The outgoing E39 was considered to be one of BMWs finest saloons ever, which meant the new 5-series had a lot to live up to. The E60 didn’t disappoint, but the Five is no longer the all-conqueror it once was, with particular question marks over its styling, ride
quality and options such as Dynamic Drive and Active Steering. Now it is available in estate form, can a bit more boot banish our 5-series concerns?
We have no doubts that the new Five’s controversial appearance works better in five-door form. Gone is the saloon’s bizarre boot line, replaced by a neat, 3-series Touring-style tail. The looks of our test car were also aided by the optional (£575) metallic black paint and (£475) 17-inch alloys.
Until the 520i arrives next spring, the 525i will be the entry-level Touring, powered by BMW’s classic 2494cc in-line six. Its 192bhp at 6000rpm and 181lb ft of torque at 3500rpm arrive at the rear wheels via a six-speed transmission: manual as standard, with optional £880 SMG (sequential manual gearbox) or, as on this car, £1350 automatic.
Like the saloon, front suspension is by MacPherson struts; at the rear there is a similar multi-link arrangement, but with self-levelling air springs
