The 2012 BMW 528i brings turbocharged four-cylinder power to the vaunted 5-series. The new engine makes 240 hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at just 1,250 rpm. Impressive figures that beat the previous unit's 230 hp (at 6,500 rpm) and 200 lb-ft of torque (at 2,750 rpm) ratings, which came from an inline-six. The twin-scroll turbo four-cylinder employs direct injection and BMW's valvetronic variable valve timing technology to help increase power. It also has an all-aluminum block that is lighter and more compact than the I6.
The four-banger is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. There also is a stop/start feature that aims to improve efficiency. Production began in September, and the car arrives this fall.
We dashed down from Bavaria into Austria in the 528i as daylight rapidly faded on a cool fall evening, cutting through the Alps in comfort and with speed. We drove the 528i wagon (all that was offered for the test), which is not coming to the U.S. market, but it did showcase the new engine's prowess.
The car is strong from launch. The turbo four has a satisfying purr low in the band and as the revs build, particularly during light acceleration at about 3,000 rpm. Floor it on the autobahn, and this car is surprisingly quick, allowing us to keep pace with an M3 that was cruising. The torque is felt almost immediately, and the pull is evident throughout the rev band. The engine also shines when accelerating from moderate speeds on the expressway to flat-out flying during passing situations (or just for fun). The power is served up smoothly, and the forsaken cylinders from the I6 are never missed. The four-cylinder is expected to get 23 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway, according to preliminary EPA estimates.
The stop/start feature worked flawlessly, with a button illuminating on the dash to inform the driver what is going on. This might take some time for users in the U.S. market to understand. It's working properly, it's just a bit foreign to what Americans are used to in daily driving. Still, once educated, the system is nonintrusive and efficient for motorists.
Otherwise, the interior and the body remain mostly unchanged. It's a quiet ride with premium materials and a comfortable setting. The navigation system got us lost near the Austrian border when it couldn't maneuver around construction, but that could happen anywhere.
Driving the sedan version will likely showcase the potency of the engine even more, though with huge suitcases and other wares, this hauler was quite useful for Alpine duty.
