A four-star Euro NCAP crash test score is below average when rivals from Audi, Mercedes and Lexus have achieved five, but the BMW does have six airbags (two more are optional) plus every electronic aid is fitted as standard. The head-up display means you don’t even need to take your eyes off the road while adaptive headlights that turn with the steering to illuminate round bends, night vision and other safety features can be selected from the options list.

The 5-Series saloon offers approximately 520-litres of boot space, which although useful, is slightly smaller than the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6 – although it’s larger than the Lexus GS. It’s important to note that folding seats don’t come as standard so you’ll have to pay extra if you want to carry larger items.