Should you buy one?

It handles almost as well as the saloon, is just as comfortable, and has all the engine and trim options you can shake a stick at. There are some compromises in terms of refinement and dynamics compared with the saloon – but we’re talking very small ones.

You’ll get all the premium experience you’d expect from the saloon, too. Which is a good thing, because all the thoughtful improvements to the load bay (the estate’s USP, of course), have resulted in a very practical and competent car. Is the 5 Series Touring the perfect large estate car? Some might say the boot could be a bit bigger, but it’s certainly up there as one of the best all-rounders.

What we like

The 5 Series Touring has arguably the best ride and handling balance of any executive estate, and it has a fine range of engines to make the most of it. Real world efficiency is good, interior space is decent if not exceptional and it feels properly plush, too.

What we don’t like

The boot is a practical shape but not all that large in the grand scheme of things and the engine range isn’t as expansive as the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6‘s.

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