BMW 5series

Quick Summary
Highly recommended. The styling still splits opinions, but the rest of the package is brilliant.

Full Road Test

There are some things in life in that can be virtually guaranteed. Policemen will always look younger the older you get; when you're late for an important meeting it will be the one day that the trains are running on time; and company executives will always harbour secret desires for a BMW 5-Series.

In fact, there are more 5-Series admirers than ever before. Despite the current generation car having been on sale since 2003, 2006 was an all-time sales record for the model in the UK with a not-inconsiderable 19,606 leaving showrooms. It would seem that British drivers, at least, have grown familiar with a shape that initially had them startled if not appalled.

The 5's cabin is as spacious as you'd hope for, well designed and surprisingly practical, combining an impressively comfortable driving position with plenty of space for both front and rear seat occupants. The saloon has a decently sized boot, while the estate is impressively cavernous for something wearing such an upmarket badge.

All versions of the 5 Series are brilliant to drive, too. It combines a tranquil high-speed motorway cruise with real enthusiasm for a twisty stretch of road thanks in part to a new six-speed automatic gearbox. The overly firm ride of early 5 Series' has been fixed with the latest mild facelift too, minor suspension changes and smoother-riding second generation run-flat tyres eliminating the harshness from this tautly-suspended car - exactly how a 5 Series should be. Even the most basic engines offer reasonably spirited performance, and the bigger powerplants turn in increasingly impressive numbers as you ascend the range.

Of the petrol motors, the mid-ranking 530i gives the best compromise between cost and urge (particularly with a 36.7mpg average fuel economy and 6.3 second 0-60mph time), although its hard to resist the charms of the 550i's V8 warble and hairy-chested performance. Higher mileage drivers will likely opt for one of the excellent diesels - the 525d and 530d are our particular favourites. The 286 bhp 535d is spectacularly fast, but it's also pricey and lacks refinement. At the top of the range the M5 is nothing less than a four-door supercar.

The 5-Series is popular despite BMW's steep pricing. Standard equipment is barely acceptable on the lower reaches of the range, with even a brief visit to the extensive and expensive options list adding substantially to the bill. Fortunately residual values are holding up well - and long servicing intervals and fixed-price servicing have reduced running costs.

Styling
We're still not mad about the strange contours in its flanks, but age and familiarity means the 5-Series no longer leaps out as the ugly duckling in the company car park.

Environment
With the entry-level 2.0 litre diesel under the bonnet, the 5 Series is a class-leader in terms of toxic emission output. Also has a pioneering regenerative braking system which improves fuel economy.

Handling
There's no arguing with the way the Five drives. It's still the class of the executive segment - will anything ever knock it from its perch?

Comfort
Plenty of driving position adjustment, a decently sized cabin and good refinement make the 5 Series an excellent long-distance companion. Plus, the ride quality has improved immensely over the early car's thanks to more pliant second-generation run-flat tyres.

Quality + reliability

It's well-constructed and finished inside and out - although the iDrive control system still isn't intuitive enough to use on the move without taking your eyes off the road.

Performance

Even the most basic 520d diesel delivers a decent turn of pace - with more powerful versions becoming seriously rapid. The M5 can carry four and eat Ferraris simultenously.

Roominess

Plenty of room for both passengers and luggage and the head-up display on windscreen, active cruise control and the lane departure warning system means you won't be short of toys.

Running costs

Even the more powerful versions turn in excellent fuel economy thanks to the latest direct injection petrol engines, while BMW's optional fixed-price servicing helps to contain running costs. Depreciation isn't bad for this kind of car.

Value for money

Relatively stingy standard kit and expensive options mean you'll have to dig deep to get luxury. And with a even a moderate options workout the cheapest Five is quickly well beyond the £30,000 mark.

Stereo / Sat nav

Standard stereo is only segment-average, although the upgraded systems sound brilliant. Sat nav is expensive but works well, and incorporates TMC for re-routing around congestion.




We like:

1) Performance.
2) Backroad dynamics.
3) Effortless mile-munching credentials.

We don't like:

1) Steep pricing and expensive options.
2) Fiddly iDrive on more expensive versions.
3) Loud 535d engine.

Best and worst:

Most fun: M5
Most sensible: 520d
Worst: 523i


Car Magazine says:

Recommended. "As a basic car it's terrific. But it looks controversial and some of the new technology doesn't feels mature."

4car says:

Highly recommended. "As impressively capable as ever."

Auto Express says:

"In entry-level form, then, the latest 5-Series might not be perfect - but it's still an impressive executive car."