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.

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.

Key facts:

Model tested: BMW 535i SE Saloon, BMW 530d SE Saloon
On the road price: £37,090, £37,100
Price range: £28,165 – £50,520
Date tested: March 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne