BMW 545i 2005 Review

BMW's 545i with M package is not the real deal. The real M5 model won't get here until mid-year and is going to cost substantially more than this dressed-up 5 Series.

The "M-lite" has a few of the bits, some of the body trim and a sportier suspension package ... and it is a beauty.

As a base proposition the 545i is impressive. Add on the $3000 M Sport package and it actually represents good value, not something that is often said about BMW's extensive options list.

The best of the add-ons is definitely the sportier suspension package, which adds an additional level of confidence to an already impressive handling deal.

In addition, there is a set of M-badged light alloy 18-inch rims shod with 245/40 rubber, an attractive aeropackage, sport steering wheel, M-badged door sill finishers and a stylish aluminium dash treatment.

Even without the extras, the 545i is an impressive argument that luxury, refinement and style need not lack muscle.

At $151,900, the 545i is priced for what it is -- an upper end vehicle. Importantly, it delivers on what it promises.

Much has been said and written about Chris Bangle's particular design theme which has, if nothing else, kept BMW under discussion through the renewal of its entire model range.

On the 5 Series, the often confronting Bangle surfaces and folds actually look good, very good in fact. It may be the scale, it may be the final refinements of an idea, for whatever reason, it works.

The first impression of the 545i's interior is one of space, luxurious space.

Front and rear passengers are treated equally generously with ample shoulder, head and leg room.

In typical BMW fashion the seats are supremely comfortable with a huge range of adjustment for the driver and three memory positions to ensure that once you have found a suitable spot you can go straight back to it.

The aluminium strip treatment on the dash is a welcome change from the usual wood. The look is sporty and modern without being in the least "cheap". While the look and feel are important, to BMW, and many of the marque's faithful, it is the car's manners and performance that are the key indicators of success or not.

The 245kW 4.4-litre V8 has the urge to lift the 545i's considerable 1635kg away from stationary with impressive verve on the way to governed 250km/h top speed.

The big sedan will get to 100km/h in a claimed 5.9 seconds, but its real talent is using the 450Nm of torque through an impressive mid-range for quick acceleration when overtaking or merging.

As a highway cruiser, it is simply superb. The active steering is as clever as it is useful.

An electro-mechanical actuator adds positive or negative steering angles to the driver input, depending on speed. It means the steering ratio varies between 1:10 and 1:20 as speed increases with 1.7 turns lock-to-lock for agility at parking speeds and three turns for stability at highway speed.