Vehicle: 2006 BMW 530Xi Touring with M Sport Package and Premium Package
Price as tested: CDN$85700

Performance: No one has ever doubt BMW builds the world’s best straight-6 engine. The same goes for the sweet-sounding 3.0L DOHC straight 6 24-valver with Double VANOS in our tester. Regardless of which engine rpm, this engine provides plenty of power whenever driver needs it. All come with that wonderfully Teutonic solid engine growl that is very BMW. Although this engine has 255 horses and 222 lb/ft of torque, moving the 3891 lb metal is not an issue thanks primarily to the equally nice 6-speed Steptronic transmission. This gearbox is willing to upshifts and downshifts, without needing for hunting gears. On the other hand, its manumatic encourages drivers to push into redline before upshifting. Plenty of low-end torque with never ending rush of upper end performance have always been BMW straight-6 character, it still feels so true in their latest offering.

Handling: Unlike 5-Series Touring in the past, the latest generation only offers in X-Drive format in North America. The new generation of X-Drive is finally a system that’s worthy of the BMW emblem. It all starts with a 40:60 split in order to maintain BMW’s rear-driver feel. As the situation gets worse, the system will split 100% either way depends on which wheel gets stuck. This system works far better in 530Xi than 325Xi we tested before. In the 325Xi, this system tends to have a tendency to understeer a lot when the AWD kicks in. However, ths same system works more like a rear-driver because the tail goes out when AWD steps in in full 100% lock-up. The DSC-3 steps in quite a bit latter in 5-Series than 3-Series, which enhances drivability a whole lot better than 325Xi we drove. On the other hand, the steering feel precise and responsive. All the merits of BMW’s typical precision and feedback remain intact with X-Drive. The body rolls are very well-controlled considered its a close to 4000 lb beast. What kept me thinking is why they tuned 325Xi, which almost lost all of BMW’s rear-driver feel, while tuned 530Xi so true to its rear-bias cornering abilities.

Brakes: The usual high standard of BMW braking performance is expected in 530Xi Touring. Given its 3891 lb curb weight, its stopping distance is simply exceptional. The pedal feel and modulation are simply world-class.

Interior: Inside the 530Xi, its typical 5-Series affair. While the interior materials and build quality are above average, its ergonomics is pretty much a nightmare thanks to the dreadful i-Drive. The driving position of E60 also lacks the cockpit feel of E39, which has a truly simple driver’s environment. The Touring bodystyle has created excellent practicality for 5-Series. With 24.8 cubic feet of cargo space and a superb loading system, this wagon outhaul many of those so-called Sport Utility Vehicle.

Conclusion: With the introduction of the 530Xi, BMW finally got their AWD system right. This X-Drive finally feels rear-bias in comparison to all the AWD BMWs have gone before. As for the 5-Series Touring itself, let’s just say it has to be one of the best sportswagons in town.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 BMW 530Xi TOURING
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2.25/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 4/5