Overall rating:

For a couple of generations the BMW 5 Series has sat at the top of the hill and thumbed its dynamic nose at the opposition. That reign is over as Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar have closed the gap, and arguably overtaken. The BMW responds with an interior that shades the opposition and a powertrain of quite brilliant accomplishment. The choice between a Jaguar XF and a 5 Series is a desperately close call - so much so that it will come down to individual preference. The 5 Series makes a compelling argument, but no-one would question those who preferred the Jaguar.

Key Facts

Model tested: BMW 520d SE
Pricing: £30,030 (data correct as of April 2012)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
CO₂ emissions: 125g/km
Combined economy: 58.9mpg
Top speed: 141mph
0-62mph: 8.1 seconds
Power: 184hp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 1,750- to 2,750rpm
3

Inside & Out:

The Bangle design era is over at BMW and looking back it's fair to say that it was a good deal more successful than it felt at the time controversial designs rolled out of the gates at Munich. This latest 5'er's styling has been toned down significantly, only the nose treatment provokes a debate. This is a big car, but does not necessarily look it from all angles; it's in profile the true size of the new 5 Series really strikes home, and the low roof line adds more to the visual length. However, it's also an elegant and graceful design, perhaps too much so, as the previous incarnations were a good deal more aggressive. As it turns out the more mellow exterior actually hints at the change in the 5 Series' personality.

More appreciable change is evident on the inside where BMW's people have clearly invested a lot of time and effort to move the game on. Given the external dimensions, the interior space on offer is no surprise; five adult occupants and their luggage are accommodated with ease. And in a deal more luxury and comfort than they would have enjoyed in the Previous generation. Ergonomics were never a fatal weakness but real progress has been made in terms of fit, finish and quality. Perhaps the only flaw is the cheap looking dial surrounds on the dash, an odd detail to overlook.

Ride & Handling:

Our test car's adjustable dampers offer a choice of three settings. The normal mode is almost ideal for everyday driving, providing a well-judged mix of absorbency and control. If anything, the comfort setting is overly soft and will feel under damped to anyone accustomed to BMW chassis. What such people will find more familiar is the reassuringly taut control of the sport setting, which sacrifices the supple ride for ultimate control and agility. For 90 per cent of driving, the normal setting is spot on; for the occasional bit of harder driving, the sport setting is an appreciable treat.

Engaging the Sport mode, via the button on the transmission tunnel, also alters other parameters, configurable via the iDrive system. These changes include a more aggressive throttle map and a more relaxed DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) function, allowing one to explore the limits of the new chassis and push the boundaries without losing all electronic safety nets. In these circumstances the new F01 5 Series reveals a quite playful character; the tail all too happy to wag and the accurate helm giving the confidence to thread your chosen path. It's no longer the class defining car though, as the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Jaguar XF can both show it a few things.

Engine & Transmission:

BMW's excellence in powertrain design and development is well known and this latest 2.0-litre diesel engine is another example. Producing 184hp and 380Nm of torque it provides enough performance to prompt questions as to whether you actually need any more in a car like this. It pulls cleanly from 1,500rpm and is happy to rev around to the red line with no loss of composure or excessive noise or harshness. It also boasts all of BMW's EfficientDynamics trickery, including stop-start functionality. They combine with a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox - complete with a leggy sixth gear - to make 50mpg a realistic cruising reality. Overall, it's a powertrain combo that's hard to fault.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Given the package on offer £30k seems remarkably good value. The 520d's economy is class leading, so as a consequence the emissions are similarly impressive. Hence running it on a daily basis is relatively painless. Long service intervals, based on an indicator and backed up by BMW's service inclusive packages, further reduce the impact on the owner's wallet.