BMW 5 Series

Our verdict

Sorry, but the BMW 5-Series is currently the best car in its class for all-round performance. You might recoil at the BMW image, but you can’t argue with the car.

Comfort

Again, run-flat tyres make the 5-Series a right spine-botherer on lumpy roads. BMW seems to set its cars up with Germany in mind - but the pay-off is that they handle better than anything else. There's plenty of room in the front and back and it's made of nice stuff inside. A long-distance dream for the driver, but the rest will feel every pothole.

Performance

Nothing lacking here - loads of engines and not a dog among them. Briefly there are petrol versions including a 523i, 525i, 530i, 540i and 550i and several diesels including the frugal 520d, 525d, 530d and 535d. If you can afford it, the 535d is the one to go for; 286bhp, 428lb ft of torque, 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds and a limited 155mph top speed. At the other end of the scale the 520d still gets to 62mph in 8.3 seconds and does 144mph. The petrols are more fun - better throttle response and a lust for revs- but you lose when it comes to running costs.

Cool

A 535d Touring gets the respect nod from any petrolhead. A base-spec 525i doesn't.

Quality

Exceptional quality throughout is one of the reasons why BMWs have such good residual values. A quick fondle of switches, handles and seats tells you all you need to know. Chunky stuff.

Handling

Glorious rear-wheel drive performance, exceptional body control and sweet steering make the Five a force to be reckoned with no matter what the guise. The best in class for going around corners, bar none.

Practicality

Go for a Touring if you need extra space, but the saloon is big and proud; the boot is a cavernous 520 litres.

Running costs

If you're worried, you need the smaller-engined versions that have decent CO2 outputs and good economy. The bigger petrols will be into the low 20s or less for mpg and have high insurance, so be ready to factor in running costs before you go mental with the spec.