Facelifted 5 Series takes on fresh E-Class and XF in
executive class battle
The 5 Series has ruled the executive car roost since launch
four years ago. Yet despite this success, BMW has just released a revised version
of its all-conquering saloon.
With updates inside and out, plus better efficiency, the
latest 5 Series aims to increase its advantage over rivals. As before, it comes
with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, plus the option of a practical
Touring estate. We test a saloon in popular 520d M Sport trim.
Yet the 5 Series isn’t the only premium four-door that’s
been under the knife, because earlier this year this year Mercedes pulled the
wraps off its heavily revised E-Class. With its fresh looks and upgraded
engines, this latest model promises to be more desirable and efficient than
ever, particularly in E20 CDI guise. Not to be overlooked, Jaguar has subtly
tweaked its stylish XF. At the heart of the changes is a more efficient version
of the brand’s 2.2-liter diesel, which now emits a company car tax-busting
129g/km.
So which of our contenders will be crowned king of the
company car park?
BMW 520d M Sport
The current 5 Series has been the king of the executive car
class since its debut nearly five years ago. However, BMW isn’t resting on its
laurels, and has facelifted its desirable four-door saloon.
There’s not a lot
of wind or road noise, while 520d mixes sharp handling with comfortable
cruising due to its adaptive damper option
Featuring revised looks, an upgraded interior and tweaked
mechanicals, the 5 Series is out to tighten its grip on the class. All models get
more standard kit, while lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel
economy mean the newcomer should be even cheaper to run for company users and
private buyers alike. On top of that, it promises to retain its predecessor’s
sharp driving dynamics, top-notch quality and family friendly practicality.
Styling 4.0/5
You have to look closely to spot the changes to the new 5
Series. There are subtly reprofiled headlamps, revised bumpers, and tweaked
tail-lights, while the indicator repeaters have moved from the wings to the
door mirrors.
Still, there wasn’t much wrong with the handsome, neatly
proportioned original, so while the BMW can’t match the Jaguar XF for sleek
style, it looks more modern and sporty than the slightly staid Mercedes
E-Class.
All versions get
standard alloys and xenon headlamps
All versions get standard alloys and xenon headlamps, while
our M Sport test car adds a neat aerodynamic bodykit, a dark chrome finish for
the front grille and exhaust pipe, and eye-catching LED front foglamps.
Inside, the changes are even more subtle – they’re limited
to a variety of new trim and color options. The biggest change is reserved for
the iDrive cabin control; when you specify the $2,064 Professional Media
sat-nav, it gets a larger rotary controller with a touchpad that lets you
‘write’ addresses with a your finger.
Elsewhere, it’s as before, with a slick design, high-quality
materials and impeccable build. The sweeping dash looks more modern than either
rival’s, while the intuitive layout and low-sung driving position mean you’ll
soon feel comfortable behind the wheel. M Sport models also feature a gorgeous
three-spoke steering wheel, and cars with a manual box benefit from a stubby,
short-throw shifter.
Elsewhere, it’s as
before, with a slick design, high-quality materials and impeccable build.
