By mid-'70s BMW had sorted out its line-up. The ‘5’ of 1972 was the first ‘Series’ car. The ‘3’ came in 1973, ‘6’ in 1976 and flagship 7 in 1977.
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).
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).
BMW’s xDrive (a cost option on certain models) is a permanent 4x4 system with a rear wheel drive biased 40%-60% normal mode split. Variably and wheel by wheel it adapts for on-road high speed driving, onset of bad weather or off-tarmac excursion.
Saloon range (petrol): 520i/530i/530e/540i SE or M Sport (540i - xDrive); £35,835-£51,070. Diesel: 520d/525d/530d SE, SE Efficient Dynamics (520d) or M Sport (xDrive an option on 520d/530d); £36,815-£50,105. M Sport is a trim line – new M Sport Division ‘M5’ should arrive next year.
Touring estate (petrol): 530i/540i (540i - xDrive) SE and M Sport; £42,390-£52,760. Diesel: 520d/530d SE and M Sport (530d – xDrive option); £38,385-£51,535. The 5 Series GT (hatchback) becomes a 6 Series in this generation; X5 is the SUV.
Both 520i and 530i/530e (petrol-electric hybrid) are 2.0/four-cylinder cars with turbocharging providing the power-hikes; 540i a 3.0/six-cylinder turbo with 340ps on tap. Diesel 520d and 525d are 2.0/4-cyl twin-turbo 190 or 231ps units, the 530d a 3.0/6-cyl twin-turbo producing 265ps. Car on test was a 520d 190ps (M Sport Plus) saloon: £39,835.
In the 520d, £3,000 for M Sport over SE brings 18” in place of 17” alloy wheels (19” M Sport Plus), a sportier interior ‘ambience’ and bodywork and a firmer ‘chassis’. Variable Damper Control (£985) is of use although ‘comfort’ fine most of the time.
The 5 Series now is more 'compact 7’ than ‘larger 3’. Cabin fit and finish reflects this as does the raft of technology and connectivity assets - despite rising expectations. But, needless to say, the option list is long and daunting despite the packs on offer. Head-up display and reversing camera though should really be standard at this level.
On road dynamic ability is a key attribute here and the new ‘5’ is a clear step up from its predecessor. Time was an entry-level 520d tended to be regarded as the poor relation destined for user-choosers with an eye to business car tax liability.
Not so now. The inherently lighter yet stiffer body structure; engine, steering and suspension improvements together with the quality of interior trim has yielded a smoothly agile, responsive car with on-paper performance close to the 530d. Auto only alas but the eight-speed ‘box works well. Economical and tax-efficient as ever it’s a convincing executive car which is actually very good to drive.
Have they pulled it off? Jaguar XF remains road-handling No.1. BMW runs it close but dials in frugality and a first class interior. Mercedes is more ‘grace and space’. Overall then, yes, BMW can justifiably claim the 5 Series is current class best.
Facts & Figures: BMW 520d 190ps; 140mph; 0-62mph 7.5 secs; 65.6mpg (official combined); 44mpg on test (brim to brim); CO2 114g/km; Road tax £160 (first year - £140 thereafter); Insurance Group 31; Max braked trailer weight 2,000kg.
By Huw Thomas
Written for Welsh Farmer, the newspaper of the Farmers' Union of Wales
Saloon range (petrol): 520i/530i/530e/540i SE or M Sport (540i - xDrive); £35,835-£51,070. Diesel: 520d/525d/530d SE, SE Efficient Dynamics (520d) or M Sport (xDrive an option on 520d/530d); £36,815-£50,105. M Sport is a trim line – new M Sport Division ‘M5’ should arrive next year.
Touring estate (petrol): 530i/540i (540i - xDrive) SE and M Sport; £42,390-£52,760. Diesel: 520d/530d SE and M Sport (530d – xDrive option); £38,385-£51,535. The 5 Series GT (hatchback) becomes a 6 Series in this generation; X5 is the SUV.
Both 520i and 530i/530e (petrol-electric hybrid) are 2.0/four-cylinder cars with turbocharging providing the power-hikes; 540i a 3.0/six-cylinder turbo with 340ps on tap. Diesel 520d and 525d are 2.0/4-cyl twin-turbo 190 or 231ps units, the 530d a 3.0/6-cyl twin-turbo producing 265ps. Car on test was a 520d 190ps (M Sport Plus) saloon: £39,835.
In the 520d, £3,000 for M Sport over SE brings 18” in place of 17” alloy wheels (19” M Sport Plus), a sportier interior ‘ambience’ and bodywork and a firmer ‘chassis’. Variable Damper Control (£985) is of use although ‘comfort’ fine most of the time.
The 5 Series now is more 'compact 7’ than ‘larger 3’. Cabin fit and finish reflects this as does the raft of technology and connectivity assets - despite rising expectations. But, needless to say, the option list is long and daunting despite the packs on offer. Head-up display and reversing camera though should really be standard at this level.
On road dynamic ability is a key attribute here and the new ‘5’ is a clear step up from its predecessor. Time was an entry-level 520d tended to be regarded as the poor relation destined for user-choosers with an eye to business car tax liability.
Not so now. The inherently lighter yet stiffer body structure; engine, steering and suspension improvements together with the quality of interior trim has yielded a smoothly agile, responsive car with on-paper performance close to the 530d. Auto only alas but the eight-speed ‘box works well. Economical and tax-efficient as ever it’s a convincing executive car which is actually very good to drive.
Have they pulled it off? Jaguar XF remains road-handling No.1. BMW runs it close but dials in frugality and a first class interior. Mercedes is more ‘grace and space’. Overall then, yes, BMW can justifiably claim the 5 Series is current class best.
Facts & Figures: BMW 520d 190ps; 140mph; 0-62mph 7.5 secs; 65.6mpg (official combined); 44mpg on test (brim to brim); CO2 114g/km; Road tax £160 (first year - £140 thereafter); Insurance Group 31; Max braked trailer weight 2,000kg.
By Huw Thomas
Written for Welsh Farmer, the newspaper of the Farmers' Union of Wales
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