'97 BMW 528i - Driving Impression - European Car

If Merriam and Webster were car enthusiasts, you'd open their dictionary, look up "luxury/sport sedan," and there, instead of a wordy definition, you'd simply find a photo of a BMW 5-Series. Nothing more needs to be said. No other four-door passenger car has carved out quite the same reputation for blending luxurious ambiance with rock-solid build quality and a sports-car-like ability to inspire driving exhilaration.

This spring, the fourth and latest generation of the 5-Series will make its debut on our shores as a '97 model, with virtually all-new hardware and the same pure, undiluted essence of driving fun. Initially, only two models will be offered: the six-cylinder 528i and V-8-powered 540i. The current 530i and Touring models no longer will be available. During the recent 528i introduction in Europe, we spent a day driving the car through the rolling countryside of eastern Austria. While both models will arrive in the U.S. together, Europe must wait to see the upcoming 540i.

Stylistically, BMW has left the contemporary yet classic look of the current generation behind and has jumped full tilt into the next millennium. The new body looks unabashedly modern with its softened contours, enclosed headlight modules, pronounced character lines, and a sweeping hood that extends down across the front to encompass the familiar twin-kidney grille. However, enough of the familiar cues have been retained that the car is still unmistakably BMW, even reminiscent of a down-sized 7-Series.

The more rounded body cleverly masks the fact that the 5-Series is physically larger. The wheelbase has grown 2.7 inches to 111.4, the overall length is 2.2 inches longer at 188.0, and the track is wider by 1.6 inches in the front and 1.1 inches in the rear. It also stands almost one inch taller. This translates into more interior space: Front-seat passengers will enjoy 2.4 inches more shoulder room and 0.7 inch more headroom, while rear-seat passengers can take advantage of 0.6 inch more knee and shoulder room, and 0.4 inch more headroom.

Despite the increased dimensions, BMW has managed to shave pounds, as well. Key to this weight-loss program is a move from steel to aluminum componentry in the suspension, steering, brakes, and subframes. This allows the 528i to tip the scale at a trim 3483 pounds, 77 pounds lighter than the current 525i.

The unibody is significantly stronger as well, boasting a whopping 81.8-percent improvement in torsional rigidity and a 40.4-percent improvement in bending stiffness, improving upon a design that was already quite solid. In addition, the new 5-Series is capable of absorbing 83.8 percent more side-impact energy, thanks to a new subframe, an interlocking door-anchor system adopted from the 7-Series, and side sections-including the complete door frame, C-pillar, and rear quarter section-that are made from a single stamping.

The 528i's basic front suspension design-using MacPherson struts and double-pivot lower arms-is essentially carried over from the current generation, except that virtually all components are now aluminum. Meanwhile, the rear suspension-also aluminum-is based on the four-link integral design used on the new 7-Series. The move to aluminum underpinnings yields a reduction in unsprung weight which, in turn, allows the system to react more quickly to road irregularities and provide more comfortable, absorbent ride compliance without sacrificing crisp cornering capabilities. Plus, should the situation arise, the 528i retains its stability and composure well into autobahn speeds.

Aided by 51/49 weight distribution, the rear-drive 528i offers pleasantly neutral handling. When pressed hard into a corner, the car segues into benign understeer, yet remains confidently predictable and catchable. The driver can waltz it out to the edge of its handling envelope and then gently reel it back in, with no nasty surprises lying in wait.