Summary

BMW updates the 5 Series to improve emissions, consumption and specification. Not that you’d know from looking at it, the design alterations so subtle you’d need to a 5 Series geek to notice.

• Likes: Improvements in economy/emissions, enjoyable driving experience, head-up display
• Dislikes: Ride too firm on larger wheels, odd paddles on the auto, head-up display isn’t standard

Same but different

If someone hadn’t told me that the car in front of me was the new 5 Series I can honestly say I wouldn’t have noticed. That’s despite having spent the past four days and the best part of 1,000 miles driving the ‘old’ one. Pushed hard and I might have noticed the slightly revised lower grille housing the fog lamps, but I’d really have needed prompting. Apparently the lights are also slightly different front and rear, again, you’d struggle to see the differences. Still, BMW were heavily criticised when they introduced this car, and with the public accepting it now, it’s hardly surprising they’ve not messed with it.

If it ain't broke…

Indeed, we’ve grown to like the 5’s looks so much that 2006 was its biggest sales year ever in the UK. So instead of a radical visual overhaul, BMW has concentrated on updating the technical package to improve economy and emissions. In doing so they’ve made the 5 Series a far more tax efficient car in the company car world. Admittedly, that might not sound very exciting, but with over half of the UK’s 5 Series’ being bought with company money, it’s very significant. Those 5 Series customers buying their cars with their own money also benefit from the increased economy and reduced emissions, too.

Driven: new Mercedes E-Class

To achieve this BMW has made a number of changes to its Mercedes E-Class rival. Of them all the most significant addition is the regenerative braking system. More normally found on hybrids, these brakes scavenge energy under braking and when the engine is on overrun. This allows BMW to lessen the drain on the engine itself for powering auxiliary controls like power steering motors, air conditioning pumps and the like. The results are impressive, with the entire 5 Series range benefiting from improvements to both economy and emissions – the new 530i we drove gaining 4.6mpg to achieve 36.7mpg, emissions dropping from 212g/km to 182g/km.

Reduced emissions and consumption, improved performance

Similar reductions are apparent across the entire engine range, BMW managing the neat trick of improving the greenness of the 5 Series without creating a negative effect on the performance. Quite the contrary in fact, the new 530i manages the 0-62mph sprint 0.2 secs quicker than its predecessor, posting a time of 6.3 seconds. BMW has dubbed the changes to the 5 as Efficient Dynamics. With the famously driver-orientated company underlining technology like high pressure, precision direct fuel injection and regenerative braking systems among others can significantly improve environmental performance - without removing the fun to drive factor.

Driven: Audi A6 Avant

It may be greener, but you’ll certainly not find the 530i’s performance lacking. Its 272bhp is up from 254bhp, the smooth six-cylinder unit one of BMW’s great engines. Free-revving and refined the straight-six’s power arrives at a heady 6,700rpm. With peak torque available from 2,750-3,000rpm it’s a flexible unit that’s never lacking in urgency. Combined with the 5’s beautifully neutral handling balance, fine body control and decent feedback, the 5 remains the drivers’ choice in the executive car class. That’s true across the range, with every engine, with even the entry-level 520d diesel and 523i providing respectable performance.

Big sales, with small engines

That’s just as well, as for every aspirational M5, 540i, 535d, 530i and 530d model BMW sells there are a huge number of smaller engine model sales making up the numbers. Even at the lower end of the range customers will appreciate some of the improvements to the 5 Series. Inside there’s new softer touch materials throughout, adding to the quality feel, while the iDrive controller now offers a programmable set of additional ‘favourites’ buttons to shortcut to frequently used functions like radio stations or addresses on sat nav. It all feels a bit better thought out, and is more user friendly as a result.

Revealed: BMW M5 Touring

BMW has also improved the equipment levels and options across the range, too. There’s now a (pointless) lane departure system offered (standard on the 535d and 550i models) it vibrating the steering wheel to alert you to lane wandering; we say stop driving if you’re unable to steer properly. Active Cruise Control is also available, it working right down to a full stop. An optional USB connection now allows you to plug in MP3 players directly and operate them via the iDrive. Along with the new Sports Automatic gearbox and the head-up display, that USB port is among the must-have options with the 5 Series.

Must haves

Excellent as the manual transmission is, the majority of 5 Series buyers will opt for an auto. And they’ll not be disappointed with the new Sports Automatic. Very quick shifting, it’s operated by either paddles – which frustratingly aren’t right side shift up left side shift down – or via the shifter on the transmission tunnel. Not only is it quick and smooth, but it’s not detrimental to economy, in fact with some engines it’s actually more efficient. The head-up display is another brilliant function, projecting your speed or sat nav functions up onto the windscreen and the road ahead. Small differences then, but they all add up to a significantly improved car.