There’s plenty of storage on board, with large door pockets, a spacious 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.

Visibility is pretty good in the 5 Series, though the rear can be difficult to judge so it’s reassuring that front and rear parking sensors come as standard. There’s also an optional rear parking camera you might find on newer examples, and it’s always possible to add an aftermarket reversing camera.

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. Some models may have an electrically opening tailgate. However, one downside is that split folding rear seats don’t come as standard. The ActiveHybrid boot is smaller, at just 375 litres.

If you need more practicality the 5 Series GT (fastback) and Touring (estate) offer larger load areas and the versatility of loading up to the roofline.

BMW 5 Series (F10) safety

For the era the BMW 5 Series is incredibly good. It scored the maximum five star rating in Euro NCAP testing. Along with a very rigid body structure it’s fitted with driver, passenger, front and side airbags, Dynamic Stability Control Plus (DSC+) which includes stability control, traction control, cornering brake control, brake fade compensation and hill start assist.

The front head restraints have anti-whiplash protection plus there are two Isofix child seat mounting points in the rear. It’s not that old a design, and in terms of secure handling and passive, crash protection safety you have little to worry about even compared with the latest cars (though they will have more active safety features).