Our views are based on an enthusiast, not an expert, reviewing real-world and available vehicles – it’s a completely different spin on the process.

As for auto/ONE – we work with a number of dealerships – it’s only right for us to give a little bit of respect and even love to the people who make reviews like this possible. To think that the person reading the column doesn’t know the difference is what I would say is laughable – our reader is intelligent, discerning and wants to have a decent take on vehicles.

As for the 530i, I’ve driven the car over an extended period. It’s a respectable vehicle and drives decent.

FYI – the writer of this column, Michael Schratter, drives a new M-Coupe. He’s also loves his bikes and speed – perhaps a little too much.

I agree, the 530i isn’t an M5. As part of our research, one of the first vehicles that Michael drove was the top-of class BMW M5. During the course of our road tests, we also took a Bentley Continental GT Coupe and a Maserati Quattroporte to task. If the writer states that the car is exciting to drive, I believe him. He’s not only credible, but he’s actually taken this and a dozen other cars through a series of tests and has written his conclusion based on that.

Other info that may be pertinent – the vehicles were mostly tested in the summer in Vancouver BC. This is important to note since we’re at sea level and the air is slightly humid. Results may vary in different locales at other altitudes. I note, for example, a former vehicle, an 1999 1/2 Audi A4, performed differently in Vancouver than in Calgary.