I HAVE just started saving – I don’t care how long it takes – I am going to have a BMW 530d.
I have talked before of cars which can be all things to all men but this – or it’s estate brother - has to be the pinnacle of that idea.
It’s just about big enough for a family, and can manage 38-40 miles per gallon.
Pretty good so far - but then comes the amazing across the board performance. The acceleration is awesome from any speed and there’s a lovely muted engine note as the revs rise.
Overtaking, even on today’s crowded roads, once again becomes normal and completely safe and the boy racers are left wondering where you went.
Drive is through a slick-changing eight speed automatic which has a very quick kickdown and manual selection.
The ride is brilliant over all surfaces, the whole car is supremely quiet and refined, and the road holding – without sports suspension of any kind – is marvellous and hugely addictive.
I’m hooked.
Interior
Marvellous leather seats in the SE cosset just as they should and it comes with front and rear parking sensors, stability control, loads of airbags, alloys and an alarm.
The boot is huge, but I was surprised how little legroom there was behind me with the driver’s seat in its most comfortable position. The automatic gearbox is an extra £1,500.
FAST FACTS
BMW 5-Series
Price: £38,670
Mechanical: 241bhp, 2,993cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.3 seconds
Combined mpg: 44.8
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 166g/km
BIK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Audi A6 3.0TDI