Once upon a time, the 5-series was a tactile and agile hot rod for the autobahn; today, it is merely a roomy, luxury conveyance.
All engines are turbocharged: the diesel inline-six; gasoline four-cylinder, inline-six, and V-8, and the gas-electric hybrid; each pairs with an eight-speed automatic. The gas six features a rare manual gearbox, and all but the hybrid offer all-wheel drive. We’re not fond of the precise yet numb steering, and options can push the price past that of a 7-series.
Pros and Cons of the 2014 BMW are that it shoves hard, even at low rpm; virtually free of turbo lag; hushed mechanicals. Some cons are that is it a Fuel-obsessed transmission, numb steering, doesn’t feel any smaller than a 7-series.
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED: $58,995 (base price: $47,795)
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 cu in, 1997 cc
Power: 240 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 255 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 116.9 in
Length: 193.1 in
Width: 73.2 in Height: 57.6 in
Curb weight: 3883 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 15.9 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 31.6 sec
Braking, 70-0 mph: 170 ft
FUEL ECONOMY: EPA city/highway: 23/34 mpg
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