We're starting to see mid-size sedans give up their V6 engines in favor of turbocharged fours -- the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima made the switch last year, and the upcoming 2013 Ford Fusion will do the same.
But turbo fours aren't just for inexpensive cars -- now we have high-dollar German luxury sedans getting in on the act. I've just finished a week-long test of the BMW 528i, the entry-level 5-series, which gets a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine in place of last year's inline six. And sitting outside as I write this is Mercedes' new C250 coupe, which I'll be telling you more about next week. (Spoiler alert: I like it a lot.)
But let's get back to the BMW: I have to admit, I had my doubts about a 2-liter engine powering such a big car. So is the new 528i a real Bimmer or a real bummer? (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) Find out in my 2012 BMW 528i review. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
As the owner of a 1991 E34 5-series, I was anxious to read your takeon the new 4 banger. My car has the 150 hp 2.0L M50 IL6 and a manual transmission, and gets pretty decend fuel economy for a car it’s size. It’s a Euro spec car in case anybody’s wondering. I’m living in Germany for a bit.
The new car’s acceleration being a little sluggish sounds normal, as neither my car, nor a 525i I had earlier was particularly quick off the line. I can attest that,, at least in the older cars, the auto-slushbox is even less quick. Sport mode helps a little.
All in all, it sounds as though the 4-banger does most everything the IL6 does, and about as well considering that the current 5-series is a larger and heavier car than my 1991. Sounds like the new car probably drives and handles at least as well as my E34.
That said, I’m not sure I’d go for the new engine if I could actually afford to buy a brand new 5-series. First, the posted mpg gain is only 2mpg overall compared to the IL6, and the 4-ganger is more expensive presumably due to the turbo setup. Second, turbo charged engines normally cost much more to insure than standard engines, so any savings realized at the pump would probably be largely offset by higher insurance bills. Finally, for a mere 2mpg gain in economy, I’d really miss the IL6’s exhaust note.
As a former owner of two turbocharged SAABs, I am shaking my head yet smiling at the same time at this resurgence of interest in turbocharged motors. SAAB owners of the past decade or so vacillated between pride in their small, efficient engines and envy of BMW’s proper 6’s and 8’s.
To me, it has always made more sense to go with an efficient four plus turbo rather than a full time guzzling six. Now that turbo lag is but a figment of days gone by and is only discussed at barbeques, it is surprising more aren’t around. Best of all, some turbos even run on regular. Awesome!!!
I used to own Volvo 740 turbo’s. My first (’87 wagon) won out because it was faster than the 86 5.0 mustang (auto) I tested first. Strangely it got a steady 27mpg while my non turbo 79 240 sedan got 25mpg.
A brilliant compromise this car. The elegance and style and quality of a Bimmer and better economy. What is already normal in Europe in regard to fuel efficiency is slowly but steady coming our way. This is only the beginning. Soon you will have a 1.4 TFSI with 200 BHP and huge torque just like the Europeans have now. It will be a big hit for sure for those who like style and economy.