BMW 5 Series verdict

Whether the G60 5 Series has heightened or diminished the appeal of this storied model line will depend on your criteria for an exec saloon.

On one hand, the 550e xDrive, which is equipped with the most capable suspension offered for the new 5 Series, has limousine qualities in abundance. We found it to be quieter even than an E-Class, and it rides with an unexpected grace that becomes even more remarkable as you discover just how composed this chassis remains when fired down a tricky B-road with almost 500bhp. 

However, a little of the ‘Goldilocks’ magic of the 5 Series has been lost along the way. The dimensions have increased – palpably so from the driver’s seat – and yet cabin ergonomics don’t take full advantage of this development. A slight over-reliance on touch-sensitive tech and some questionable materials also undermine the warmth and intuitiveness of the cabin. Overall, the 5 Series can feel a touch synthetic and more coldly capable than before.

All of that said, with its fine pure-EV attributes, the plug-in hybrids are still immensely versatile, with company car drivers getting a particularly sweet deal. But as a concept, the 5 Series is now less neatly defined than before, and less lovable for it.