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The 5 Series is one of the most successful models in BMW’s history with almost 5 million models sold. Starting with the E12 in 1972 the most memorable 5 Series versions to date have to be the E34 of 1988, moving on to the E39 of 1996 and most recently the controversial Chris Bangle, flame-surfaced E60 of 2004.
Now after 40 years of evolution we have the F10, the sixth-generation 5 Series, a car which offers improved specifications, more technology, increased power, but lower emissions and higher mpg. Is it good enough to take the premium saloon crown against rivals such as the Jaguar XF and Mercedes E-Class? We headed to France to find out.
Elegant exterior styling
Gone is the angular, awkward styling of it s predecessor to be replaced by curvier, more attractive looks. On the outside, the five-door saloon looks almost like a neater, scaled-down 7 Series. At the front, there’s the prominent, upright kidney grilles and swept back headlights. At the side, there's the bold shoulder line which bisects the chunky door handles. Wider and longer than before; other modern BMW styling cues include the elongated bonnet, swollen wheel arches, short overhangs and for the first time a coupe-like roof line and of course the characteristic Hofmeister kink in the rear roof pillars.
Is it a step backwards in terms of style?
Okay, if you compare new F10 to the previous E60 the new 5 Series does look a bit conservative and perhaps too similar to other BMW saloon models. It is however a good-looking car which is something you couldn’t say about its predecessor. Overall it's a much more cohesive design and the shape suits big wheels and darker colours.
The inside story
There’s the same design flair first seen on the 7 Series and more recently the 5 Series GT, with the dashboard that is angled at the driver. The rest of the 5 Series interior works well, with the mix of flowing panels, clearly laid-out controls and high quality trim. The driving position is excellent and the optional sports seats we tried on both cars were really comfortable.
There’s plenty of headroom for six-footers all-round, even when fitted with the optional sunroof! Interior space is good in the back too, with enough space for five and a generous boot.
Which engine?
There’s a choice of four petrol and two diesel engines for the 5 Series, all mated to six-speed manual transmission (except the 550i) with a new eight-speed automatic transmission available as an option, even on the lowest powered diesel model. Biggest news are the diesel engines and their improved emissions figures, good thing too as diesel 5 Series versions are expected to make up 90% of UK sales! Sadly the entry-level 520d doesn't quite get under the all-important 130g/km threshold, but 132g/km is still impressive considering power is increased by 7bhp to 184 and it also has auto Start/Stop function on manual models. More impressive are the bigger 204bhp 525d and 245bhp 530d which both have emmissions of 160g/km and will not suffer the writedown penality for company car buyers.Petrol engines start with the 204bhp ‘523i’, move on to the 258PS ‘528i’and there's also a 306bhp ‘530i’, the new single-turbo 306bhp '535i' and finally the range-topping (well until the M5 comes along!) 407bhp '550i' that get to 60 in 7.9, 6.6, 6.0 and 5.0 seconds and emit 177, 182 and 199 and 243g/km CO2 respectively.
Latest 5 Series a tech fest
The sixth generation 5 Series might have the highest level of standard specification ever, with leather and Bluetooth preparation both standard, but there's a massive list of new technologies available as options for the new car. One of the most impressive options is active steering, which works with the new electric steering system. You basically get rear wheels that steer the opposite direction to the fronts to get you neatly through tight turns in town, but which steer the same way as the fronts for added stability on fast corners. Further clever technology includes a surround view camera system, night vision with pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning and a lane change warning system.
What's it like to drive?
I first had the chance try the eight-speed automatic version of the 530d, with standard suspension and18-inch alloy wheels. The first thing that struck me was that despite a sporty feel to the chassis and second-generation run-flat tyres, it was a really comfortable, refined and engaging drive. With 540Nm of torque available you have to be gentle with the throttle, but be in no doubt that the standard electric steering is precise and there's a wonderfully fluid feeling to the handling in corners.
The other 5 Series I drove was the 535i, which was also fitted with eight-speed automatic transmission but this time with steering wheel-mounted paddles. This car was also fitted with the optional active steering and damping and 19-inch alloy wheels.
