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BMW 5 Series - What Car?
27.07.2000 |
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Another year passes and even more challengers have fallen by the executive wayside.
The 5 Series continues to reign supreme, taking our Executive Car of the Year award for the fourth year running.
Other cars have more space, better looks, arguably better build quality and even offer greater economy. But nothing comes close in terms of ride comfort, sharp handling or its blend of cabin space with refinement.
The Touring still has to play second fiddle to Mercedes' commodious E-class estate and our new Estate Car of the Year, the Saab 9-5, but as a leisure wagon, it still scores highly.
The six-cylinder engines are the mainstay of the 5 Series line-up: 2.0, 2.3 and 2.8 litre petrol units, however, diesel buyers are now in for a treat with the new 530d. The very latest common rail diesel technology is used to good effect to give this new 5 Series exceptional drivability plus decent economy too. A 0-60mph time of 7.7secs is not normally the sort of figure associated with diesel power, but it is in the case of the 530d.
However, even that performance pales into insignificance next to the awesome new M5. We've waited so long for the legend to return and its back with a vengeance. With 400bhp driving the rear wheels, plus the latest technology to ensure best use of the power at all times, this is one of the greatest performance cars of all time. And at just under £60,000 it can even be called a bargain.
However, if the 523 is the sensible choice, then the emotional choice is the 528i. But with a price tag £3000 more than the 2.3 litre car it may be justifiable only to enthusiastic drivers.
Powering the 523 is a 2.5 litre engine whose 170bhp enables a 0-60mph dash in 7.7sec. But even when extended to such performance levels, it remains calm and collected with only a pleasing turbine-like whine giving any indication of the work its doing. The bigger unit in the 528i is similarly refined with even greater performance, but what impresses most is the huge amount of pulling power on offer.
The gearbox is a joy to use, though in the 528i it feels slightly redundant. Stick the lever in fifth and, as long as the roads aren't too twisting, the engine provides a cruise just like an automatic. But should you want to stir things up, the 528i will spring to life with the responses of a sportscar.
Steering is superb, inspiring great confidence, while cornering is surefooted but the 5 Series chassis is all about perfect balance.
However, speed and security around corners is not achieved at the expense of ride quality. You and your passengers will still feel road blemishes, particularly around town, but the plus side is a rock solid motorway cruise.
The interior of the Five is as robust as the rest of the car. The cabin is a fine example of sobriety, with only a splash of wood trim to brighten things. The large glass area helps to counter the use of dark materials, though. But it lacks the flair that makes the Audi A6 so inviting.
As well as providing generous space for driver and passengers, there are well thought-out details for stowage of odds and ends.
Some models have steering wheel controls for the standard stereo, and optional telephone. Also, safety is to the fore. Driver and passenger front airbags, as well as side-airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control are fitted across the range. A new addition is an inflatable tube which protects the head in side impacts.
The 5 Series is already assured of its place in history, but now it has also seen off its biggest threat in years from the Jaguar S-type, its place at the top of the class looks assured for another 12 months. It seems that the only car likely to beat it is the replacement 5 Series. And that's some way off yet.