Safest executive car

Not content with being crowned Best Executive Car at Auto Express’s New Car Awards 2010, the BMW 5-Series has also topped Euro NCAP’s entire safety list. Of all the models the organisation has tested recently, the big executive put on the most impressive display. It wasn’t only the safest car in its sector of the market; it also recorded the highest score overall. Take a look at the results and it’s easy to see why.

 
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With its combination of a strong body structure and six airbags, the five-star 5-Series performed reassuringly well in the tough front and side impact tests. Better still, the carefully designed nose helped the car achieve an amazing 78 per cent score for pedestrian protection. 

Sealing the BMW’s status at the top of the safety tree, though, is its excellent showing in the Safety Assist category. It gets ESP as standard, as well as seatbelt reminders and a speed limiter – all of which helps the car post a blemish-free 100 per cent rating in this part of the test. 

But there’s more to the 5-Series than top-notch safety. Classy looks, a beautifully finished cabin and sharp driving dynamics make the saloon and Touring estate the class of the executive car field.

Our pick of the range is the excellent entry-level 520d SE. Its punchy 2.0-litre diesel is good for 0-62mph in a mere 8.1 seconds, while the addition of eco-friendly technology such as stop-start helps provide 57.6mpg combined economy and super-low 129g/km CO2 emissions.

Climb aboard and you won’t feel short changed, as the interior is beautifully finished and attractively styled. Occupants in the rear get plenty of room in which to stretch out, plus the long list of desirable kit includes climate control, leather trim and Bluetooth connectivity.

As you’d expect, on top of all this the BMW scores for its sharp driving dynamics. Direct steering, a brilliantly balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis and well weighted controls make this the most exciting executive car on the road. It doesn’t matter how hard you look, you’ll struggle to find a chink in the 5-Series’ armour.