BMW has added around $40,000 worth of special equipment to a 530d sedan at no extra cost and called it a Performance Edition. Robert Barry checked out the results.
When other manufacturers talk about adding value to their vehicles, you can generally expect a better quality of stereo, upgraded trim and a few more bits of specification but nothing of huge significance to change the character of the car.
BMW however has made a significant difference to the 530d Performance Edition with the addition of around $40,000 worth of added value. It’s turned the normally docile looking 530d sedan into a much more aggressive looking animal, especially in Artic White which contrasts nicely with the black carbon fibre side mirror caps, carbon fibre front lip spoiler and carbon fibre rear boot lid spoiler, as well as the black plastic side skirts which proudly wear the M Performance label. The double kidney grille is painted black rather than wearing chrome to further enhance the cars sporting stance.
The aggressive re-style is further enhanced by the 20 inch alloy wheels with very low profile tyres and the addition of the M Sport suspension package which lowers the car closer to the ground for better handling as well as the sleeker profile.
Only two colours are available, Artic White as pictured here on the press vehicle and Black which sadly doesn’t show off the black carbon fibre additions quite so well. Sadly the Performance Edition package is not available for the 530dTouring, and the factory can only provide a limited supply of sedans for our market, which further protects their exclusivity.
The carbon fibre theme continues into the cabin where the dashboard and steering wheel inserts are also made of this material. The flat bottom M Sport steering wheel is uniquely trimmed in suede-like Alcantara material for a truly sensual experience, it feels quite special to look at and hold onto.
By the way, it is real carbon fibre, BMW has previously used the material for the roof of the M3 and M6 sports coupes and the forthcoming BMW i8 and i3 electric/hybrid cars will use carbon fibre in their construction to save weight yet retain body strength.
Also unique to the 530d Performance Edition is the virtual dashboard which comes from the BMW 7 series. The entire instrument panel is a digital graphic that will change colour and character depending on whether the driver has selected from the Sport +, Sport, Comfort or EcoPro mode.
At first the ability to change the look of the instrument display feels like a frivolous novelty, but when selecting EcoPro mode, you feel acutely aware of your desire to drive as economically as possible, ergo, place the car into Sport mode and the display changes in character as much as the handling and transmission tightens up and feels more responsive to the throttle.
The 530d Performance Edition also offers sports bucket front seats with heating function, a Head Up display, Xenon lights with high beam assistant, glass sunroof, parking assistant, comfort access with keyless entry and start, BMW professional hi fi and navigation system, automatic boot lid operation, surround view camera, and most important of all BMW Individual sun protection glazing.
It also has a music interface for smart phones as well as USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and if you must use the internet on the run, it can also do that, provided your mobile device has the requisite data capability.
The 3-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission remains unchanged, and frankly the 530d doesn’t need any more power, it will happily dash from zero to 100km/h in six seconds.
Try as we might though, we didn’t get near the claimed average fuel consumption of 5.2L/100km, the car resolutely sat on 7 to 8L/100km despite trying to use the ECO pro mode at every opportunity.
In summary, for the same price as a standard 530d, the performance edition offers an exclusive opportunity to drive a very unique BMW and you’d be hard pressed to find something this unique from the competitors.
Specifications:
Body type Four door sedan
Drive Rear wheel
Engine type Inline 6-cyl
Engine capacity 2,993cc
Max power 190kW/4,000rpm
Max torque 560Nm/1,750rpm
Fuel consumption 5.2L/100km
C02 emission 145g/km
0 to 100km/h 6 secs
Airbag 8
ESP Yes
Air conditioning Climate dual zone
Satellite navigation Yes
Cargo cover N/a
Boot capacity 520 Litres
Wheel type 20 inch alloy
Spare tyre N/A
