BMW 5 Series - Pictures

Even after five years the BMW 5-Series remains the default executive choice, and is available in saloon, estate and five-door hatchback formats.

Despite the efforts from Audi, Mercedes and Jaguar, the 5 Series still remains the best executive car to drive. The BMW's impressive handling and naturally weighted steering set the class standard.

All the engines available in the BMW 5 Series range are impressive, with the diesels offering a better blend of performance and economy. Our choice is the 520d with its 2.0-litre engine producing 181bhp, whilst returning 62.8mpg.

The optional adaptive dampers offer a better ride-and-handling balance than those on the standard conventional springs. We think these are a worthwhile extra on the options list.

The 5 Series' sweeping dash looks more modern than its rivals from Audi and Mercedes, while the low-slung driving position makes you feel comfortable in no time.

Rear passengers are well catered with plenty of headroom and legroom. The transmission tunnel still compromises on the middle occupant's foot space though.

The space for passengers in the 5 Series may be generous, but the 520-litre boot in the saloon cannot match that of the Mercedes E-Class. The £400 premium for a folding rear-bench also seems excessive.

The slick six speed box is precise and comes with a stubby, short-shifting gearlever. This makes the BMW 5-series the only executive car to feel right with a manual transmission.

The optional 'Professional Media' sat-nav package brings a larger rotary controller and a touch pad to 'write addresses'.