The 530d is the most potent diesel of their Indian 5 Series portfolio and it takes no prisoners when it comes to performance. The whole experience of picking up speed, taking corners and shedding speed are dealt with in a manner which can only be termed as effortless. Put your foot down and speeds of 100 km/h are attained while you’re busy admiring the HUD, and before your gaze even falls upon the needle, you’re doing 150. The ride is surprisingly good at all speeds, and while I wonder how it happened (and I blame traffic) the 530d is just as enjoyable trundling along at 40 km/h as it is if you put a ‘1’ or a ‘2’ before that figure. The eight-speed ’box does a good job of sending the power in doses just as you like it: feather the pedal or stomp on it.
While all of that is going on, the ride is comfortable and extremely pliant; a remarkable improvement over the previous E60 model. However, the only annoyance comes in the form of those little bumps and small potholes, which send the thuds past the filters. The steering feels absolutely spot-on and gives good feedback. The 18” wheels run 245/45 front and big 275/40 rear rubber of the run-flat variety – just right for the drive, but leading to a firm ride. Grip is uncompromised, to say the least. It blasts forward on straights and only sometimes squeals when taking tight corners. Handling is among the best in class and there’s nothing to complain about, except that the car urges you to try a little more, each time. And, more often than not, you do! Few cars feel this way – like nothing’s lacking – and that, in itself, makes it money well spent.
Speaking of which, whether you’re an enthusiast or not, having a reasonable fuel efficiency figure is always something which brings a smile, especially in India. The 530d M Sport returns up to 13 km/l on the highway. That’s not bad for a car of this segment. Then there’s the price. For Rs 57.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), the 530d is almost Rs 70 lakh on the road or at your doorstep. Big money? Yes. Big fun? Absolutely!
Story: Jim Gorde
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
