
Marketing too raised its game - “The Ultimate Driving Machine” became one of the most enduring taglines in the history of advertising. The age of the “executive express” had arrived.
The world, of course, did not stand still. For 2017’s new 5 Series BMW had a job on its hands in seeing off both the refined, sophisticated E-Class Mercedes and pin-sharp, dynamically accomplished XF Jaguar. Audi’s A6 (successor due in 2018) and Volvo’s S90 are also in the frame (both basically front-wheel drive with optional 4x4).