BMW 5 Series saloon

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.