The 530d’s 218bhp engine might be very effective, but there is noticeable turbo lag in its power delivery. Not so the 535d, which offers the throttle response of a large, naturally aspirated petrol and the kind of instant torque delivery drivers of VW’s 5.0 V10 TDi enjoy. Without the usual pause and surge of a diesel, performance is deceptive, only
the flashing DSC stability control light hinting at how hard the 245/40 R18 rear tyres are working to deliver that torque to a wet road. There’s no early let-up in power, either: usable power lasting right up to the 5000rpm red line, 500rpm higher than a 530d’s. And it’s accompanied by a refined and tuneful BMW straight-six hum unencumbered – once warm – by diesel chatter.
The result on a damp track was 60mph from rest in 6.0sec and 100mph in 15.0sec – 1.2sec and 4.4sec faster than a 530d and the quickest diesel figures we have ever achieved. In fact, the acceleration only starts to fade past 120mph.
Under braking the 535d is equally impressive. The 348mm front and 345mm rear discs are 24mm and 25mm larger than the 530d’s and give phenomenal stopping power (70-0mph in 45.4 metres on a greasy surface) with good pedal feel and fade resistance.
The steering’s relatively quick gearing and the heightened agility provided by the Sport suspension make the 535d keener to change direction than SE models. This deftness is complemented by conventionally assisted steering that’s pleasingly weighty, accurate and feelsome. Variable-ratio Active Steering is a £675 option. Body control is excellent, making the 535d an entertaining car to drive quickly. There’s a degree of safe understeer when you push past the high grip levels, but with so much torque available, tyre-smoking oversteer is just a DSC button-push and throttle jab away.
