Road Test: 5 Series Takes On Fresh E-Class And XF (Part 2)

Driving 4.9/5

The 5 Series continues to set the standard for driving fun. With its poised rear-wheel-drive handling, great refinement and strong pace, the big BMW is still the keen driver’s choice.

Even the entry-level 181bhp 2.0-liter 520d diesel is thrilling to drive. While it trailed the less powerful XF at the track, due to the widely spaced ratios of the standard six-speed manual gearbox, on the road the 5 Series always feels eager and responsive, particularly with the Performance Drive Control in Sport mode, which provides a sharper throttle and heavier steering. And while the engine is little gruff at idle, it smooths out once you’re on the move.

Standard M Sport cars are a bit firm at low speeds, but you can get the more forgiving SE set-up as a no cost option

Yet it’s the sparkling handling that grabs your attention. The steering is naturally weighted and delivers decent feedback, body control is excellent and there’s loads of grip. Plus, this is the only executive saloon that feels right with a manual box, as the six-speed unit’s slick and precise action adds to the fun. There’s also the option of a seamlessly smooth and responsive eight-speed auto, for $2,480.

Better still, this driving fun doesn’t come at the expense of comfort and refinement. Wind and road noise are virtually absent, while SE models ride smoothly. Standard M Sport cars are a bit firm at low speeds, but you can get the more forgiving SE set-up as a no cost option. Alternatively, out car’s $1,576 adaptive dampers provide a cosseting ride in Comfort mode and rock-solid body control in Sport.

Practicality 3.9/5

Given its vast exterior dimensions, the BMW unsurprisingly has an extremely roomy interior. Back seat passengers get plenty of head and legroom, while three adults will comfortably fit on the wide rear bench – although the middle seat occupant will find the wide transmission tunnel compromises their comfort a bit.

Inside, the changes are even more subtle – they’re limited to a variety of new trim and color options

Look around the rest of the cabin and you’ll spot plenty of useful storage, including large door bins and a decent-sized cubby hidden beneath the armrest that’s located between the front seats. There’s also a smattering of cup-holders and a deep, air-conditioned glovebox.

However, the BMW can’t match its rivals when it comes to luggage capacity – its 520-liter boot trails the Jaguar and Mercedes’ by 20 liters. To add insult to injury, you’ll have to fork out $672 extra if you want a folding rear bench – although neither rival’s back seat folds as standard.

Running costs 4.5/5

Most executive saloons are company cars, so for most drivers the bottom line will be more important than a brilliant driving experience. BMW has dropped the frugal EfficientDynamics model from the revised 5 Series line-up, but the good news is that the SE has been tweaked to emit exactly the same 119g/km of CO₂ as the old eco model.

Unfortunately, our racy M Sport model’s larger 18-inch alloys and chunky bodykit raise the output to 129g/km – identical to the Jag’s, but 1g/km higher than the Mercedes. Even so, over the course of your test the 520d returned impressive 46mpg fuel economy.

Further financial incentives include a top-value $760 service pack that provides five years/50,000miles of maintenance, plus strong predicted residuals of 47 per cent.

And while BMW charges a lot for options on this car, even the entry-level SE gets all the kit you’re likely to need, including climate control leather seat trim and sat-nav.

Reliability 3.9/5

There’s lots of room for passengers in the back, but the 5 Series can’t quite match rivals here for boot space

With its tight panel gaps on the outside and robust construction on the inside, the 5 Series looks and feels as though it will give years of dependable service. That impression is backed up by an impressive 11^th place finish in our Driver Power 2013 survey, with owners raving about the car’s build quality and reserving special praise for its reliability.

Equally impressive are the BMW’s safety credentials. Thanks to its strong structure, and the fact it comes equipped with six airbags and stability control as standard, the car comfortably achieved a maximum five-star score in Euro NCAP crash tests.

As you’d expect, there are also plenty of hi-tech options, including $2,128 adaptive cruise control, the $1,592 head-up display and $800 lane departure warning. A night vision package is even available, with headlamps that can automatically identify pedestrians and highlight them with a separate beam of light. However, this is expensive, at $2,800.