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Quote:
First Drive: 2011 BMW 550i
Source: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ive/index.html
More of the Same, Yet Better in Every Way
May 12, 2010
/ By Matt Stone
/ Photography by Matt Stone
So there we were at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, ogling a new, preproduction metallic black (or really dark charcoal gray) 2011 BMW 550i, and our BMW pal said, "Hey, like to take it for a drive?" Got any more stupid questions? Gimmee that keyfob, Please. Scott Evans already ran down all the tech and spec stuff for you, so we'll focus on the actual piece in hand and the driving experience. The exterior design is ultrafresh and looks like a modern BMW without some of the overdetailing from which many of them have suffered. It's better balanced-looking than the outgoing 5 Series, but would never be mistaken for anything else. Underhood is the new, 400-horse, twin-turbocharged V-8, backed by ZF's new, and super high-tech, eight-speed automatic transmission.
This car isn't quick; it's genuinely fast, and smooth. We criticized this engine in the new 7 Series for a less than even acceleration curve and slightly jerky throttle response, but no such problem here. Perhaps BMW has evened out the engine's power delivery, or maybe the new trans calibrates the problem away. But the biturbo V-8's got power everywhere on the tach and is easy to drive slowly and smoothly and really gets with the program when you've got your toes into it. There's no turbo lag or jerkiness, just smooth power from a relatively low rpm, as there's meaningful boost available at low rpm. This powertrain makes that silky, turbinelike whirr we've come to expect from BMW V-8s, and it doesn't disappoint. While the result is exceptional, one wonders if this much expensive turbocharger hardware is needed or warranted to produce 400 horsepower. There are other V-8s that make as much power without all the technical complexity. Whatever, it sure works. As is typical of today's ZF automatic transmissions, this eight-speeder shifts smoothly without being mushy, and always seem to be in the right gear want a different one, just order up- or downshifts via the steering wheel paddle-shifter, or the throttle.
The interior is a higher-quality cabin than that of the outgoing 5 Series. And in the event you are/were an iDrive hater, you'll get along with this one better than previous-gen systems. Note that wide, high-def screen up high on the IP, easily in the driver's line of sight and very sharp and crisp to read. BMW seats are often on the sporty side of luxurious, and these are great chairs. Firm and supportive, but the bolstering is never intrusive, and the pinholed leather keeps you comfy in any weather. The highly lacquered wood trim looks great while still looking like wood, instead of shiny plastic, a fate that plagues some other luxury marques.
BMW has really nailed the ride/handling balance on this car too. It's quiet inside, but not overly silent (in a bad way). Wind noise is commendably low, and the big run-flat tires don't rumble much (more likely due to the fact that they are new and had few miles on them). Body motions are well controlled, the car never pitching much in corners, with plenty of grip on tap. Steering is more responsive and linear than in the outgoing 5. The ride quality is firm, but never harsh -- can't wait for the next M5 that'll be based on this chassis architecture!
The rest is all good: nicely weighted, responsive controls and driver inputs. Plenty of performance in every parameter. If you and three friends have a long way to go and a short time to get there, and want to do so in comfort and style, you won't go wrong here. Don't need 400 horses or want to spend quite as much? The new, single-turbo inline-six 535i should still more than get the job done.
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