EVEN before you can begin to think that the BMW 5 Series is looking middle-aged, the Munich-based carmaker opens its bag of goodies to refresh this mid-sized saloon model.

Apart from minor cosmetic changes like the front and rear lamps' clear-glass and LED direction indicators, the most obvious change to this car, which was launched four years ago, is to be found inside.

A new electronic gear selector lever forsakes the usual mechanical process. Apart from 'Park' now requiring just the press of a button, the new six-speed automatic transmission also boasts 40 per cent faster reaction times.

On the high-end 530i, the transmission is mated to the supremely smooth straight-six aluminium/magnesium engine, now upgraded by 14 horses to 272 hp. Maximum torque has also been boosted by 15 Newton metres to 315 Nm.

The upgrade only brings down the zero to 100 kmh figure by 0.1 second to 6.6seconds, but the overall result is that the 530i feels even better to drive,with beefier low-end torque to pull you out of almost any traffic situation. Together with Active Steering (standard on the 530i and 525i), they make this4.8-metre long car among the most nimble and enjoyable to drive.

But BMW being BMW, the most interesting features are usually found only on the options list. One is the Head-Up Display ($4,718), which projects vehicle speed and warning messages on the windscreen. With the digital speed reading's virtual image floating in the driver's direct line of vision, there is no need to look down at the speedometer and away from the road, thus enhancing safety.

Also projected in the Head-Up Display is the icon for another option - the Lane Departure Warning ($1,830). This assistance feature uses a camera mounted near the rear view mirror to warn of any deviation from the lane markings above70 kmh (BMW's pre-determined setting). When drifting across the lines, the steering wheel gently vibrates unless the turn signal was activated.

The sensation is much like a mobile phone's silent alert feature and the system varies from other manufacturers, one of which, for example, activates the vibrating mechanism in the driver's seat in the direction of the drift.

True to form, BMW has succeeded in keeping the desirability level of yet another car high even as it enters the second half of its model life cycle. These new toys will certainly help to maintain the 5 Series' appeal.

Engine: 2,996cc inline-6
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic transmission
Max power: 272 hp @ 6,650 rpm
Max torque: 315 Nm @ 2,750 rpm
0-100 kmh: 6.6 secs
Top speed: 250 kmh
Price: $238,800 (with COE)
Distributor: Performance Motors,
Tel: 6319-0100