2007 BMW 525 Review (continued)
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Summary

The BMW 5 Series mixes comfort, performance, high-tech features and passenger-friendly accommodations in a relatively compact package. Yet with Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization and an available manual transmission, the 5 Series is more obviously engineered with an emphasis on the driving. It's remarkably well balanced, and satisfying to own and drive. Even with its love/hate exterior styling, the 5 Series remains a luxury sedan benchmark.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent J.P. Vettraino filed this report from Detroit, with NCTD editor Mitch McCullough reporting from Charlottesville, Virginia.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	BMW 525i ($43,500); 530i ($47,500); 530xi Sport Wagon ($52,100); 550i ($58,500); M5 ($81,200)
Engines:	4.8-liter dohc 32-valve variable valve timing V8
Transmissions:	6-speed Steptronic automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	two-stage front airbags with dual threshold deployment, front-passenger side airbags, full cabin curtain-style head-protection airbags, Intelligent Safety and Information System control with fiber-optic connections and post-impact safety measures, tire pressure monitor, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, BMW Assist with automatic collision notification, SOS button, roadside assist and locater and concierge services; antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control auto-proportioning, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control
Saftey Equipment (optional):	rear-passenger side airbags ($385)
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles; includes scheduled maintenance
Assembled In:	Dingolfing, Germany

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	BMW 550i ($58,500)
Standard Equipment:	Dakota leather upholstery; automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature and distribution controls and active charcoal microfilter; dark poplar wood trim; 10-way power front seats with power head restraints and driver's seat memory; AM/FM/CD with 10 speakers and two sub-woofers; cruise control; power tilt-and-telescope leather steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio and phone controls; power windows with key-off and one-touch operation; keyless entry with multi-function remote; power heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down on passenger side; xenon adaptive headlights and halogen fog lights with automatic control; 17x7.5-inch cast-alloy wheels; power glass sunroof; Park Distance Control parking aid; integrated three-button universal garage door opener; power outlets in front-passenger foot well, rear of center console and trunk; rechargeable flashlight in glovebox
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Sport Package includes Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization, 18x8-inch cast alloy wheels with W-rated run-flat tires ($2,800); Cold Weather Package includes heated front seats, steering wheel and high-pressure headlight washing jets ($750); Night Vision thermal imaging system ($2,200); on-board navigation system ($1,800); rear passenger side-impact airbags ($385)
Destination Charge:	695
Gas Guzzler Tax:	1300
Price As Tested (MSRP):	68430
Layout:	rear-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	360 @ 6300
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	360 @ 3400
Transmission:	6-speed Steptronic automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	17/25
Wheelbase:	113.7
Length/width/height:	191.1/72.7/57.8
Track, f/r:	61.3/62.3
Turning circle:	37.5
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	37.7/NA/41.5
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	37.0/NA/36.0
Cargo volume:	14.0
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	independent with dual-pivot lower wishbones, coil springs over struts and stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:	independent four-ling with coil springs, gas-charged shocks and stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:
Curb weight:	3924
Tires:	P245/40WR18 front, 275/35WR18 rear, run-flat
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/vented disc with ABS and electronic brake proportioning
Fuel capacity:	18.5