Car of the Year 2004 - Executive

Winner
BMW 525i SE auto
£28,305

BMW had a lot to live up to when it set about creating the new 5-series. The previous model was our Executive Car of the Year seven times. The good news is that the new model builds on the strengths of the previous one and adds a whole lot extra.

A satisfying drive has always been central to the 5-series’ appeal and the latest incarnation is as good as ever. Body control is superb, while sticking with the standard 16-inch wheels and tyres means you also get a cosseting ride.

Our favourite engine is the 192bhp 2.5-litre unit in the 525i, which always has plenty of urge on tap. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but we think it’s worth the £1350 for the six-speed auto, which offers seamless shifts and extra desirability come resale time.

One of the areas in which the Five has moved the game on is refinement. Road and wind noise are hushed and the 525i’s engine is silky even when revved and whisper-quiet at motorway speeds.

The styling might take some getting used to, but the Five’s interior is modern, classy and well built. We have reservations over the ease-of-use of the iDrive system, in which functions including ventilation and audio are controlled by a central ‘mouse’ and screen. At least the set-up used in the 5-series is simpler than that in the Seven.

Where the old Five only just provided enough space for four, the new model is one of the roomiest cars in its class, and has a large, well shaped boot, too.

Economy of 28.5mpg (for the auto) and a 33% company car tax banding mean it’s affordable, as long as you’re sensible with the options list.

Highly recommended
Mercedes E270 CDi Classic auto
£30,250
Jaguar S-type 2.5 V6 S Plus
£27,600