BMW 5-series review

During the past 10 years BMW has branched out into every market niche, from the coupé-SUV crossover that is the X6 to the estate-saloon-soft-roader hybrid that is the 5-series GT. But it is still the classic, default models like this 5-series that form the backbone of the brand.
From the look of the latest model, you would be forgiven for thinking that BMW is playing it safe. But underneath the skin the 5-series is more complex than ever. A new eight-speed automatic gearbox is available on the whole range, and the engine is heavily updated.

BMW also says the 5-Series is now a more sophisticated all-rounder than ever before. And with Efficient Dynamics on board, every model gets an impressive blend of performance and economy – astonishingly so in some cases.
The vast range comprises saloon and estate ( the 5-series GT has a separate review on the site), not forgetting a storming twin-turbo V8 M5 (also reviewed separately). Trim levels are the easy bit to deal with – mainly you choose from SE or M Sport, although company car and eco minded buyers will gravitate towards the sole, saloon only Efficient Dynamics model, which is tuned for optimum efficiency.
The plethora of options is a massive ball of confusion, as we’ll explain