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BMW’s new 5 Series deserves its spot in the running for World Car of the Year FAST FACTS

1. Available in RWD and AWD variants with a range of turbo and non-turbo powerplants the range-topping 4.4L bi-turbo V8 makes 400 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque.

2. BMW’,s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system includes electronic limited-slip differential and several different driving modes.

3. BMW uses turbochargers, regenerative braking and an 8-speed automatic transmission to achieve a claimed 16/24-mpg rating on the 550i xDrive.

4. The AWD 335i starts at $52,775 and the 550i xDrive at 62,875, a $2,300 premium over the rear-drive models.

It’,s even in the running for 2011 World Car of the Year, despite the fact that North America doesn’t get the wagon (or Touring) model, or any of the four- and six-cylinder diesel powerplants other markets get.

BI-TURBO V8 GETS IT DONE

Here, in North America, we do get the new crossover body-style (aka 5 series Gran Turismo or 5GT) in addition to the keystone four-door sedan models. Available engines include BMW’,s naturally-aspirated and turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six gas powerplants rated at 240 hp/230 lb-ft and 300 hp/300 lb-ft of torque, respectively.

The range-topping 550i models get a more potent 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 with direct injection that makes 400 horses and 450 lb-ft of torque available from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm via an eight-speed sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Replacing the outgoing E60-generation (2003-2010), the new platform (F10) is a shortened version of that used for the bigger, more posh 7 series (F01). It benefits from a longer wheelbase (116.9 inches) and wider track (63 front and 64.1 inches in the rear) that holds the road beautifully thanks to a new front dual ball joint short-long arm and rear multilink suspension.

ON THE ROAD

On this particular test the weather is poor and doesn’,t really permit much opportunity for soul searching. We were more than content to just sit back, relax and enjoy the drive. Even driving quite casually though, we could only muster about 15.37 during our week-long test, far short of the car’s claimed 16/24-mpg rating.

xDRIVE FOR CONTROL AND CONFIDENCE

With cold, slippery roads covered in salt, dirt and end-of-winter grime it’,s obvious xDrive is working overtime alongside BMW’,s dynamic stability control with extended functionality, but you wouldn’,t know it from the driver’,s seat where everything’,s on an even keel. The optional Dunlop SP Winter Performance tires are pulling their weight too. The steering is direct and responsive when going slow or fast, and the chassis stays flat and predictable in turns. With so many other active and passive safety features on this vehicle, it’,s as reassuring as it is fun.

Heated electrically-adjustable exterior mirrors and windshield washer jets with rain-sensing wipers are standard, adding more peace of mind. The test mule also boasts more optional safety features – things like a heads-up display (for speed and system messages), lane departure warning, a blind spot detection system, and rear view camera with top and side views (surround view) on the massive 10.2-inch high-resolution display. Even K.I.T.T. would be jealous of its night vision and pedestrian detection abilities.

BIGGER AND LONGER BENEFITS THE INTERIOR

Black Dakota leather, dark Anthracite wood trim and brushed aluminum accents give the interior a sporty and classy feel. All controls are within the driver’,s reach, and the aforementioned hi-res full-color display makes accessing and changing things around pretty easy.

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