Target the latest 5-Series

Nov 30 2009 Peter Hayward

THE latest sixth generation BMW 5-Series gets a smoother look and more efficient engines

Following the launch of the 5-series GT, BMW has unveiled the new saloon.

It has a smooth look helped by a coupe-like roofline plus a sleeker shape and bonnet and the traditional grille.

The interior borrows features from the 5 GT and 7-Series to give a sporty but luxurious quality and there's more rear legroom than in the present model.

Four petrol engines will be available from launch in March - 523i, 528i, 535i and 550i. The diesel choices are a new 520d, an improved 530d and the 525d. The high-performance M5 will follow later.

The 520d produces 184bhp and is the most impressive of the engines when it comes to efficiency, emitting just 132g/km of CO2 and averaging 56mpg.

This is helped by auto start-stop - the first time it has been offered in the '5'. The existing 530d gets more power - up to 245bhp, while CO2 emissions have been cut to 166g/km and economy has been improved to 44mpg.

Interior

Standard equipment is going to be more generous in all models according to BMW so all come with leather, automatic air conditioning and Bluetooth connection.

The 5-Series still looks like the mid-exec to aim for as far as I'm concerned - as long as the drive is as good as the promise. We shall see.

FAST FACTS

BMW 5-Series

Price: £28,165

Mechanical: 184bhp, 1995cc, 4 cylinder diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox.

Max speed: 120mph

0-62mph: 10 seconds

Combined mpg: 56

Insurance group: 14

CO2 emissions: 132g/km

BIK rating: 20%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: Audi A6