The 535d’s badge is deceptive because it uses the 530d’s all-alloy 2993cc six-cylinder engine, but with an extra turbo-charger, strengthened crankcase and modified common-rail injection system. Instead of parallel turbochargers, the BMW’s turbos blow sequentially, like the Porsche 959’s nearly two decades ago. A small turbo spools quickly at low revs to create 392lb ft of torque from 1500rpm, and by 2000rpm the second, larger turbocharger is spinning, the two in tandem providing the 413lb ft peak. At higher revs the second turbo works alone, yielding 272bhp at 4400rpm.
The smooth six-speed ZF automatic gearbox – with a Steptronic manual shift function – is the only transmission and delivers power to the rear wheels. Extensive use of aluminium in the body, chassis and suspension puts its tested 1723kg kerbweight just under the competition’s.
This is our first test of a Sport version of the 5-series (60 per cent of British buyers opted for this spec on the old Five). The basic suspension layout of MacPherson front struts with a multi-link rear is unchanged, but the Sport gets stiffer springs, revised dampers and a 15mm lower ride height. It also comes with 18-inch alloys, a front spoiler, flared sill covers, a reprofiled rear bumper and dechromed windows, making the Sport look like a junior M5.
