher speeds in soggy weather.

Lastly, we make it at the 5 series parallel park assist. Nosotros thoroughly tested this system to see if it would falter and surprisingly, it did. Out of a dozen attempts, the system failed three times, hitting the curb were it not for our intervention. All variables remaining the same, we cannot put this downwards to user error (we tried). The fact is, the system failed while testing in a very "generic" setting, using a standard height concrete curb with sufficient space between cars as judged by the reckoner gizmo. While information technology was successful 75% of the fourth dimension, we would adopt to be batting 100 when expensive alloy wheels are on the line.

Decision:

Afterwards 38 years of evolution, BMW'due south 5 serial continues to print. As necessity dictates, this v series has adapted to consumer demands, condign more powerful, efficient, comfy, spacious, luxurious and intelligent. We cannot recall a more beautiful, classic shape amid modern BMWs, its sculpture and lines volition have you throwing looks over your shoulder every fourth dimension you walk away.

In our exhaustive testing from the open road, to extra-urban traffic, to the racetrack: BMW'south latest addition of the five proved versatile, practical, and dynamic through it all.

With 5.5 one thousand thousand copies sold, BMW'south v series represents the benchmark in its class. This beast's evolution has bred beauty. Information technology's still the male monarch of the mid-size jungle.

The Numbers:

Base Price (MSRP in American Dollars): $59,700

Weight: Curb weight 1830 kg (4,026 lbs), Weight distribution 51% Forepart / 49% Rear

Engine Specification: iv.4 Liter Reverse-Menstruum Twin-Turbo 5-8 (N63) 407 hp @ v,500 rpm / 442 ft-lbs @ i,750-4,500 rpm 92.5 hp/L

Body / Suspension / Drivetrain Layout: Length Width Acme (4899 / 1860 / 1464 mm), Forepart: Double rail command arm axle with separate lower rail arm level, aluminium, smallsteering roll radius, anti-dive / Rear Integral-5 multi-arm beam, aluminium, with steering role, anti-squat and anti-dive, double acoustic separation, Front Engine / RWD

Performance: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 5.0 sec, Top Speed 250 km/h (155 mph) electronically express, Ability to Weight Ratio ix.nine lb/hp

Fuel Consumption: Metropolis / Highway mileage of fifteen.iv / 10.7 L/100 km (15.three / 22 mpg), Elevate co-efficient 0.30 (Cd)

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Source: https://www.bmwblog.com/2010/08/06/bmwblog-drive-review-2011-bmw-550i-%e2%80%93-survival-of-the-fittest/

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