On the road in the BMW 528xi
Greetings from Cape Cod! My wife Robin, our friend Steve and I are traveling in New England this week in the hopes of catching a little fall foliage (and, for me, catching up on some writing). Our chariot for this trip is an all-wheel-drive 2008 528xi generously provided by BMW. I've always been something of a cynic when it comes to Bimmers, but my test drive of a 328i sedan last year did a lot to change my impressions -- I still can't believe how much I enjoyed that car.
Today we spent about four hours driving from New York City up to the Cape, and all of us have a luke-warm opinion of the 5, which has been improved for 2008 with updated styling and powertrain choices. I was impressed by the big trunk, quiet ride, and well-laid-out interior. And despite its big size, the 528xi was a cinch to thread through New York traffic. But the steering felt bit darty on the open road and none of us found the seats particularly comfortable -- though there are a lot of controls to fiddle with, so maybe we'll get it sorted out on tomorrow's ride to Maine. I'm also hoping we'll find some curvy roads on which to try out the 528xi's all-wheel-drive handling. Fall foliage, here we come! -- Aaron Gold
Related: 2007 BMW 328i test drive
Photo © BMW
Coincidentally, my friend just ordered a 2008 535i Bimmer and should be getting it any day now…I’m looking forward to a test drive in that real soon. It’ll be interesting to compare my feelings about it compared to yours, even though this one won’t be AWD.
The 528xi is respectably quick, but when I had to deal with Boston traffic, I was really wishing we had the twin-turbo inline six in the 535. Am looking forward to hearing your comments, Don (and anyone else who wants to chime in).
Tonight we are in Ogunquit, Maine; tomorrow we tackle Route 1 up to Bar Harbor, and I’m told we’ll be hitting some pretty serious curves. Meanwhile, the 528xi is averaging a respectable 25 MPG, and my back is still aching.