BMW 5 Series: the all-new model is a class act

Rob Adams tries out the latest 5 Series offering from BMW, and finds it lives up to its lineage

The BMW 5 Series has been a staple of the executive car class for four decades. The previous model alone sold a hefty 2.1 million units and BMW says feedback from all those owners has helped it perfect the most high-tech 5 Series yet, freshly launched as an all-new model in 2017.

To all intents, it’s a mini 7 Series. Styling has been influenced by BMW’s svelte luxury range-topper, and much of the technology onboard is shared with the high-tech limo. Even the platform is related to the 7 Series. BMW’s not charging 7 Series money though, and sells it in a range of variants including the all-important 520d turbodiesel beloved by fleet drivers.

Take off the badges and few will think you’re in a high-volume executive car. The new 5 Series looks much more upmarket, with crisp detailing and an understated and contemporary appearance. Even more standout for existing 5 Series owners will be the evolution of the interior: not only is it more spacious, it’s also a lot more luxurious.

Build quality is impeccable and the materials are high grade, while the latest generation iDrive system set within a floating 10.25in touchscreen is a welcome addition. It’s even clearer than before and the combination of iDrive controller and touchscreen interactivity delivers the best of both worlds. Two adults in the rear will be happier and few will grumble about the roomy 530-litre boot.

The test 520d engine will be fitted to the vast majority of UK 5 Series. It’s actually the same engine as the old model, delivering the same sub-eight-second 0-62mph time, but is now far more refined than before thanks to a big step on in soundproofing. We think it’s now almost as good as the six-cylinder 530d for smoothness – high praise indeed.

The new car’s on-road handling is equally impressive. The latest 5 Series is significantly lighter than before and, rather than feeling like a big 3 Series, now errs more towards the plush sensations of the larger 7 Series. BMW’s come up with a fabulous compromise between ride and handling, with a terrific ride quality yet still a nimble and lithe feel through corners.

It’s an absolute pleasure to drive across nearly all roads and surfaces, with a calibre of ability unmatched in this class of car.

The fact such class costs from £35,000 in base SE spec is another positive. Even the entry car doesn’t feel meagrely equipped, particularly as BMW is heavy with the tech even in the standard version. The only option we think you absolutely must select is the £985 Variable Damper Control for the suspension, because it plays a big role in serving up such a good combination of comfort and agility – particularly in the sportier-looking M Sport model Brits are likely to favour. Add in impressive fuel economy for yet another plus on the score sheet.

The new BMW 5 Series is a triumph. It not only betters its predecessor with ease, it also topples every other car in this class – the Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo S90 and Audi A6 all come second best to the advanced, refined new 5 Series. Its status as the best executive car you can buy is reasserted.

Rob Adams is a writer for AutoCar.