BMW 5 Series

Manufacturer
BMW

Model
5 Series

Segment/Specs
Executive

A practical family-car that's also a great drive, but you'll pay for it.

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Performance

Plenty of torque and instant throttle. The higher-end diesels are the pick, with the 5.0-litre V10 as frightening as a pair of furry dice. The 520d is frugal at 47.9 mpg. Six-speed auto or manual box.

Driving

A predictably superb drive, great for cruising but has a nifty turn of pace and great traction.

Feel

Engines rarely rise above a purr.

Price

Contract hire quotes are competitive, higher specs decidedly pricey but strong resale values.

Quality

Top-notch across the board.

Safety

Six airbags as standard. Traction and stability control while anti-lock brakes come with electronic brakeforce distribution.

Space

Loads of space for passengers, with three comfortably seatable in the rear. 520 litres of bootspace.

Equipment

Wheel-mounted controls for climate and stability control plus BMW's opinion-dividing iDrive system that incorporates stereo, traction control and ventilation. CD player and alloys as standard.

Alternatives

Mercedes E-Class Saloon, Jaguar S-Type, Audi A6

Pros

Superb all-rounder.

Cons

Costs a bomb.

It's a BMW. What more do you w

by Ed Burrow (Staffordshire) - 30/09/2005 16:42:19

My last 3 cars have been executive cars from Audi. This year, my secretary managed to get me a fantastic deal on this BMW, so I went for it. It drives like a battleship: With style, grace, and presence. I love sitting down behind the wheel after a long day on the job, listen to some Status Quo (don't tell anyone, my choice of music is a little embarrassing), and cruise the 30 miles home. Some times, I go for longer drives on my way back too, just because I can. The 5-series are the best thing BMW have ever made. Even if I was in a lower-paying job, I think I would make sacrifices to be able to drive this car. Take one for a test drive, you won't want to drive anything else.