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| 5 not as spacious as E estate |
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The 3.0-litre engine in the 530d is already well-proven in the 3- and 7-Series ranges; in the 530d Touring, it gives a top speed of 150mph, 0-60mph acceleration in 7.2 seconds (7.4 seconds with the optional six-speed automatic transmission), fuel consumption of 39.2mpg (35.3mpg auto) and carbon dioxide emissions of 192g/km (213g/km auto). It incorporates a particulate filter, and meets the Euro 4 emissions regulations which come into force in 2006, thus qualifying it for a 3 percent company car tax break in the UK. With 369lb ft of torque to play with, it makes the 530d an impressive machine, whether on the (unrestricted) autobahn at high speed or shooting around twisting country lanes.
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| Shape more 'lifestyle'wagon |
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In fact, the 530d is so strong, smooth and refined that paying out the whopping premium for the petrol 545i (155mph, 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, 25mpg and 274g/km) really does seem like an unnecessary indulgence, especially since it has less torque (332lb ft), and thus feels less well-suited to the nature of this car. The V8 doesn't even sound substantially different; although there is a trace of a distinctive exhaust note, the 5-Series is so well insulated and cocooning that you'd have to really hammer the throttle to hear much feedback. Speed freaks and enthusiasts might do best to wait for the 535d, which promises to take the high-performance diesel game to a whole new level, or keep their ears open for news of a diesel V8: as Mercedes and Audi now both offer such an engine, though not in the UK as yet, BMW is bound to come up with one soon.
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| Plenty of room up front |
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This generation of 5-Series Touring is lighter than its predecessor, despite increased length and height; like the saloon, it has a higher proportion of aluminium components, saving weight and enhancing handling. The Touring's body roll is as well controlled as that of the saloon, despite its different centre of gravity and bulkier aerodynamics, thanks to the self-levelling suspension and extensive array of electronic aids. This does make it feel slightly more remote and less involving - it gives a somewhat artificial sensation - but that's a pretty marginal criticism. As with the saloon, you can never quite forget the fact that this is a large rear-wheel-drive car, especially in wet and slippery conditions, but unless you really overdo it or are prone to extreme lapses of judgement, the risk of ending up facing the wrong way on the road is easily offset against the edginess of the experience. This is a family-sized car with the potential to excite; it's edgier than the admittedly excellent new E-Class and A6, cars with a very different demeanour.
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