In the right specification, the BMW 5 Series Touring is quiet, smooth, classy, comfortable and well equipped. It’s also very practical, although it can't quite match the enormous boot that you get with a Mercedes E-Class Estate.
M Sport trim is extremely popular, thanks largely to its more aggressive body styling and bigger alloys. You don't get a lot of extra substance for the added cost, apart from sports front seats, bigger brakes, privacy glass and a much stiffer ride courtesy of the M Suspension.
The entry-level petrol in the range, the 520i, is the least recommendable. It will get from 0-62mph in 8.3sec but needs revving hard to achieve its best; not ideal in a load-lugging estate car.
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