BMW 5 Series car review

Six generations and four decades have brought us to Pau in southern France to drive the all-new BMW 5 Series.

BMW says it’s better to drive, better equipped and cheaper than the model it replaces. Sounds like BMW could have another winner on its hands. Stuart Milne reports.

BMW 5 Series gallery:

Since its launch in 1972, the BMW 5 Series has consistently raised the bar in the executive saloon class. Early fives showed the rest of the world a car could be great to drive, comfortable, spacious and reasonably affordable.

It’s a formula which continues today, so it’s not surprising the BMW 5 Series accounts for around 20 per cent of the German manufacturer’s UK sales.

The BMW 5 Series has always been a handsome car, and while new model might lack some of the drama of its predecessor, it will still cut a dash in the company car park. Think part BMW 3 Series and part BMW 7 Series, and you’ll be close.

Coupe-like roofline

It retains many of the 5 Series trademark features such as short overhangs and twin headlight units, but for the first time comes with a coupe-like sweeping roofline, moving away from the conventional ‘three-box’ saloon profile.

But the BMW 5 Series has always been more about its abilities than its looks, as we found out on the twisty Pyrenees roads.

The first of our test cars – a 530d – featured BMW’s standard chassis, which does without clever suspension or four-wheel steering. Winding through the mountains, the chassis remained planted – partly thanks to extra width between its wheels – and displayed exceptional balance. Similarly the steering is weighty and precise; making the Five more responsive than any big saloon has the right to be.

It’s a good drivers’ car, beyond a shadow of a doubt; and the Active Drive and Integral Active Steering fitted optionally to a 535i we also tested make it even better.

The systems, which cost £2,220 and £1,300 respectively, turn the car into a devastatingly effective, rapid ground coverer. Active Drive allows the driver to cycle through four settings, from Comfort to Sport+, each offering configurable settings for suspension, steering, throttle response and ESP.

Even in its firmest setting, the ride was excellent (although we’ll reserve the final verdict until we test it in the UK) and there was plenty of steering feel.

Four-wheel steering

Better still was the Integral Active Steering, which gives the car four-wheel steering, assisting stability at high speeds and improving the turning circle at low speeds.

Within meters, it’s easy to see the improvement. The car feels more planted through the bends and it’s possible to corner harder and faster without fuss.

Our test cars were shod with 18 and 19-inch alloys, and there wasn’t an appreciable difference in ride quality – both were excellent, with only a slight jiggle from the standard-fit run-flat tyres, and they’re hushed on the move too.
 
Cabin space is as good as the best in its class. The dash cocoons the driver – another 5 Series characteristic – but it never feels claustrophobic. Passenger space in the rear is also good, with lots of leg and head room, despite the coupe roofline.

The boot measures 520-litres; identical to the model it replaces, however the luggage space appears to be more accessible than the old car, making it easier to load big items. And there’s the option of folding rear seats; traditionally a BMW 5 Series weak point.

44.8mpg and 155mph top speed

We tested two of the larger engines, the 530d and 535i. BMW says diesel models will account for around 90 per cent of UK sales, and the new-to-5 Series 3-litre diesel is a corker. It is more powerful and more economical than the engine it replaces, and offers a muscular delivery throughout the rev range. It will reach 62mph in 6.3 seconds before reaching a limited 155mph maximum.

The petrol-powered 535i is, despite its name, a turbocharged 3-litre which is equally flexible, offering a 6 second 0-62mph dash and another 155mph maximum. As good as the petrol is, it’s hard to overlook the cars’ relative running costs.

The diesel will cover an average of 44.8mpg while the petrol will achieve 33.2mpg and they register CO2 emissions of 166 and 199g/km respectively.

Other highlights in the range are the 132g/km 520d which is capable of 56.5mpg and the 550i – which is the most powerful model, until the new BMW M5 arrives.

Eight-speed automatic

The BMW 5 Series is available with an eight-speed automatic, which provides ultra-fast shifts. Specify the Sport Auto and you’ll get steering wheel-mounted paddles too.

BMW have made much of the improved equipment levels – most models are around £1,500 dearer than before, but typically come with around £2,600 more kit. That means leather upholstery, Bluetooth, ESP, cruise control, two-zone air conditioning, front and rear park sensors, 7-inch display, iDrive and funky “Black Panel” instrumentation.

Our test car also featured a clever rear park system that generates a virtual bird’ s-eye view around the sides and rear of the car using cameras in the front bumper, door mirrors and bootlid. It provides a novel way of viewing obstacles behind the car and we found it far more effective than more traditional systems.

Like each model that went before, the latest BMW 5 Series has given the executive car class a new benchmark. Superb to drive, quiet, well equipped and reasonably well priced, it will give its rivals something big to chew on.

Gallery: First BMW 5 Series photographed in the UK