Seeing Is Believing
Experiencing the new BMW 5 Series is a joy to behold. Dynamic and athletic, is it the best BMW ever? Paul Agnew finds out more. Photography: Peter Austin
The BMW 5 Series has always had a special place in the hearts of motoring aficionados. An extra special place.
Those informed and passionate folk who know what they like, know what they want and, to be fair, know what they are talking about.
But is it the best BMW ever?
Perhaps this isn’t the platform for such a debate, but I’ll tell you this much – the new model certainly has a claim on the title.
With an enhanced sportier exterior design, stunning high-gloss black elements and a clean and refined style, this is a car of gold medal proportions.
Modern motoring elegance.
The striking kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights characterise the front profile and there is true dynamism at the rear with ultra slim LED tail lights and sculpted air channelling elements.
Magnificent, athletic and oozing character, it’s the business.
To see it, to experience it and to drive it is a joy. Who wouldn’t want it parked on their drive?
The new BMW 5 Series scores across all categories – stature, shape, style, performance and personality.
For the purposes of this review, we’re focusing on the BMW 520i (petrol although electric and hybrid options are available).
On the subject of reviews, the tough guys of the motoring media are falling over themselves in adulation: “Given that BMW itself calls the BMW 5 Series the ‘core and heart’ of its brand, the arrival of a new one is a much bigger event than yet another SUV rolling off the line.”
“The BMW 5 Series is a hugely capable, beautifully built and spacious premium saloon that’s also great to drive. Arguably, it is one of the most complete cars on sale today.”
Not a bad start.
So what makes it so good?
Well it certainly looks the part, a big car by any standard and packed to the brim with amazing gadgets and jaw-dropping technology.
As an example, you can (using Parking Assist Pro via the incredible BMW app) get out of the car, programme your mobile phone and watch it park in your chosen place (well chosen by the car itself actually) without any involvement on your part.
Seeing is believing.
But while the technology and digital elements are very nearly off the scale, it somehow seems more minimalist in overall appearance.
The internal air vents and door handles are hidden. ‘Hey BMW’ voice command is there (of course) and there are any number of driving modes which you can set according to your mood.
As for the information centre, that’s a wonder to behold. I’ve been to cinemas with smaller screens and the amount of this-and-that you can find is simply mind blowing.
Please take the level of comfort, driving position and road handling as read. Superb.
As for the mechanical and technical bits, on this four-cylinder petrol model you can expect considerably north of 40mpg (very impressive for a car of this size) and a capability to reach 62mph from a standing start in around seven seconds.
Should you be in a rush to get from A to B, well, will 146 mph suffice?
Since it was launched in 1972, every subsequent ‘new’ BMW 5 Series has set progressive standards for whatever era, but this refreshed, elegantly sculpted version leaves no-one in any doubt about the sporty credentials.
As for feeling connected – an absolute must these days – you can expect ultimate flexibility and freedom at your fingertips, thanks to BMW ConnectedDrive.
Offering a suite of class-leading technologies and connectivity features, you have everything you need before, during and after your journey.
And, thanks to the BMW Operating System 8.5 (included as standard) there is a multimedia experience second to none, making every journey ultra personal.
Not forgetting a host of music technology to ensure the right backing track is there to suit your mood.
A complete car in every respect, the new BMW 5 Series – who could ask for anything more?
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