The all-new BMW 5 Series arrives in UK dealerships in February 2017 – and you can read all about it in the full Parkers’ review by clicking here. However, for busy company car drivers who are pressed for time, here are five strong reasons to consider BMW’s latest premium executive saloon for your next car.
1) Power and efficiency
At least 80% of all 5 Series sold in the UK will be 520d models. For this new version, that means a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 190hp, a stonking 400Nm of torque and claimed fuel economy of 68.8mpg. And with official CO2 emissions of 108g/km for the entry-level SE model, this means a monthly tax bill of £126 at 2016/17 20% BIK rates (and £252 at the 40% rate).
What’s more, in March 2017 a 520d EfficientDynamics model and a 530e iPerformance hybrid join the range. Pricing for these is yet to be announced, but with CO2 of 102g/km and 44g/km respectively, they should slash your company car tax bill even further.
Company car tax explained – click here
2) Best standard equipment in class
While many drivers will be keen to upgrade to the fancier M Sport specification with its more aggressive bodykit and bigger wheels, it’s worth knowing that the standard SE specification is better equipped than any rival alternative.
Key items of kit include:
- full iDrive infotainment with sat-nav and DAB radio
- front and rear parking sensors
- full LED headlights
- dual-zone air-conditioning
- cruise control
- heated leather seats
- eight-speed automatic gearbox
Are you sure you still need that M Sport upgrade?
3) Superb comfort from adaptive suspension
Most BMWs are brilliant to drive, but if you’re going to lobby for any options, we strongly suggest you expend your efforts arguing to get the Dynamic Damper Control option instead of the M Sport trim.
DDC gives you a set of adaptive, variable-rate shock absorbers that deliver a truly outstanding blend of comfort and road carving capability to compliment the new 5 Series’ standard-fit Drive Performance Control driving mode selector. Is DDC better than the air suspension option on the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class? To our minds, absolutely. If you do a lot of miles it’s a must.
4) Cutting-edge technology
With six airbags, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring and cruise control with braking function as standard, the new 5 Series should be a sensibly safe car. The new Driving Assistant Plus options package takes this even further, however, bringing together a suite of technologies that take us yet another step closer to autonomous driving as well as helping with accident avoidance.
Looking for more boardroom bragging rights? Then also consider the Display Key with built-in status screen and the Head-Up Display, which is 70% larger in the new model. We could live without the remote-control parking option and the Gesture Control system, but they are available if you really want to show off.
5) First class interior
Finally, a word for the new 5 Series’ interior. This takes typical BMW design cues and enhances them for a more modern feel. Take the freestanding central display – while some complain such features in other cars have the appearance of a glued-on iPad, here it allows for the rest of the dashboard to lower, enhancing the sense of space.
Add to this the exceptionally comfortable seats and overwhelming impression of high quality, and you’ve got a lovely environment in which to while away the miles. This includes plenty of space for passengers in the back, too.
