BMW 5 Series review

It falls on the 520i to open the batting. The entry-level powertrain gets a 2.0-litre 4cyl mild-hybrid setup and manages 205bhp and 221lb ft of torque. That makes it good for 0–62mph in 7.5 seconds and 143mph.

It’s very impressive too: smooth, quiet and willing despite the 5s not inconsiderable size. The eight-speed transmission is super slick and the 48V mild hybrid tech well integrated.

And entry-level or not, it displays all of BMW’s dynamic nous, from its lovely weighted steering and poise around corners to its calm cruising motorway manners. Efficient too – we matched BMW’s claimed 48.7mpg exactly, with the trip computer displaying 530 miles from a full tank. Good news for the wallet.

What about the plug-in hybrids?

We're yet to have a go in a 530e so we'll skip to the top-spec (i5 aside) 550e xDrive. That gets a 3.0-litre turbo petrol six mated to a hefty 197bhp electric motor and a 19.4kWh battery. The combined power is 489bhp, enough for 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds and an all-electric WLTP range of around 60 miles.

Plus, because it's a plug-in it can claim a CO2 figure of between 19 and 23g/km, which should instantly get your attention if you're a company car driver.

And we found it very impressive indeed on our first drive. And a mighty clever thing too: in Comfort mode it’s soft riding and happily wafts along even on potted British tarmac with 20-inch wheels, while in Sport mode it’s quicker to react and rides tauter with the seat bolsters hugging you tightly. It really does feel like two different cars.

So should I consider the PHEV?

Well the handover from e-motor to engine and vice-versa is silky smooth; barely noticeable in fact. Plenty of other manufacturers could learn a real lesson here. Your only clue as to what's powering the 550e at any given moment is a change in the colour of the dash display: that's how refined it is.

Want more on this particular powertrain? You can read our full review by clicking these blue words.