The inline-six-powered 528 was already pretty economical for its size, according to the EPA, rated at 22 city and 34 highway, the eight-speed and direct fuel injection no doubt helping the midsize sedan hit those numbers. With the turbo four, which also has high-pressure direct fuel injection, the EPA estimate goes up to 23 city and 34 highway for the rear-wheel-drive test car, which is pretty good for this kind of accessible power. With all-wheel drive, the mileage goes down slightly.

The midsize 528i offers sophisticated cross-country touring with the fuel economy of a compact. (Photo: BMW)

The previous 528 also employed regenerative braking, as does the new one, which feeds power back to the battery when braking to allow the clutch-operated alternator to take a breather once in awhile, thus reducing drag and improving mileage. A good concept that seems to work well, but the brake feel is a trifle strange.

The 2012 model also has another economy ace in the hole: a stop/start engine function that shuts it down when you’re standing still, such as at a traffic light. This is obviously good for mileage as well as reducing exhaust emissions, and similar systems are appearing in many new cars.

I’ve driven some cars, in particular hybrids, where there’s no sensation whatsoever of the engine shutting off and starting again. The BMW is not one of them, however, with a distinct shudder running through the car, especially when the engine restarts. I suppose you could get used to that as you count your nickels in fuel savings, but the shudder was intrusive and should be better tamed.

The cabin is well-designed with a durable feel and loads of premium features. (Photo: BMW)

Other than the engine swap, the 528i continues after a 2011 makeover that gave it cleaner body lines and a slightly longer wheelbase. The interior is handsome and businesslike, and there’s comfortable seating for five regulation-size humans.

Naturally, the 528i is loaded with features at its significant base price of $46,700, and the test model was bumped up with some desirable options. These included the Sport Package with Dynamic Damper Control for manual and automatic ride adjustment, leather steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels, “multi-contour seats,” special trim and headliner, at $3,600; a Premium Package of power tailgate, universal garage-door opener and park-distance control, $2,250; and a Technology Package of rear-view camera and navigation, $1,850.

Also, Comfort Access keyless entry and ignition, $1,000; sport-tuned transmission, $500; heated front seats, $500; and shipping, $875, for a grand total of $57,275. That’s getting up there.

BMW has used some advanced technology to keep its base 5-series model relevant and enjoyable, although its exclusive pricing somewhat limits its appeal for regular folk. But nobody should miss the six because the new turbo four has just as much to offer, if not more.

Details

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sedan, rear-wheel drive.
Engine: 2-liter turbocharged inline-4, 240 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, 260 pound-feet of torque at 1,250 rpm.
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Wheelbase: 117 inches.
Overall length: 193.1 inches.
Curb weight: 3,814 pounds.
EPA mileage rating: 23 city, 34 highway.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at