High quality and luxury are often the first words that spring to mind with BMW, but now we can add ‘efficient’ to that list as well.

This is thanks to the BMW 5 Series’ array of EfficientDynamics technologies, now standard on every new BMW. Innovations include Optimum gearshift indicator, Brake Energy Regeneration and Active Aerodynamics, as well as the Auto Start-Stop feature on the 520d Saloon.

These all help lower your fuel and tax costs, as well as ensuring a lower benefit in kind tax rating for company car drivers.

The BMW 5 Series Saloon is available with a choice of five petrol engines and five diesels. I drove the strong and highly efficient diesel, with its 184bhp engine delivering 280lb-ft of torque at 1,900 to 2,750rpm.

Performance was good – handling first-rate – although the ride was very firm.

There was a little bit of road noise when travelling at speed, which was surprising, but otherwise it was very comfort-able.

It’s one of those cars that gives you an immediate air of superiority on the road, something which makes driving this executive saloon even more enjoy-able.

All models come with a very high level of standard specification, including Dakota leather upholstery, BMW Professional Radio, Bluetooth telephone preparation, Cruise Control, automatic air conditioning with two-zone control, front and rear Park Distance Control, seven-inch control display and iDrive and partial Black Panel technology.

The 520-litre boot provides loads of space for luggage, and although the interior is spacious throughout the middle back seat is not ideal for passengers, as it accommodates a large transmission tunnel which runs through the centre of the car.

The car comes with a minimum of six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control inclus-ive of ABS, cornering brake control, dyn-amic brake control and dynamic traction control.

The Active Security Package (with lane changes and lane departure-warning systems) with alarm, deadlocks and locking wheelnuts comes as an option. The 5 Series also has a spring-loaded bonnet, helping to minimise pedestrian injur-ies in the event of an accident.

Fuel economy is excellent for a car of this calibre. This, together with its low emissions, reasonable price tag and good level of standard equipment, make it a viable purchase, especially as a company car.

Fact File:
Car:
BMW 5 Series 520d SE Saloon
Price: From £31,195
0-62mph: 8.1 seconds
Top speed: 141mph
Fuel: 57.6mpg
CO2 emissions: 132g/km