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BMW 5 Series 545e xDrive M Sport 4dr Auto [Tech/Pro Pack] Review

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545e xDrive

Saloon

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

5 SERIES

M Sport trim is extremely popular and the one we’d go for. It comes with 19in wheels (18in on the 530e), a sportier bodykit, black rather than chrome exterior trim, sport seats, an M sports steering wheel, a black headlining and an instrument panel wrapped in faux leather (or as BMW puts it, synthetic leather). Just make sure, however, that if you do go for M Sport you also tick the box for the optional M Sport Pro Pack. Amongst a plethora of other goodies, this introduces adaptive suspension (on all models aside from the ‘entry-level’ 520d and 520i) and gives the 5 Series a plush ride. 

M Sport

545e xDrive M Sport 4dr Auto [Tech/Pro Pack]

545e-xdrive-m-sport-4dr-auto-techpro-pack

Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging

Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and electronic engine immobiliser

Electric front and rear windows with fingertip open/close + anti-trap facility and comfort closing function

Electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors includes integrated direction indicators and automatic parking function

Folding exterior side mirror with auto- dimming

Airbags - driver/front passenger, rear and side, first and second row seats head airbags, front passenger seat airbag deactivation

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

40/20/40 split folding rear seats with additional mechanism in luggage compartment

M electric front sport seats includes electrical seat adjustment with memory, lumbar support and M embossing on headrests

BMW Laserlights with LED indicators in eyebrow styling and cornering LED light

Connected package professional - 5 series 530e/545e

Comfort pack - 5 Series Saloon SE/M Sport/M550i

Comfort plus pack - 5 Series Saloon SE/M Sport

Technology plus pack with Bowers and Wilkins diamond sound system - 5 Series M Sport

Technology plus pack with Harman kardon sound system - 5 Series M Sport

Leather/Artificial leather seat upholstery

BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series is a brilliant, classy and wonderfully refined luxury saloon, with surprisingly low running costs if you go for the 530e plug-in hybrid or 520d mild hybrid. It's a more complete package than its chief rivals, such as the Audi A6, Jaguar XF and Mercedes E-Class.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plush ride and the ability to cruise in near-silence </li> <li>Powerful and efficient engine</li> <li>Space for passengers to stretch out in the rear seats</li> <li>Exquisite materials and build quality</li> <li>Endless luxuries on the options list</li> <li>Sensible fuel and tax bills</li></ul>

If you’re in the market for a luxury car, you’ll be after a sumptuous interior, a ride that can soak up the worst of the UK’s pockmarked roads and supreme refinement that allows you to travel at speed in near-silence.

Your cheapest (and smallest) options are the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and brilliant BMW 5 Series, the latter of which is so good we voted it our 2017 Car of the Year. Larger options that are definitely worth considering if you plan to travel in the back include the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and the Mercedes S-Class, which is beautifully finished inside and not as expensive to run as you might think.

Or if money really is no object at all, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is hard to overlook – especially in extended-wheelbase form. It’s as opulent as cars get.

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

BMW 5 Series 545e xDrive M Sport 4dr Auto [Tech/Pro Pack] Review

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