Skip advert
Advertisement

New 5-Series vs rivals

In its first uk test, BMW’s new 5-series meets the might of Mercedes and Audi. which is the executive class leader?

New 5-Series vs rivals

It's time for the latest BMW 5-Series to take on its German peers! The newcomer notched up a maiden victory against the Jaguar XF on the sun-kissed streets of Portugal’s Atlantic coast in Issue 1,100, but how will it fare against its domestic rivals on the UK’s rainswept roads? To find out, we’ve lined up the cream of the executive saloons.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Facing the BMW 530d SE are the Mercedes E350 CDI and Audi A6 3.0 TDI. All have smooth six-cylinder engines and premium badges. They also come with a vast array of hi-tech options, but which is the best all-rounder in Britain? With a price of £38,670, the 530d is more expensive than its rivals – and our test car does without BMW’s trick Adaptive Drive chassis technology, which helped to make the launch model such a hit.

All three promise the kind of pace, comfort, luxury and economy which customers demand from cars at this end of the market, so it’s sure to be a close battle. Join us as we find out which model deserves top billing...

Verdict

We knew the BMW was a class act, but it had to beat the segment’s biggest sellers before it could confirm its place as our class favourite. In the event, it scored a comfortable victory. The 5-Series isn’t revolutionary, yet it looks modern while its cabin provides a winning blend of functionality and style. And even without the firm’s clever Adaptive Drive chassis tweaks, the 530d delivers driver enjoyment and comfort in equal measure. Yes, our SE model costs more than its rivals here, but the smooth 3.0-litre straight-six provides the cleanest and strongest performance, so it’s worth the premium. Picking a runner-up was tougher than choosing a winner. The Audi is more expensive than the Mercedes, but comes better equipped. And while the A6 is beginning to show its age, there’s no faulting either its build quality or image.
In contrast, the E-Class rides better and its engine is more accomplished. While its cabin lacks the BMW’s style, it’s more spacious than the Audi andfaultlessly built – so the Merc pips the A6 to second spot.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”
Opinion - MG4
Opinion

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”

The wave of Chinese cars has arrived in the UK, and Mike Rutherford thinks it’s not about to stop any time soon
17 Mar 2024
New Skoda Epiq electric SUV revives the spirit of the Yeti
Skoda Epiq - front
News

New Skoda Epiq electric SUV revives the spirit of the Yeti

The all-electric Skoda Epiq crossover SUV is set to be fully unveiled next year and is likely to cost around £22,000
15 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: brand new, top-spec VW Tiguan SUV for way less than you think
Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line - front tracking
News

Car Deal of the Day: brand new, top-spec VW Tiguan SUV for way less than you think

The all-new third generation of Volkswagen’s smash hit mid-size SUV is our Car Deal of the Day for 14 March
14 Mar 2024