The BMW 5 Series may seem like a safe bet on the outset, but take a closer look and you’ll be surprised by the definitive risks the company is taking with this model. The latest model boasts not only of a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, an update engine, better fuel economy, and enhanced performance, just to name a few. The 5-series range includes the saloon, estate, the V8 M5, and the SE or M sport.

Pros 

Consumers familiar with BMW’s history will notice that the new generation 5-series borrows elements from the 5-series GT, 6-series, and 7-series. The BMW 5 Series bears a lot of striking similarities to the GT, but distinguishes itself from the 7-series and 5GT with a wheelbase shorter by 100mm. Its similarities to the said models assure users that they are driving a car updated with the latest technologies. Some of these upgrades include active anti-roll bars, four-wheel steering, and adjustable dampers if you are willing to add to the vehicle’s default features and base price. Otherwise, the 5-series already offers a steel and aluminum made body, a multi-link arrangement on the rear, double wishbones on the front suspension—all of which prefer a monocoque construction over the hybrid makeup of the previous generation.

Apart from an improved look, the BMW 5 Series has upgraded its size. The wheelbase is longer by 82mm and the body’s total length has grown to 4907mm. What results is an overall look that’s much sleeker than the first, thanks to the bodywork creases, a Hofmeister kink or a curve at the side window profile, and a roofline that slopes. Rear LED lights are enhanced by the contour lines passing through them, making the car tail look wider than ever before. 

The BMW 5 Series top style continues with the interior, where restraint balances out the brand’s luxurious tendencies. The E-class offers a touch of simplicity with its dashboard’s larger but fewer buttons. This minimalist approach to the design makes it easier for the driver to navigate through the controls.

Your driving experience is made better by the BMW 5 Series Touring performance. Four diesels and three petrol engines are available as choices, along with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The petrol engines go from an entry level 523i that can start from 0 mph to 62mph in 8.2 seconds to the Touring’s 535i’s six second time to reach 62mph. There’s also the entry level diesel with the 520d, a popular choice for anyone that is looking for the more practical engine in their 5 series. 

Cons

We would render the 5-series' interior flawless had it not been for the pedals’ offset location to the right. Otherwise, drivers and riders will have no problem making themselves at home with each seating position. The cabin rear offers more legroom and shoulder room compared to the previous generation, providing more than enough space for two full-size adults. Unlike other luxury cars, you could even squeeze in three in that area. The luggage space is a bit limited in the E-class, only holding 540 litres but the loading bay in the Touring goes up to 1760 litres.

Dubbed as New Class, the original BMW 5-Series was launched in 1961 to the delight of the unsuspecting car-riding public. The 5-Series was actually the first middle-sized four-door German automobile. Despite its size, it is equipped with an efficient and high-power engine. Its sporty and extremely responsive chassis makes it an impressively comfortable five-passenger vehicle. Until the early 70s, more enhanced models under the 5-Series which include the BMW 1800 and the BMW 2000 was produced.  In the 80s, a newer line of fresh batch of 5-Series models was launched. Compared to older models, the new 5-Series were packed with more improvements. This particular batch of 5-Series models is considered as one of the best-selling vehicles from the BMW roster.

The mid-80s was greeted by the introduction of a diesel-fuelled 5-Series model called the 524td. It is also considered as among the speediest sedans on Earth. During the 90s, various 5-Series models have been launched in the market. Each model boasts unique features and brilliant engine enhancements. However, a truly innovative approach to the traditional BMW 5-Series look will not be introduced until 2004. Latest models such as the F10 consistently update the 5-Series with loads of killer improvements making these BMW sedans a tight contender against Audi A6 3.0 TDI, Mercedes E350 CDI, and other cars under the same league.