Test drive: BMW 530d SE Touring

With a near-flawless cabin and plenty of punch, BMW's new 5 Series puts on an elegant swagger, writes Kevin Hackett

Over five generations since 1972, the BMW 5-Series has defined the medium-size executive saloon. Supremely well-engineered, spacious and fantastic to drive, each new one has made the outgoing version seem old fashioned but the previous, Chris Bangle-era 5-Series was, for many, a step too far. It was an ugly brute with styling that makes you wonder what BMW was thinking.

But despite the controversy over its looks, it was the most successful 5-Series in history. So replacing it was always going to be tough. But there's plenty of good news. For starters, the new version looks as lovely as it drives. While overtly modern and every inch a BMW, it again moves the game on but this time with an elegant swagger.
Opening the door, you're greeted by an almost flawless cabin. It could be used as a yardstick for all executive saloons with its top-grade materials, simple design and feel of bullet-proof quality. The seats are supremely comfortable and our test model, the 530d SE Touring, is pretty cavernous.

It's not all rosy, though, because BMW's infamous iDrive infotainment system is as perplexing as ever and the large, central display is positioned far enough away from the driver's peripheral vision to render it a major distraction when on the move.

There's a wide variety of engines and trim levels to choose from, starting with the 520d (the most popular in the UK), going up through the ranks to the range-topping, twin-turbo 535i petrol burner, which dishes out 306bhp and a 0-60 sprint of just under six seconds. But even with the 3.0-litre diesel under its oddly shaped bonnet, the new 5-Series is still a serious performer.

BMWs are almost always rear-wheel drive and the 530 is no exception. Once you get on the move (not that simple thanks to a complicated sequence of button pushing), the diesel motor sounds purposeful and the urgency of its power delivery is astounding.

The automatic gearbox is an eight-speed unit and you can take charge using either the central shifter or paddles mounted on the wheel. Setting the optional Dynamic Drive Control (active suspension) to Sport, the big estate makes a decent fist of quick cornering but it's more suited to long motorway journeys in Comfort mode. Overtaking is a 530 strong suit yet it's surprisingly economical for such a powerful car, returning 44.8mpg with CO2 emissions of 166g/km.

The new 5-Series is the consummate all-rounder. It's brilliantly designed and engineered but in the quest to be all things to all people, it appears a little sterile. Some dynamism from BMW's past has vanished but it's still a mighty fine car and comes highly recommended.