5-Series has a wide selection of petrol and diesel engines. Favoured engines among buyers are the 525 and 530 – combining power, acceleration and reasonable economy for its size. The modern 530d (available from 98S onwards) is preferred to the old-fashioned (though economical) 525 tds (96-99T). Buyers of the 400 bhp V8 M5 are in supercar territory with a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph.

As a driving machine, 5-Series is unchallenged. Despite its size and weight, handling is poised and steering is precise. The chassis is supple, giving a fine ride and tidy handling that controlled, but tame compared to 3-Series. Sport versions live up to their name with a tauter set-up; M5 is the ultimate sports saloon. All 5-Series models are rear-wheel-drive with traction control and electronic suspension control.