Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 5-series review - is this the best saloon in the world? - Interior and tech

BMW's most complete 5-series ever, there are almost no compromises in this exceptional executive.

Evo rating
Price
from £37
  • Where to start? Powertrains, supremely competent handling and exceptional build quality
  • Feels big on the road, drab styling.

Interior and tech

BMW must have shuddered when it first saw the new Mercedes-Benz E-class’ interior. Arguably even more luxurious and elaborate than the flagship S-class, the car quickly defined itself as the new standard in interior design. By contrast, at first sight of the BMW 5-series interior you might have initially been a little underwhelmed, but the workmanship and technology inside goes more than skin deep. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The first thing that strikes you is the sheer quality; every surface feels sturdy and luxurious. Although there is lots of scratch prone glossy black plastic, most material use is excellent. Sharing a similar basic dash architecture with the 7-series, the 5 replaces the silver control surfaces with sharper black ones. As standard, the 5-series receives a 10.25-inch display connected to the latest iteration of iDrive, although the fully digital instrument cluster and large head-up display are still optional extras.

When interacting with the layered tech, the BMW is actually the more instinctive to use than the Mercedes E-class, which can be fiddly and a little distracting when both 12.3-inch displays are in use. The quality count is also slightly in the BMW’s favour, with even lower plastics soft touch and sturdy feeling. By contrast you don’t have to look far in an E-class to find some low rent materials.

The 5-series is also vast inside, with plenty of space for even three adults to sit comfortably in the back. The Touring just adds to this, making the new 5-series arguably the premium estate to beat, even if it lacks the NASA Launchpad sized load-bay of the E-class. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

BMW M4 Competition xDrive Fast Fleet test – six months in the £100k sports coupe
evo Fast Fleet BMW M4 Competition xDrive
Long term tests

BMW M4 Competition xDrive Fast Fleet test – six months in the £100k sports coupe

As our four-wheel-drive M4 departs, we have an answer to the ‘Is it worth £100k?’ conundrum
4 Nov 2024
Audi RS5 Sportback Performance Edition 2024 review – worth £14k more than a BMW M4?
Audi RS5 Sportback Performance Edition – front
Reviews

Audi RS5 Sportback Performance Edition 2024 review – worth £14k more than a BMW M4?

Audi Sport has given the RS5 upgraded coilovers, extra power and a £101,645 price tag. Is it now a true M4 rival?
6 Nov 2024
Circuito do Sol is Europe’s new racing track, inspired by the Nürburgring
Circuito do Sol
News

Circuito do Sol is Europe’s new racing track, inspired by the Nürburgring

Brand new circuit in Portugal offers corners inspired by the world’s best tracks, and villas and track cars for hire
4 Nov 2024