BMW 5-Series Saloon (10 on) - Review

This 5-Series has a slightly longer wheelbase than its predecessor and this translates into impressive rear legroom, even for taller passengers. It's noticeably more spacious and despite the sleek coupe-like roofline, headroom is generous for all four on board. The excellent ride and refinement mean long journeys are a real pleasure as the cosseting cabin insulates you from the outside world in limousine-like comfort. There's virtually no wind or road noise when cruising and even at Autobahn speeds it's amazingly serene. Comfort is further aided by the excellent seats, which offer plenty of support yet are still forgiving enough for long trips. You will struggle to get three in the back though due to the firm central seat and a large tunnel on the floor. The standard handbrake of the previous 5-Series has been replaced with an electric parking brake which frees up space on the central console and requires minimal effort.

While visibility is pretty good in the 5-Series, the rear can be difficult to judge so it's reassuring that front and rear parking sensors come as standard - a rarity on executive saloons. There's also a rear parking camera that's available as an optional extra. In terms of load carrying ability, the boot has an overall capacity of 520 litres - slightly less than the main alternatives - but it's still useful thanks to a wide and large boot opening while an electric opening tailgate is available as an extra. However, one downside is that split folding rear seats don't come as standard. But there's plenty of storage on board with large door pockets, a considerable glovebox and twin cupholders that pop up from under a panel in front of the gear lever. The high central console (which is also an armrest) has a cubby concealed underneath but it's not very large

There's plenty of similarities with the 7-Series that give this BMW a luxury car feel and it exudes a high tech but elegant appearance with few buttons to clutter the dash. It comes with the latest-generation iDrive, which is now much easier to use than the original version. Both the standard and optional audio, navigation and communication functions are operated via the dial next to the gear lever with everything displayed on the standard 7-inch screen (a larger 10.2-inch screen is available). Finding the perfect driving position is easy thanks to a wide range of adjustment in both the seat and steering wheel but one of the best features on the 5-Series is the optional head-up display. This projects speed and other key information (such as sat nav) onto the windscreen so you don't have to take your eyes of the road. The only downside is the cost - it's expensive at more than £900.