Having generally found BMW products to be on the firmer side of the ride-handling equation, I was pleased to discover how smoothly the 530xi conducts itself on rough roads, especially when its all-wheel-drive capability is factored-in. Notwithstanding its friendly ride quality, stability and composure are never in question when directional changes come

2007 BMW 530xi (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

calling. In my mind the 530xi is bestowed with the perfect balance of handling prowess and ride poise.

The 5-Series has long been a benchmark-setter in mid-size sedan handling thresholds, and the addition of all-wheel-drive doesn't change that in any demonstrable way. In fact, the pull of four tires keeps the 530xi better nailed to the tarmac when rapidly exiting a turn on slick pavement. Living in a mountainous, coastal climate has given me a predilection for quadruple traction.

It has also given me an appreciation of robust braking, which the 530xi possesses in spades. Its ventilated, 4-wheel antilock disc brake setup requires very little prompting to issue an immediate order of cessation. When such direction is dispatched, the 530xi simply squats on all four and immediately halts any and all activity. But it's not its combination of cat-like reflexes and a smooth ride that makes the journey in a 530xi so enjoyable.

Driver and passenger comfort in the spacious, beautifully constructed cabin is outstanding. Leg and headroom in the four primary seating

2007 BMW 530xi (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

positions is very good, and superior ergonomics abound. Knowing that one of the finest inline 6-cylinder engines is about to demurely fire-up makes pushing the dash-mounted "start" button absolutely tantalizing.

Once in peaceful operation, placing the gear lever into "D" connects the refined mill with a 6-speed automatic (or 6-speed manual) transmission. This unit slides gears in and out with deft precision however I found it slow to downshift into passing mode when maximum acceleration was briskly called upon. Albeit, once the desired gear took hold, the Bimmer took off. In doing so, a classy background growl accompanied the rising speedometer.

Power-wise, the 3.0-litre six does a commendable job of mobilizing the sizeable sedan but for a base price of $70,700, I'd rather hear the

2007 BMW 530xi (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

burble of a V8 capable of making more than the 220 foot-pounds of torque issued by the I-6. Still, for the price the 530xi packs a tremendous amount of content as standard equipment, including heated 10-way power seats with memory, leather upholstery, heated multi-function steering wheel, moonroof and ambience lighting.

Active safety features include Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Hill Decent Control and adaptive headlights and brake lights. Passive protection includes front and side airbags for driver and front passenger and BMW's Advanced Head Protection System front and rear.

BMW's commitment to safety and occupant protection is admirable but it's

2007 BMW 530xi (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com)

not what would draw me to the Bavarian Motor Works company over many of their competitors; it's BMW's commitment to class-leading driving dynamics that would have my wages garnisheed in favour of ownership.

Would it be worth it? Well on days like those just endured - snow falling fast and furiously and cars spinning-out even faster - I exclaim, "you bet your mother in-law it is." The BMW 530xi is in every way and more, a premium performance-oriented luxury sedan capable of sticking it to the weatherman and Mother Earth, lest she run amok as she just did along the west coast of this great nation.


Impressive:
Logic-defying traction
Beautiful build quality
Refined drivetrain
Smooth ride and secure handling

Unimpressive:
Heavy price tag
Autobox is slow to kick down
Iffy styling