Has the plug-in hybrid sporting executive saloon finally come of age?
Despite the prosaic remit, the BMW 5 Series has always been championed at Autocar.For one thing, the concept itself hardly lacks breadth. Our preferred executive saloon sets out not simply to convey occupants down motorways in superb comfort, but also to reward its driver on decent roads, to purvey a sense of subtle luxury through both its interior quality and exterior design, and to offer plenty of practicality to boot. Over the decades, the 5 Series has often delivered on all these fronts.The outgoing car, codenamed G30, was no different. Sheer scope meant it was arguably a greater achievement than any of its forebears. It could nudge 50mpg in no-nonsense 520d guise, or play up to its rich heritage as a blue-blooded performance saloon in six-cylinder 540i M Sport form.At the top of the tree, the M5 CS was such an extraordinarily talented family supercar that Ferrari was decidedly lukewarm about the idea of us putting one up against the Purosangue.But no matter the flavour, the G30’s baseline credibility concerning everything from dynamic polish to cabin ergonomics was often class-leading. So, the eighth-generation car has plenty to live up to. What’s more, the G60 enters a world less fussed with traditional saloons than ever, and one where slipping a big, un-hybridised engine under the bonnet isn’t an option. Interior tech is also evolving at a frightening rate, as is the notion among car makers that even discreet saloons should now stand out. Physical size, striking looks, pixel count and low on-paper emissions are today’s priorities.It all contrives to send the 5 Series into uncharted waters. So, while you might have made up your mind about the styling of the new generation, does the same rich substance – that old 5 Series magic – still reside within? Let’s find out.The range at a glanceModelsPowerFrom520i M Sport205bhp£51,000530e M Sport295bhp£59,455i5 eDrive40 M Sport335bhp£74,105550e xDrive M Sport483bhp£76,605i5 M60 xDrive593bhp£97,745Shorn of its predecessors’ diesel engines, the eighth-generation 5 Series range consists of two plug-in hybrids, two electric i5s and the entry-level 520i mild-hybrid petrol.There are three de facto trims for UK buyers: M Sport, M Sport Pro (tested here) and M Performance (as represented by the range-topping i5 M60). The last two are distinguished by exterior styling elements (eg an illuminated grille) and gain extra kit.
