BMW 5 Series Saloon 2010-2016 (F10) review | Mat Watson Reviews

TL;DR

The BMW 5 Series blends comfort and sportiness with premium features.

Transcript

the BMW 5 series now this is a car which combines comfort with sportiness in fact you can think of it as the automotive equivalent of a set of box fresh trainers you see this is the executive car that aims to please all the people all of the time and that extends to the rear passengers I mean rear passengers they're going to love it in the back of ... Read More

Key Insights

• The BMW 5 Series offers a spacious interior, especially in terms of headroom for rear passengers, making it a comfortable choice for taller individuals.
• While the 5 Series boasts high-quality materials throughout the cabin, it lacks the storage space found in some competitors, such as the Mercedes E-Class.
• Standard features on the 5 Series SE model include satnav, leather seats, and dual-zone climate control, offering value without needing higher trim levels.
• The optional Adaptive Suspension significantly enhances the driving experience, allowing the car to handle corners better and providing a smoother ride.
• The 5 Series is equipped with advanced technology, including internet connectivity and a BMW phone app, enhancing convenience and safety features.
• Despite its strong performance, the manual gearbox on the 4-cylinder models is less refined compared to competitors, making the automatic transmission a preferable option.
• The 5 Series' boot space is practical but slightly smaller than some rivals, with design elements that can hinder loading larger items.
• While the 5 Series offers a quiet ride, there are minor issues such as wind noise from the mirrors and a blind spot caused by thick rear pillars.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the BMW 5 Series a comfortable choice for passengers?

The BMW 5 Series provides ample headroom, especially for rear passengers, making it suitable for taller individuals. The high-quality materials used throughout the cabin contribute to a luxurious feel. Additionally, standard features like leather seats and dual-zone climate control enhance the comfort for all occupants.

Q: What are the key features included in the SE model of the BMW 5 Series?

The SE model of the BMW 5 Series comes with several key features as standard, including a satellite navigation system, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and Xenon headlamps. These features add value to the base model, making it unnecessary for buyers to opt for higher trim levels to enjoy these amenities.

Q: How does the optional Adaptive Suspension improve the BMW 5 Series?

The optional Adaptive Suspension significantly enhances the driving experience of the BMW 5 Series by improving its handling and ride comfort. It allows the car to corner better and provides a smoother ride over bumps. The system can be adjusted between sporty and comfort modes, catering to different driving preferences.

Q: What technological advancements does the BMW 5 Series offer?

The BMW 5 Series is equipped with advanced technology, including internet connectivity, which allows users to check stocks online. Additionally, the BMW phone app helps locate the car in crowded parking areas, and the Bluetooth office feature can read emails aloud, enhancing convenience and safety while driving.

Q: How does the boot space of the BMW 5 Series compare to competitors?

The boot space of the BMW 5 Series is practical but slightly smaller than some competitors like the Audi A6. The design includes a low load lip for easier loading, but the wheel arches intrude slightly, which can hinder the loading of larger items. Despite this, it remains suitable for most users' needs.

Q: What are the performance characteristics of the BMW 5 Series engines?

The BMW 5 Series offers strong engine performance, with the 528i providing ample power for those preferring petrol. For better fuel economy, the 520d diesel is recommended, achieving 0-60 mph in under eight seconds and around 65 mpg. The 3-liter diesel engine offers stellar performance with decent fuel economy.

Q: What are some minor issues noted with the BMW 5 Series?

The BMW 5 Series has minor issues such as wind noise from the mirrors at higher speeds and a blind spot caused by thick rear pillars, which can be problematic when pulling out of junctions. Additionally, the manual gearbox on 4-cylinder models is less refined compared to competitors like Audi.

Q: Why is the automatic transmission preferred for the BMW 5 Series?

The automatic transmission is preferred for the BMW 5 Series because the 8-speed auto gearbox offers a smoother and more refined driving experience compared to the manual option, particularly on the 4-cylinder models. It enhances the overall performance and efficiency, making it a more appealing choice for drivers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The BMW 5 Series is a well-rounded executive car that combines comfort with sporty handling. Its spacious interior and high-quality materials make it a desirable choice for those seeking luxury and practicality. The car comes with a host of standard features, providing good value without needing to opt for higher trims.

• For optimal performance, the Adaptive Suspension is highly recommended, as it improves the car's handling and ride comfort. The 5 Series also includes advanced technological features, such as internet connectivity and a phone app, which enhance both convenience and safety.

• While the boot space is practical, it is slightly smaller than some competitors, and certain design elements may hinder loading. Overall, the BMW 5 Series delivers a quiet and comfortable ride, though it has minor issues like wind noise and blind spots.