Skip advert
Advertisement

“The new BMW 5 Series is everything the brand does best in one car”

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler thinks the new 5 Series shows that BMW is in a good place to withstand any future challenges

BMW 5 Series - opinion

Most car makers have one model that is best described as a ‘brand shaper’. Some are easy to spot – such as the Porsche 911 – others less so.

The BMW 5 Series isn’t the big seller it once was, but it’s still hugely important for the company across the world. And when you think of BMW, it’s probably the car that springs to mind, along with the 3 Series.

I can only imagine the pressure that must heap on the team that has to bring a new version to market, especially when the market is moving so quickly.

Advertisement - Article continues below

I’ve spoken often about how well the company has managed its two British brands, MINI and Rolls-Royce, but that applies to the BMW model range, too. Where Mercedes is getting us (and itself, it seems) all confused with its EQ, Maybach and AMG sub-brands, BMW just keeps it refreshingly straightforward.

So enter the new 5 Series, which will be available in three flavours: petrol, plug-in or electric. Whichever one you choose will be a BMW 5 Series; it will look like a 5 Series and, crucially, it will drive like a 5 Series.

Branding is going to be one of many battlegrounds that car companies – new and established – will have to fight on in the coming years. In fact, when I was visiting BMW HQ this week, one of the subjects they wanted to know more about was my recent trip to China and the potential flood of BMW challengers that could be heading here.

The team were mindful that there were no laurels to be rested on, but felt that the depth of engineering and technical expertise they have, plus the strength of the brand, means BMW is in a better place than most to withstand future challenges.

Which brings us back to the 5 Series. Associate editor Sean Carson has already driven it and reports that it’s as good as you’d hope and expect. The tech story is a strong one, and to my eyes it looks good, too, with a normal-sized grille! It bodes well for the new 5 Series as a brand shaper.

Click here for all the latest on the new BMW 5 Series...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Premium Hybrid Car of the Year 2025: BMW 530e
Premium Hybrid Car of the Year 2025: BMW 530e

Premium Hybrid Car of the Year 2025: BMW 530e

The BMW 530e is the 2025 Auto Express Premium Hybrid Car of the Year with the Audi A3 TFSIe and Mercedes C 300 e commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025
Used Car Hunter: premium executive cars for £15,000
Car Hunter - £15,000 premium executive cars

Used Car Hunter: premium executive cars for £15,000

Our car hunter has £15,000 for a posh saloon that will be economical on long trips
Features
11 Jun 2025
Best plug-in hybrids to buy 2025
Best plug-in hybrid cars - header image

Best plug-in hybrids to buy 2025

The plug-in hybrid market has grown exponentially in recent years. Here are our electrified favourites
Best cars & vans
3 Jun 2025
Best executive cars to buy 2025
Best executive cars - May 2025

Best executive cars to buy 2025

These executive cars add a real touch of class to every journey
Best cars & vans
19 May 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025