Engine: 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve variable valve timing inline-6

Engine Options: 184-hp 2.5-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6; 225-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6; 335-hp 4.4-liter dohc 32-valve V8

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Transmission Options: 6-speed manual; 6-speed Steptronic automatic; 6-speed sequential manual gearbox

Standard Safety Equipment: antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control auto-proportioning, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control anti-skid electronics, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, two-stage front airbags with dual threshold deployment, front-passenger side airbags, side curtain head-protection airbags, Intelligent Safety and Information System control with fiber-optic connections and post-impact safety measures

Optional Safety Equipment: rear-passenger side airbags; active head restraints

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; includes scheduled maintenance

Assembled In: Dingolfing, Germany

Model Tested: BMW 530i ($45,400)

Standard Equipment: automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature and distribution controls and active charcoal microfilter; power windows with key-off and one-touch operation; AM/FM/CD with 10 speakers and two sub-woofers; BMW Assist with automatic collision notification, SOS button, roadside assist and locater and concierge services; leatherette upholstery; cruise control; power tilt-and-telescope leather steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio and phone controls; 10-way power front seats with power head restraints and driver's seat memory; keyless entry with multi-function remote and Vehicle & Key memory; power heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down on passenger side; halogen headlights and fog lights with automatic control; 17x7.5-inch cast-alloy wheels; power outlets in front-passenger footwell, rear of center console and trunk; rechargeable flashlight in glovebox

Options as Tested: Sport Package includes Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization, 18x8-inch cast alloy wheels with 245/WR18 run-flat tires ($3,300); Premium Package includes Dakota leather upholstery for seats and doors, dark poplar wood trim, auto-dimming interior and exterior lights and three-function garage opener ($1,800); Park Distance Control with graphic displays front and rear ($700), Xenon Adaptive Headlights ($800), rear passenger side-impact airbags ($385)

Destination Charge: 695

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 225 @ 5900

Torque: 214 @ 3500

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 20/30

Wheelbase: 113.7 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 190.6/72.7/58.0 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.3/62.3 inches

Turning Cycle: 37.5 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 37.7/NA/41.5 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.9/NA/36.0 inches

Trunk Volume: 14.0 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent

Ground Clearance: inches

Curb Weight: 3472 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: P245/40WR18

Brakes: vented disc/vented disc with ABS and electronic brake proportioning

Fuel Capacity: 18.5 Gallons