What is it?
In the battle of the boots, the BMW 5 Series has traditionally lost out to its Mercedes-Benz E-Class arch-rival. This facelifted 5-er is no different, because the Merc still boasts the bigger cargo bay by either 80 or 120 litres, depending on how you’ve arranged the seats.
But if your personal tick list extends beyond a simple load bay comparison, then the 5 Series has always been right up there with the big Merc. The version we test here is the 530d Touring, running the Bavarian firm’s straight-six diesel, with 282bhp and 479lb ft. The 0-62mph sprint takes 5.6sec, another figure that’s a smidge down on the E-Class.
It now boasts mild-hybrid technology - previously, this was offered on only the 520d - with a 48V starter-generator so the car now coasts into a junction with the engine off. It also gives a temporary boost of 11bhp.
The 5 Series’ looks have been breathed on, with a wider and taller grille, reworked lights front and back, and trapezoidal tailpipe finishers. The most popular trim level - M Sport - gets new alloy wheels. Inside, the infotainment screen has increased to 12.3in and it comes with new connectivity, including over-the-air updates.
One tip: avoid white paint if you spec the Shadow Line with extended contents, because it makes the black grille look too pronounced and snouty, and we all know where that particular BMW styling argument ends.
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1) Autocar need to ditch the 'from' price in the review headline. It has little to do with the model under test and is both misleading and pointless.
2) BMW need, once and for all, for the future of mankind's sanity - to get rid of runflat tyres. They are a complete pain in the. Just fit normal tyres, put a collapsible or space saving spare under the boot floor and all will be well FFS.
BMW's excessive camber can also be an issue as it eats the inside of the tyre, often well before the tyre would otherwise require replacing.
The 530d in question has VDC but not the very expensive Adaptive Drive mentioned by another poster, which actively manipulates the anti-roll bars for better handling or comfort.
I say this by the way as a soon to be ex BMW owner who is fuming that he’s had to strip out all the hexagon aluminium interior from his BMW because it scratches so badly. It will be a cold day in hell that I’ll buy another BMW.
Can you tell I’m a not very happy BMW owner....