The BMW 5 Series is the best executive saloon on the market

What is it?

According to BMW, the 5 Series is the model that most people associate with the brand. It’s become synonymous with business people who spend a lot of time behind the wheel, and has long been considered the go-to model in the executive saloon market.

What’s new?

To stay on top of the game, BMW has improved many areas of the 5 Series, paying particular attention to the chassis that underpins it. It’s lighter than before, which helps with fuel economy and makes the car better in corners. The interior has also been modernised, with a smarter look and better technology such as gesture recognition to control the infotainment system.

What’s under the bonnet?

Our test car came with the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel. However, BMW has done a great job of ensuring that even this lower-spec powertrain doesn’t feel underpowered in what is quite a big car.

With 187bhp it’s no slouch, but because it’s less powerful than the 530d models, it offers better fuel economy. Official figures put it around 66mpg, but in the real world, still-impressive economy in the high 50s is more likely.

What’s it like to drive?

When it comes to motorway driving, few cars devour miles quite as easily as the 5 Series. There’s very little noise from outside and the ride is absolutely superb, making even Britain’s terrible road surfaces feel smooth.

What’s most appealing is the fact that it can handle whatever you throw at it with little fuss. If you find yourself on a winding back road, the soft suspension doesn’t cause the car to wobble about, while few business drivers will have any complaints about the performance of this entry-level engine.

How does it look?

While the major revisions have been made beneath the skin, the minor exterior changes result in a much tauter-looking car. The previous generation 5 Series looked huge, but the sharper styling on the new model gives it a more slender appearance.

That doesn’t mean it’s lost its premium appearance, though – it now looks more modern and sophisticated than ever.

What’s it like inside?

Inside, it’s exactly what we’ve come to expect from the 5 Series. In fact, at first glance it looks like not a lot has changed, but climb behind the wheel and you’ll see the updated screens really take the interior to the next level.

There are soft materials throughout, too, with everything you touch feeling like premium quality. The 5 Series’ size also means that there’s plenty of space for passengers in both the front and rear, with room for five adults to travel in comfort.

What’s the spec like?

Even on the entry-level 520d SE model, there’s some decent technology on offer. Cruise control comes as standard, with satellite navigation and parking sensors thrown in too. Inside, there’s a digital instrument cluster, heated seats and a leather steering wheel.

Options include an Alcantara headlining (£1,100), front comfort seats (£1,705) and a reversing camera (£375). For £2,250 you can add Driving Assistant Plus, which includes safety features such as adaptive cruise control, steering and lane-keeping assistants and a braking aid to help avoid or mitigate collisions.

Verdict

The BMW 5 Series has long battled the Mercedes-Benz E-Class for top honours in the executive saloon market, and with the latest models both hitting the market in the last 12 months BMW has just pipped its rival to the top of the podium. The 5 Series is the better companion for those who do a lot of miles as it’s better to drive, is more relaxing over long distances and is good value for money.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: BMW 520d
Price: £37,060
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Power (bhp): 187
Torque (Nm): 400
Max speed (mph): 146
0-60mph: 7.3 seconds
MPG (combined): 69
Emissions (g/km): 108