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BMW 5-Series

Pros

• Great performance from solid engines
  
• High-quality interior speaks of luxury
  
• Refined performance and a generally well-rounded performer

Cons

• Styling hasn't moved on in years, it's stylish but hardly exciting
  
• Some suspension set ups are sub-par
  
• Many of the optional extras are very expensive

Description

The BMW 5-Series has been with us for some time, from 1972 in fact. Available as both a 3-door coupe and a 5-door touring car. It's a model that has sold amazingly well, in recent years it has has been responsible for nearly 50% of BMW's profits. Such a fantastic result can only be the result of a great piece of engineering, so what's the secret of the 5-Series?

BMW 5-Series Sixth Generation (2010 - Present):
The exterior styling hasn't changed too much over the past few years, but you will notice a smoother appearance than the previous generation. The vintage grille look that has been deployed across the BMW range has really found a nice home in the 5-Series. The look is almost stately and works particularly well with the touring body.

Underneath the bonnet the 5-Series has never disappointed, it has always been one of the most blistering performers in the class. The sixth generation is absolutely no different with even the entry models offering a dose of excitement. The range contains only one poor choice engine which is the entry level 1.8 litre turbo diesel. It's not a bad engine at all, it's simply that the 2.0 litre is such a good upgrade with very little difference in fuel economy. Progressing through the range you’ll, find not only high powered petrol and diesel options but also the stunning V8 petrol in the guise of the M5.

The 5-Series is part of a very competitive market niche and with the prices of the market all manufacturers can afford to invest in the best engineering possible. It's true with the 5-Series that performs admirably in terms of handling and comfort. The key tip when considering the 5-series is to put some thought into the suspension setup you choose, things like the adaptive dampers make a big difference to the performance so identify a model that has them. Smaller wheels like the 18" also lead to optimised performance so don't be tempted to go for the larger rims. Inside the cabin, everything is as it should be, precision engineering, supportive seats and a perfect ride. Just be careful about the toys, they're often not cheap.

Conclusion

The 5-Series sells extremely well and retains repeat custom. The Jaguar XF is the closest thing to a superior piece of machinery, but the difference is extremely small. Indeed, even other competition such as the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6 are very close rivals. It's a great market to be shopping in for the customer.