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BMW 5-Series

New BMW 5-Series voted best executive car, beating the Jaguar XF.

BMW 5-Series

Why it won...

Some cars merit a special effort – so when BMW said it was launching its new 5-Series in Portugal, we packed our bags, grabbed the keys to the best car in the sector and set off for the Atlantic coast.

When we arrived, we were amazed at what we found. Our 2008 Car of the Year – the Jaguar XF – is no soft touch, but the 530d proved to be more than a match.

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The latest 5-Series appeals to the head with its spacious, top-quality interior and EfficientDynamics kit – which brings stop-start technology and CO2 emissions of 129g/km to the 520d.

However, it also appeals to the heart with its sharp dynamics – especially on variants equipped with BMW’s full arsenal of chassis options – and powerful engines. On top of that, there’s a smart new look to admire.

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Commended:

Jaguar XF
The big cat is still a great performer in the executive class, with gorgeous looks and a distinctive cabin. The latest round of chassis tweaks ensures the XF hasn’t gone down without a fight – we just wish Jaguar offered a smaller diesel option, because prices for the oil-burner start at a lofty £34,900.

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