The updated 530d sports an M badge. But are the changes only cosmetic, or is there more beneath its sporty exterior?
The 530d not only feels fast, the times we got confirm this too. It takes 6.11 seconds to reach 100kph, which is 0.5sec faster than the old car, and 200kph comes up in a very impressive 25.03 seconds. These times are thanks to the launch control the 530d comes equipped with, and are incredible when you consider that this car is quite heavy at 1.8 tonnes and has a diesel motor powering it.
The big disappointment is the steering, which simply doesn’t feel like a BMW unit anymore. It’s got a dead zone around the straight-ahead position and simply misses the feel that the old 5’s steering had. BMW has also gone softer on the springs, which results in a ride that’s a lot more absorbent, but leads to excessive body roll around corners. But when you consider that buyers in this segment prefer coasting rather than going ballistic around corners, it’s a legitimate compromise.
At Rs 57.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the 530d M Sport is priced really well when you consider what it offers. It’s got a strong engine, quality interiors and now looks and feels sportier too. It not only gives you brilliant performance, but, being a diesel, it doesn’t hurt your wallet either.