Review
A series of engine upgrades and subtle styling changes on the BMW 5-series has reaffirmed its position at the top of the executive car league, and with new sport packages now available on the 530i, 535i and 540i models perhaps the last-remaining gap in the range has now been filled.
The look is purposeful, with special aerodynamic styling featuring a cut-away rear apron, subtle rear spoiler, an M5-style front apron, colourless indicators, dechroming around the windows and new alloy wheels.
Inside sports seats and matt aluminium trim continue the theme, while M Sport suspension, with firmer settings than the standard models, gives the car a lower, more aggressive, stance. Coupled with the recent range-wide revisions to the front lights and grilles, the changes make the 530i Sport a handsome addition to the range.
Available in both saloon and Touring versions, the 530i Sport is priced from £32,000 on the road for the saloon and £33,900 for the Touring, with Steptronic transmission a further £1220 on each. At that price it competes with the Mercedes E320 Avantgarde (£32,925) and Lexus GS300 auto (£33,460 including sat-nav).
