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Best Executive Car - What Car?
20.01.2006 |
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BMW 525i SE auto
What we were looking for:
Our winner needs to offer comfort and refinement, and be a satisfying drive. A spacious cabin constructed from first-rate materials is another prerequisite, as is a desirable image. Last, but not least, we expect sensible running costs for company car drivers.
There can be few cars more decorated than BMW’s 5 Series. The previous-generation version won our executive title seven times and is the only model we’ve ever honoured with a lifetime achievement award. Today’s Five continues to prove a worthy heir, having fought off all challengers for a third year.
A key ingredient in this success is the near-perfect balance it strikes between handling and comfort. You get sublime body control combined with strong grip and accurate steering.
Stick to the standard 17-inch alloy wheels and the Five is also able to deliver a soothing ride. The optional larger alloys may look great, but it is best to resist the temptation because they wear lower-profile tyres that aren’t nearly as forgiving.
This time around we’ve chosen the recently improved 525i petrol model over last year’s winner, the 525d turbodiesel, due to its superior refinement and because changes in the company car tax rules for 2006 mean all diesels (not just the dirty ones) will be hit with a 3% surcharge. A top-rate taxpayer who opts for a 525i with an automatic gearbox will have to hand the Exchequer just £62 a year more than his 525d counterpart, whereas 12 months ago the difference would have been more than £400.
Admittedly, at today’s pump prices 525i drivers can expect to shell out £175 more than 525d drivers over 10,000 miles, but we reckon this is a comparatively small price to pay for the extra civility. The 525i engine emits a muted, but suitably sporty, growl under full acceleration, and is near-silent when you’re cruising at motorway pace. Wind and road noise are also impressively subdued.
Space and build quality are hard to fault, with the Five providing ample head- and legroom for four, plus a large, practical boot. SE spec cars are a match for rivals in terms of luxury and safety kit, although we would recommend adding the automatic gearbox, leather upholstery and metallic paint to help residuals.