BMW 5-Series

AS well as being more practical, the new 5-Series Touring also looks more conventional than its saloon stablemate. Despite its extra size, it feels just as good to drive. Although load space isn't class-leading, it is highly usable thanks to space-saving self-levelling gas suspension and a false floor. The Touring is our favourite model in the 5-Series range.

If you are not convinced by the 5-Series' controversial styling, you should get a load of this. Not only do BMW's trademark 'flame-sided' angular body panels seem more suited to the estate shape of the new Touring, but the large rear overhang doesn't look nearly so unnatural on a load-lugger.

Set to go on sale in May, the exec estate also betters its predecessor in terms of interior space and practicality. Thanks to slightly larger dimensions, maximum carrying capability is up 90 litres to 1,615 litres. And while this figure is not exactly class-leading - a Ford Mondeo estate has 1,700 litres - the load area's usability has been further enhanced by a few novel features. For starters, all Touring models come with self-levelling gas suspension at the rear. Unlike a conventional strut and spring set-up, this system can compensate for the amount of weight the car is carrying, and is so compact that it doesn't eat into the load area.

In addition, all variants have a false floor which boasts a lockable hatch in which you can store valuables. And if you order the optional run-flat tyres, the spare wheel well can be used for an extra 35 litres of stowage.

But that's not all. The rear window can be opened separately from the tailgate to aid loading in tight spaces, while the boot cover automatically retracts part way to provide instant access to the back. Our only real grumble is that the rear seats don't fold down completely flat. On the road, despite its slightly increased size, extra 100kg weight and new rear suspension, the 5-Series Touring feels just like the saloon from behind the wheel. And that means class-leading handling, communicative steering and a sporty ride. We drove the 530d SE model fitted with a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox, which can sprint from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds. Other engines available from launch include a 2.5-litre oil-burner and two petrol units - a 2.5 and a 4.4 V8.

From September, a high-performance twin-turbo version of the excellent 3.0-litre diesel powerplant will be added to the model line-up, too. Prices for the 5-Series Touring start from £29,415 for the 525i SE, while the range-topping 545i SE costs £43,945.