BMW 530xi Sport Wagon

BMW 530xi Sport Wagon - For 2006, BMW neutralized that last excuse by adding its xDrive all-wheel-drive system—similar to that in the X3 and X5 sport-utes, defaulting to rear-wheel drive and delivering up to a 50/50 split via an electronically controlled clutch pack as conditions require—to create sedan models badged 525xi and 530xi. Also new, after a two-year hiatus, is a 5-series wagon, which only comes with all-wheel drive and the high-output 255-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six, making it a 530xi.

The wagon's price is hefty, too, starting at $52,095, a $2400 increase over a 530xi sedan and $4600 more than a 530i. Our car came with an impoverishing $10,770 in options, including $1275 for a six-speed automatic, $1800 for an upgraded stereo, and the $2100 Premium package that adds leather seats and a power liftgate.

Passenger space is excellent in the sedan and now in the similarly sized wagon. And the wagon's back seat is much more accommodating than the X5's, for example, despite the identical 45-cubic-foot rating. The 530xi has generous footroom under the front seats, and the backs of the front buckets have knee-friendly contours in them.

Once engaged, the six-speed shifts smoothly but prematurely in the name of fuel economy. EPA ratings are 20 mpg city and 27 highway, off just 1 and 2 mpg, respectively, from a rear-drive 530i. But we found ourselves flogging the wagon harder to compensate for the added bulk and ended up getting 19 mpg.

As expected, straight-line performance has worsened: 0-to-60 mph happens in 7.6 seconds and the quarter-mile in 15.9, compared with 6.9 and 15.3 seconds for a 530i (with the old 225-hp inline-six). However, our wagon bettered that 530i in grip (0.84 g versus 0.82) and braking (161 feet versus 176) due to optional 18-inch rubber.

So if you're serious about having sport with your utility, the chefs here at C/D will always recommend sampling the wagon.