BMW 525d M Sport

Class leader is under threat - yet it's still a very strong proposition

Auto Express Car Reviews

February 2008

If Jaguar’s new XF is going to be a big seller in the UK market, it needs to convince customers that it’s a better proposition than our current executive class leader. But although the BMW 5-Series is the benchmark by which other models in this sector are judged when it comes to driver appeal, it has never been universally admired for its looks.

While the design unquestionably oozes solidity, it’s hardly as chic and elegant as the XF. Still, some well executed detailing adds a touch of visual interest. The fan-like LED tail-lamps and circular outer rings of the headlights look great at night, and the more aggressive bumpers fitted to our M Sport model give the 5-Series a racy, M5-like appearance.

Inside, the cabin simply can’t match the warm and welcoming opulence of the XF interior. Where the Jaguar has the feel of a trendy cocktail bar, the BMW is more like an austere office.

It’s smart enough, and is a very comfortable place in which to spend time, too: the driving position is first rate and the big chairs provide plenty of support. But the layout just isn’t as easy on the eye. The high-rise dashboard and predominately dark materials make it seem sombre when lined up alongside the Jag.

As you would expect, build quality is first rate, and thanks to excellent insulation, the sound of the wind is well suppressed from the cabin. Yet although the BMW recorded the lowest noise figures – our meter was showing 67dB at 70mph – its engine could be heard more than in the other cars. Not that many owners are likely to complain; it’s not an unrefined or nasty sound, but a turbine-like resonance that hints at serious thrust from under the bonnet.

Hardly surprising, then, that the oil-burner picks up from well below 1,500rpm and doesn’t reach its red line until 5,000rpm – that’s 750rpm later than the Jag. The 3.0-litre unit is responsive and purposeful, and delivers great performance.

It’s all the more impressive when you consider the 525d is by far the most economical car in this test – it averaged 41.6mpg during its time with us – as well as the cleanest, with CO2 emissions of 165g/km. This is all thanks to the company’s excellent Efficient Dynamics brake regeneration package, and proves that no rival can touch BMW when it comes to engine technology.

The manual gearbox hasn’t got the slickest shift in the world, but that couldn’t hold the 525d back at the test track. It sprinted from 0-60mph in seven seconds exactly – just under a second quicker than the Jaguar. And while the BMW was only slightly ahead of the British saloon during our in-gear tests, it left the Mercedes feeling unresponsive by comparison.

In corners, the 5 also has the upper hand on the E-Class. Thanks to its super-stiff body, sharp steering and unflappable suspension, it corners without fuss where the Mercedes pitches, rolls and gets flustered. But while the chassis feels technically unbeatable, the 5-Series can seem a little wooden compared to the supple XF.

The biggest issue is that the BMW is so hard and unforgiving. The combination of the M Sport’s stiffer suspension and the 18-inch run-flat tyres means a firm ride, so you get bumped along on A-roads and notice motorway surface changes. The standard set-up is softer, but it still can’t match the XF’s balance of driver appeal and comfort.

In this test, running costs are a trump card for the 5-Series. As well as low emissions and superb economy, it has a hassle-free fixed price servicing deal. And it’s cheaper to buy than the E280, too. Is that enough to help the BMW keep its crown?

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Facts and Figures

Open Table

DETAILS

Price:

£34,155

Chart position:

2nd

WHY? For comfort and refinement, nothing touches the E-Class. Can the Jag match its cruising ability?

AT A GLANCE: The class leader since its launch in 2004, the BMW has been deposed. Performance and low tax costs will still make it the choice for many, but the Jaguar rides, handles and looks better.

SCORES

Styling/image:

Interior/quality:

Practicality:

Driving experience:

Ownership costs:

Green rating:

ECONOMY

the manual gearbox means less power loss through the transmission, and thus better economy. But even if you specified the automatic, returns of more than 40mpg are still feasible. Despite its bulky looks, the 5 has the best aerodynamics.

RESIDUALS

usually, the 5-Series has the best residuals of any exec saloon, plus is the cheapest to run. Not any longer. It doesn’t trail the XF by much, with a 46.6 per cent residual and 85 pence per mile costs. But this is a real coup for Jaguar.

SERVICING

BMW’s £1,030 service and maintenance pack provides complete peace of mind. But unless you cover big mileages, it isn’t great value. You’re only likely to get two dealer visits roughly 18,000 miles apart over three years.

TAX

buying the BMW is a no-brainer for company users. Higher-rate tax payers can run the 525d for £3,142 – at least £800 a year less than either rival. Add an auto and it’s still cheaper, as emissions rise only slightly, from 165g/km to 172g/km.

Verdict

The BMW has superb rear seats; programmable preset buttons are a great idea; engine delivers the best economy of the cars on test, and emits the least CO2