FIRST DRIVE: BMW 5 Series saloon (From Campaign Series)

FIRST DRIVE: BMW 5 Series saloon

2:20pm Friday 12th February 2010

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HOPEFULLY it’s more than a happy coincidence that, since the launch of the 5 Series back in 1972, BMW has shifted roughly 5.5 million cars up to and including its fifth generation model. All the fives - nice.

The mid-size executive is a big deal for BMW. A staple breadwinner for the firm, there’s a lot riding on the fortunes of this new sixth generation model. And you can’t mention the 5 Series without talking about the the previous car’s looks.

‘Flame surfacing’, the concept promoted by the now departed chief designer Chris Bangle, divided opinion. It’s not a feature of the new car. What we have instead is a more cohesive look that complements the recently revised and all-new 3 and 7 Series models respectively.

BMW has rightly identified that cultivating a broad appeal is key to success in the hugely competitive executive market. This new, more sculptured and detailed design adds some welcome substance and road presence without potentially alienating buyers. And the car’s proportions look right, which helps when you’re looking at what is a large vehicle.

This size translates into plenty of cabin space fore and aft. Although very much a car that is expected to be driven - Ultimate Driving Machine and all that - people will also sit in the back and be driven by someone else.

We've come to expect considerable year-on-year improvements from BMW when it comes to performance, economy and emissions, and with this latest 5 Series the German car maker doesn't disappoint.

With the firm's suite of Efficient Dynamics technologies playing an important role, buyers opting for the popular diesel-powered variants should see useful tax savings through reduced CO2 and VED ratings. There’s even an engine stop-start feature for the 520d.

While the lion's share of models will be the super-frugal 184bhp 520d, the 245bhp 530d test car demonstrated an impressive blend of performance and economy, almost making the petrol alternatives redundant.

Almost, because the 306bhp 535i model offers seriously enthusiastic drivers a chance to fully exploit the car's talents while being accompanied by a purposeful, growling soundtrack.

With more room inside the cabin plus a general upgrade of the standard equipment, both the creature comforts and safety kit, there are also more clever optional items to choose from. But you no longer have to dip into your savings for leather upholstery, as that’s now standard along with a very nice audio unit, Bluetooth connectivity for your phone, parking sensors and cruise control.

The key optional highlights include an eight-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the default six-speed manual item. Smooth, predictable and available with steering wheel paddle shift controls, this is likely to be the gearbox of choice for many buyers. It’ll even lower the car’s CO2 rating a fraction into the bargain.

Computerised suspension offering different settings depending on your mood and the prevailing conditions reinforce the car’s sporting character, while the variable rate ‘active’ steering delivers greater precision at speed without you having to saw away at the wheel. The four-wheel steer component enhances the car’s agile nature by instructing the rear wheels to turn - only a couple of degrees, mind - to boost cornering ability on twisty roads, motorway lane-changing and urban manoeuvring.

Of all the various add-ons, this rear-wheel steer business really does make a positive difference. On the open road the big BMW no longer feels, well, big. It’s more like an XL-size 3 Series. If you wish to combine executive comfort and luxury with the ability to occasionally have some fun away from the corporate jungle, it’s a surprisingly shrewd investment.

Overall, then, the evolutionary path of BMW’s 5 Series continues to impress. Despite the general trend for the dumbing down of the driving experience in some corners of the market, the sixth generation 5 Series cleverly combines a stylish and recognisable exterior with a spacious and classy interior plus retains the car’s underlying selling point - the ability to entertain the driver.

Factor in the steps made to improve the engine range in terms of performance and economy, and the 5 Series is the rational purchase you can make with your heart.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: BMW 530d SE, from £37,100 on the road. Range from £28,165. Engine: 3.0-litre turbo diesel unit developing 245bhp. Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the rear wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 155mph, 0-62mph 6.3 seconds. Economy: 44.8mpg. CO2 Rating: 166g/km.

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