MotorMouths

Without question, the new BMW 5-Series continues to set the performance pace in the premium-midsize class. The fact that many will find the redesigned car more aesthetically pleasing—both inside and out—will simply be icing on the cake.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder deserves a permanent place under the hood of the 5 Series. Couple that with an excellent all-wheel-drive system and a proven chassis and the 2012 528i continues to be the main force to be reckoned with in the midsize luxury segment.

More than a visual refresh, the 2011 BMW 5 Series packs additional power, a tastefully refined interior, and features that cover the gamut from sport to luxury, and everything in between.

Most of the people purchasing one want exactly what the BMW 535i delivers: a safe, well-built, handsome luxury object that lets friends and strangers know how well they’re doing financially.

While just about any luxury sedan shopper will be quite happy with a 2011 BMW 550i, it will likely appeal most to those who prioritize performance or sporty driving dynamics. The strong V8 and athletic handling are the car’s standout attributes.

BMW has created another car for Goldilocks, a “just right” combination of luxury and sport. This 2011 550i is so impressive that we are left with precious little negative commentary. It’s simply a brilliant sedan that should perfectly suit the luxury sedan buyer.

If you and three friends have a long way to go and a short time to get there, and want to do so in comfort and style, you won’t go wrong here. Don’t need 400 horses or want to spend quite as much? The BMW 535i should still more than get the job done.

The styling is cleaner, the ergonomics are much improved, and the chassis is more refined. No great leap forward has been attempted this time around, and the car is better in virtually every way as a result. By nearly any objective measure, these are excellent cars.

Comfortable, refined and smooth, our 528i test car barely registered on our enthusiast-driven sportiness scale. A new era of BMW indeed.

The new 5 Series feels damned near ideal and not boatlike in the least. The combination of BMW’s new four-wheel-steer tech with electric-assist steering felt superb.

The 2011 BMW 535i is vastly improved and more than ever a threat to other luxury sports sedans. No longer soft(ish), as some purists used to lament, it fully capitalizes on its heritage and brings the fun back to a segment

The 2011 535i is comfortable for commuting and competent on the track. For that range of capability, the 5-series is a standout in its class and in the entire automotive market.