BMW 5 Series Touring 530e xDrive SE 5dr Auto Review
Category: Estate car
Section: Version review

In the right specification, the 5 Series Touring is enjoyable to drive with a classy, comfortable and well equipped interior. Although it can't quite match the enormous boot that you get in a Mercedes E-Class Estate, it’s still a very practical and well-rounded option.
The trim
See full equipmentSE is our pick. It's well equipped with 17in alloy wheels (18in on the more powerful versions), leather seat trim, heated front seats, front lumbar adjustment, dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, cruise control, a powered tailgate and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. You also get 12.3in digital dials, a 12.3in infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, sat-nav, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. The best bit is that you avoid the stiffer suspension that comes with M Sport trim.
The engine
See full engine specsIf you want to avoid diesel yet desire efficiency there's the plug-in hybrid 530e. It's a punchy performer, offering a combined 288bhp from its four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor, which is enough for 0-62mph in 6.1sec. On top of that, the electric-only range is up to 35 miles and, while it's a lot less rapid running on the electric motor alone, it'll still power you up to motorway speeds relatively easily. Just make sure you can keep the battery charged because if you just run it on the petrol engine you'll find it hard to get the fuel economy above 30mpg. This is a great option for company car drivers because the tax breaks make it seriously cheap to run.