BMW 5 Series saloon (2010 – ) expert review

After the radical – some may say controversial – looks of the previous-generation BMW 5 Series, the sixth-incarnation of the executive saloon is decidedly conservative. It is handsome though, with sleek, elegant lines running along the bonnet and flanks and a sculptured tailgate which features intricate light clusters. While the result is impressive, it doesn’t stand out like the old model but represents a good alternative to the discreet Audi A6 and traditional Mercedes E-Class.

The interior is evolution, rather than revolution compared with other recent BMWs, but it is constructed with stunning care and attention to detail. It features BMW’s iDrive control interface, which comprises of a wheel that turns and moves from side to side to operate the audio, navigation and climate systems. The controls are simply laid out and the labelling easy to read. The optional Head-up Display – which beams important information such as speed onto the windscreen – allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road and provides a sense of occasion.

A large 520 litre boot isn’t class-leading – the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6 have more space – but it’s still capacious. It’s just a shame folding rear seats aren’t available as standard. There’s enormous space in the back and front for passengers, and the driver feels snug behind the wheel, although there’s still plenty of room. Parking sensors are fitted to all models as standard. The new for 2012 ActiveHybrid5 model has an even smaller boot, thanks to the presence of an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack limiting its depth and length. BMW has worked hard at the packaging however, with the boot maintaining a usefully square shape, with no awkward protrusions into the adequate load space.

This BMW 5 Series is as cosseting as luxury cars costing many thousands of pounds more. Our test car was in SE trim, which does without the comfort-spoiling sports suspension and large alloy wheels of racier M Sport versions. Little driving excitement has been lost through making the car more comfortable. It retains the famous BMW front engine/rear wheel drive layout so offers superb balance at speed. Only a slight vagueness from the steering blots the copybook. Drive Dynamic Control is an optional system which can make the car more comfortable, or more sporting at the touch of a button.

Four diesel and five petrol engine options are available. While the petrol engines offer smoothness and power – particularly the 4.4-litre 407bhp 550i model – most buyers will choose a diesel thanks to far lower running costs. The diesels range from the 520d, which produces 184bhp and covers 0-62 in 8.1 seconds. The more aggressively tuned 2-litre engine in the 525d cuts the 0-62mph time by just over a second. We tested the 530d, which is a genuine sports saloon motor, with a 6.0 second 0-62mph time and a top speed of 155mph. It’s smooth and muscular, and is one of the best diesel engines currently available. In 2012 a hybrid model, named ActiveHybrid5 will debut. Rather than maximise economy by fitting a hybrid system to the smallest engine in the range (as is the case with the Audi A8 Hybrid), BMW has opted to use the system to improve fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on its thirstier models. The ActiveHybrid5 comes with the same 306bhp 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine found in the 535i, but is given a 44bhp boost courtesy of the electric motor; making this environmentally aware exec saloon the most powerful model in the 5-series range, other than the thumping petrol V8 version and racy M5.

BMW consistently engineers its cars to a high degree and has built a superb reputation for reliability. The fit and finish of parts which are visible inside and out is first rate.

The BMW 5 Series scored a full five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test programme, thanks to inherent strength of design and a high level of safety equipment. Standard kit includes driver, front passenger, front and side airbags; whiplash-reducing headrests, cruise control with brake function, anti-lock brakes, traction, stability and cornering brake controls systems and a bonnet which pops-up to minimise injuries to pedestrians.

The BMW 5 Series is well equipped as standard, but there are still plenty of pricey options to choose from. All BMW 5 Series come with alloy wheels, leather seats, heated electric mirrors, two-zone air-con, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, and a 7-inch colour screen with iDrive control as standard.

The car that set the benchmark for what a large, executive saloon should be capable of retains its crown. It’s spectacularly comfortable and is still great fun to drive; it’s just a shame it doesn’t look more striking.