BMW 5 Series Touring estate (2010-2017)

The BMW 5 Series Touring estate is about so much more than just a big boot. It’s attractively styled, well equipped, well built, comfortable and great to drive. And that’s before you factor in the long-established desirability of the BMW badge on the nose.

Many people will be happy to just go with the 5 Series Touring, such is its reputaiton. But competition in the class has never been stronger, with accomplished rivals such as the Mercedes E-Class estate and Audi A6 Avant vying for attention.

Counting in the Touring’s favour is its excellent line-up of petrol and diesel engines. The introductory 518d diesel is perfectly adequate, but the real standout offering is the only slightly more expensive 520d. This engine strikes a near-perfect balance between power, flexibility and fuel economy and should suit most buyers down to the ground. It will certainly top the list for company-car driver and those who do a lot of miles per year.

If you crave more power, however, there are more powerful diesels (the BMW 525d, BMW 530d and BMW 535d), while those with a lower annual mileage may be tempted by one of the reasonably efficient petrols, such as the BMW 520i or BMW 528i.

All the executive saloon essentials are present and correct, regardless of what trim level you go for. That included leather seats, sat nav, Bluetooth phone connectivity, climate control and cruise control. But if you truly want the ‘ultimate driving experience’ promised by BMW’s former marketing slogan, you’ll need to dip into the options list and get upgraded suspension.

Safety and reliability are assured with 5 Series, which comes with the latest active safety systems to keep you from having a crash in the first place, as well as a top collision safety rating and plenty of airbags to protect you should the worst happen.