Review
/5
- Pros:
- Occupant space front and back
- Good to drive yet comfortable
- Large boot
- Cons:
- Additional equipment required to deliver its best drive
- Steering lacks precision
- Styling is rather plain
reviewed by Carbuyer
"The 5 Series saloon is more sophisticated and desirable than ever. It offers class-leading space, comfort and drivability, and is an effortless motorway cruiser."
At a glance
- The greenest
- 520d EfficientDynamics 4dr
£30,435 - The cheapest
- 520d SE 4dr
£30,030 - The fastest
- 550i Auto M Sport 4dr
£55,900 - Top of the range
- 550i Auto M Sport 4dr
£55,900
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Despite a sharper focus on comfort, BMW's latest 5 Series saloon is still a popular choice for business buyers looking for a sporting executive model. And although it looks plainer, the new 5 Series is more technologically sophisticated and desirable than ever before - which is why we named it Best Large Executive Car in our 2012 Car of the Year awards. All cars get 'EfficientDynamics' equipment – which includes a stop-start system on the 520d that cuts the engine in queuing traffic to save fuel. All of this ensures that the 5 Series is fun to drive, and green, too. By far the biggest seller is the 181bhp 520d, which returns an impressive 56.5mpg or 62.8mpg in recently introduced 520d EfficientDynamics (ED) trim. SE or M Sport trims are available, the latter bringing more aggressive styling and firmer suspension. The ActiveHybird 5 uses both a petrol engine and an electric motor in order to reduce emissions, but even though it's brimming with technology, it can't match the 535d's hugely impressive performance and fuel economy.
Drive
The car is transformed by the Adaptive Drive system
Blending effortless comfort with excellent handling, the 5 Series is difficult to fault. If you want the very best handling, however, you’ll need to pay for the drive-improving optional extras. The car is transformed by the Adaptive Drive system, which adjusts between Normal, Sport and Sport+ driving modes, and adds a softer Comfort setting to the suspension. All engines are strong, even the entry-level four-cylinder versions. The diesels are particularly impressive, with the 520d a firm favourite among UK drivers. The larger turbocharged six-cylinder diesels add real pace, but the smaller engines remain the smart choice, combining the perfect blend of fine performance and wallet-friendly economy and emissions.
Comfort
Comfort is assured in all models
More than any BMW before it, the 5 Series majors on comfort. The suspension balances refinement and sporting ability very well, while double glazed front windows smother engine and road noise. Some wind noise is apparent, but that's only because the BMW is so quiet elsewhere. A long wheelbase means there's decent rear legroom, and back seat passengers will be as comfortable as those in the front. With climate control standard in all models, comfort is assured.
Reliability
Expect high-class materials and a great finish throughout
The 5 Series’ cabin is superbly put together, with high-class materials and a great finish throughout. As you would expect of a car of this price, safety promises to be class leading, with a Euro NCAP score of five stars. Active safety systems include traction control, while drivers can also choose lane departure warning systems and head up displays, which mean you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to check speed, and satellite-navigation functions.
Practicality
Comfort for passengers, but there’s plenty of boot space, too
The big 5 Series not only provides comfort for passengers, but there's plenty of boot space, too. In fact, the saloon's boot is big enough to make us wonder why BMW makes the GT version - and those with the need to carry bulky items would be far better off choosing the Touring estate anyway...
Value for money
Choose an SE or M Sport model with an entry-level engine for best value
Equipment levels across all models include leather seats, a Bluetooth phone connection, plus climate and cruise control. You can spend plenty more on chassis systems that improve the driving experience even further – like the optional Adaptive Drive - while hi-tech toys like a head-up display are also on the options list. We say choose an SE or M Sport model with an entry-level engine for best value or if you are company car buyer the 520d ED is very tempting. Go for a larger engine, and the competitively priced Jaguar XF looks like a cheaper and faster proposition.
Running costs
Low emissions figures should help out with your tax bills
Resale values have traditionally been high for the 5 Series, and the current car is set to continue that trend. Running costs should be comparable to rivals', although the 5's impressively low emissions figures should help out with your tax bills if you are a company car driver. Good economy, thanks to stop-start and other energy saving technologies, will keep fuel costs in check - especially on diesel models. BMW's new ActiveHybrid 5 is the most fuel efficient petrol engine in the range, returning 44mpg and 149g/km.
*Our monthly finance prices are updated on a regular basis, but due to the dynamic nature of the market are not guaranteed accurate. You can always confirm the monthly finance price with FinanceAcar.
