2006 BMW 5-Series Preview
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The new all-wheel-drive system that BMW is offering on both the 525xi and 530xi sedans and on the 530xi Touring wagon is an adaptation of the xDrive technology currently installed in the X3 and X5 sport-utes. BMW claims that xDrive is unlike any other all-wheel-drive system on the market because it redistributes engine power before the wheels begin to spin to foster traction, stability and agility. We've had the chance to try several X3 and X5 models equipped with xDrive, and the system does react quickly. Wagon variants are sold only as the 530xi Touring, meaning that they come standard with xDrive and the new 258-horsepower engine. Other goodies include Hill Descent Control, which automatically limits vehicle speed when traveling down steep and slippery hills, and adaptive headlights, which swivel with the steering to help illuminate around curves. A panoramic sunroof and a head-up display are also BMW 530xi hallmarks. Wider, longer, and taller than the 5-Series sedan, the new 5-Series Touring wagon adds a significant amount of cargo toting capability, able to schlep up to 56.5 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seat folded down. Luxury car buyers always want the latest and greatest gadgets. With the new six-cylinder engines, xDrive all-wheel-drive, and Touring model that have been added to the 5-Series lineup for 2006, BMW clearly understands the mindset of the wealthy American consumer.
Photos courtesy of BMW North America
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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