Geneva motor show 2010 - BMW 5 Series

It's only a matter of days before the new BMW 5 Series goes on sale – yet Geneva is its first appearance at a show anywhere in the world.

What is it
The new 5 has been cut from the same cloth as the latest 7 Series limo and the 5 Series GT. It's available with most of their technology and a wider range of powertrains than you'll find in either model, including a 2.0-litre diesel with stop-start– a first in a 5 Series. Average fuel economy for this engine is more than 56mpg, while emissions are low enough to put it in the lowest company car tax band for diesels

Other engine options
Eventually there'll be seven engine options, all with some element of BMW's Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology, although only the 520d has stop-start (this arrives in June). There are three 3.0-litre petrol models, badged 523i, 528i and 535i; two 3.0-litre diesels (525d and 530d); while the flagship 550i is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 delivering just over 400bhp.

Bigger than ever
This sixth-generation 5 Series is the largest yet, mainly to allow the engines to be mounted within the wheelbase to give the car the ideal weight distribution. It also ensures a little more legroom for passengers in the rear.

As with any 5 Series, it's as much a drivers' car as an executive saloon, and there are various electronic chassis options for buyers who want to go the whole hog. Adaptive Drive lets you personalise the shock absorbers, steering assistance, throttle response and roll stiffness, while Active Steering gives you a tighter turning circle in town.

Still not sufficiently tech-laden for you? Then you can add automatic emergency braking, a head-up instrument display, self-parking, all-round cameras and a night-vision system.In effect, you're getting a short-wheelbase 7 Series starting at less than £28,165.