Twin turbochargers or ten-cylinder power combine with exquisite smoothness for BMW 5-Series

As one of the world's top luxury and performance names, German automaker BMW has a long-standing reputation for building some of the best powerplants on the road. Engines that deliver a potent punch and class-leading mileage alongside quiet and gentle operation are their specialty.


President and CEO Lindsay Duffield once said that with all the talk of hybrids, hydrogen and alternative fuels, his company remains committed to squeezing the most out of the internal combustion engine. That's just what BMW's done with those available in their 5-Series model. It's a sedan widely regarded as the world's best when it comes to sporty performance and luxury blended into a single package.

There's a healthy choice of engines available for 5-Series shoppers from 230 horsepower up to over 500- though two in particular stand out if you're into the latest high-tech powertrain wizardry.

3.0 Litre Twin Turbo
The recipient of numerous international engineering awards, BMW's three-litre inline-six cylinder engine joins with a pair of turbochargers for stunning results.

The initial power-lag associated with turbo engines has all but been eliminated by BMW's decesion to use two smaller turbines instead of one large one. Plant your right foot, wait just a tick, and you're off in a jiffy.

Mileage is excellent too, given the amount of power available. It's mainly due to what BMW claims is the first high-precision jet-guided injection system ever mass produced for a road car. Working with the turbochargers, the system enables a particularly precise metering of the air-fuel mixture, ensuring that each and every molecule of gasoline is put to the best possible use.

Cruising on the highway, both turbos are at rest- though on standby for passing power at the first sign of throttle pressure. Output is rated at 300 athletic horsepower, with peak torque arriving early-on and staying until near redline. The engine pulls flatly across the sweep of the tachometer with enough force to throw torsos into seats with ease. A six-speed gearbox in the driver's choice of automatic or manual is available.