BMW 5 SeriesMarch 2010

Despite a trend towards downsizing, the executive saloon sector remains an incredibly important one for BMW, and the latest version of the 5 Series will aim to maintain its previous sales figures in both the retail and company car markets.

Any success will be well deserved, as the 5 Series is one of a rare breed of cars that doesn't have a stand out area of excellence, but is nevertheless brilliant in many different ways. The interior is the first aspect that has significantly upped its game from the old car. Where the previous generation could be described as slightly dull, the new version has gone for a more sophisticated and elegant layout. The double humps over the dashboard have gone, and one sweeping dash now sits above a very driver-focussed cockpit.

This driver-centric feel continues beyond simply angling the instrument panel towards the person behind the steering wheel. The 5 Series is a joy to drive, rarely feeling as big as large as it actually is. This is aided no end on the top-end models by the inclusion of an active steering system that controls the rear wheels as well as the front. The system is similar to that used on the Renault Laguna GT and means the back wheels point in the opposite direction to the front at low speeds and in the same direction at higher speed. The effect is a tighter turning circle and smoother lane-changing on the motorway. The comfort this offers is accompanied by a much improved ride, despite the inclusion of run flat tyres across the range.

Seven engines will be available from launch, with the diesels expected to make up 90 percent of sales. So far we have only been able to test the top spec diesel, the 530d, and the 535i petrol engine. Both are six-cylinder affairs that offer similar levels of performance. In fact the diesel is marginally more responsive, as the power delivery from the petrol is not quite as instantaneous as you would expect from such a large unit. The 4-cylinder 520d is expected to be the big seller though.

If there are any faults with the 5 Series then they are minor ones. It is confusing and irritating that folding rear seats are still not included as standard on a car that will be driven by so many owners with children, and will require the increased carrying capacity gained by dropping the back seats.

The other quibble is the 5 Series efficiency, which may seem harsh since the saloon still out performs all its competitors, but this is a major new model for BMW and given the brand's recent history of major advancements in CO2 reductions, it is disappointing that the latest model doesn't make more of a leap in terms of emissions. However, the automatic versions of all three diesels are expected to dip under the vital company car tax barrier of 160g/km, proving the 5 Series' worth to company and retail buyers alike.