Car pool: BMW 528i

The car: BMW 528i

The price: $98,200 plus on-road and dealer costs

Vital statistics: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol; 180kW/350Nm; 8-sp auto; 6.7L/100km and 156g/km CO2; RWD.

The tester: Stephen Ottley

Why we're driving it

BMW has replaced its six-cylinder engine with a turbocharged four-cylinder in its medium-sized sedan.

Likes

Although slightly less powerful than the old model (190kW) it has an extra 40Nm of torque (or pulling power); so it has no trouble pulling the big car along. Eight-speed automatic works smoothly. Lower fuel consumption allows a cut in luxury-car tax, dropping the price $1700. Nicely weighted and direct steering. Strong brakes. Heads-up display, parking sensors and internet connectivity all standard.

Dislikes

For a car costing $100,000 (once you add on-road costs), it misses out on some items you'd expect; including a reversing camera and keyless entry. Options can be expensive: camera is $1100 and metallic paint is $2000. Ride is firm and can crash over sharper bumps.

Would I buy one?

It would be on the shortlist but the competition from Audi (A6 2.8 FSI), Mercedes-Benz (250CGI) and Lexus (GS250 and GS350) is tough.

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