BMW 5-Series Touring (2017 - 2024) 530d MHT xDrive M Sport Auto [Tech/Pro Pack] 5d Owner Review

My previous 2018 RWD 530d Touring was a marvellous machine, but a bit twichy in the wet and a 'firm' ride on 20" tyres and M Sport suspension. The deal to turn it in against a new build was just too tempting, so I took the opportunity to spec an 8 year car, that I would truly be happy keeping for such a time.

Only available as X-drive now, the difference is little short of amazing, with the mild hybrid system acting more like a KERS system to assist the 3 litre straight six in pinging off the line on any road, wet or dry. The M Sport Pro package brought adaptive dampers, so even the 20" rims on After Eight mint boots feel more comfortable.

Some other options that are worth it - laser adaptive headlights. Brilliant, literally. Full ADAS from the Tech+ pack - the car achieves a sensible 42mpg when it's doing most of the driving (compensating nicely for my heavy right foot), but you are better steering yourself apart from in traffic jams. The HUD should be available as a single option as it's so good, all 5ers should have it. Apple CarPlay integration makes for a nice balance between that system and the native iD7.

Actually the only thing I can't see sense in is the Gesture Control that came with the Tech pack. I have it turned off, otherwise it expects to do something every time you take a sip from whatever is in the cup holder, and it's just as easy to use the buttons on the steering wheel.

In summary, I now have an automobile Swiss Army Knife, capable of taking 5 people + their luggage and/or the dog! in comfort, pretty much anywhere quickly, reliably and relatively economically.