The current sixth-generation incarnation of BMW's highly successful 5 Series was launched in 2009.

Since its initial launch, the latest 5 Series has received a mid-life refresh. To that end all three bodystyles - Saloon, Touring and Gran Turismo - have been bestowed with what's described as "a package of technological innovations and sensitive modifications". This primarily means more engine options along with some subtle restyling.

So what else has changed? Well, a new Luxury trim grade is now available alongside the existing M Sport. Main rivals to the BMW 5 Series include the Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF.

Performance

Ignoring the rocketship M5 for a moment, the 5 Series Saloon is now available with no less than ten different engines - five diesels and five petrols, with one of the latter being the 535i-based ActiveHybrid5 version. The range starts with the 141bhp £30,265 518d, and culminates with the £57,610 550i which is powered by a new 402bhp V8.

The updated £73,505 M5 now features the M Double-spoke kidney grille and M steering wheel with M DCT paddles as found on the current M6 models. In standard trim its 4.4-litre TwinPower turbo engine V8 makes 552bhp.

However, a new and optional Competition package (which includes Sports suspension and steering, unique 20-inch alloy wheels and black chrome tailpipes) boosts power to 567bhp. This makes it BMW's most powerful M model to date. Even without the extra power boost, the M5 can cover the 0-60mph sprint in a fleeting 4.3 seconds.

BMW UK sells around 15,500 5-Series Saloons a year, with the most popular model being the £34,765 520d M Sport Saloon. We tested a manual version of the 520d and although the 184hp motor sounds a little too "diesely" on tickover from the outside, this noise is adequately suppressed from the inside with the doors closed. Other than that it's hard to fault.

There's good torque and ample power so the sweet six-speed gearbox doesn’t require much stirring to maintain a swift pace.

Ride and Handling

The 520d we tested can hardly be faulted in terms of handling and ride

The 520d we tested can hardly be faulted in terms of handling and ride. The contrast between our car's optional (£985) Variable Damper Control's Sport and Comfort suspension settings was pretty subtle. The difference is so subtle in fact, that passengers would be very unlikely to notice any difference. For choppy A and B-roads, leaving the 5 Series in the Comfort driving setting provides impressive body control, even at speed over the rough stuff, along with a perfectly pliant ride. The steering feels correctly weighted and suitably responsive, while the brakes have good feel and are suitably powerful. Although the 520d can't be described as a thrilling driving machine, it's certainly not lacking in any way.

Interior and Equipment

BMW has produced more than five million examples of the 5 Series since the first generation model was first introduced back in 1972.

Since the refresh, there are a number of relatively minor tweaks and improvements added to the inside of the 5 Series. The Saloon and Touring models have larger storage areas and cup holders, while the Comfort Access system can now open and close the boot or tailgate by foot movement beneath the rear apron. The Gran Turismo also boasts a new front air intake and an extended tailgate with boot capacity increased by 60 litres to 500 litres. BMW's ConnectedDrive technologies have been expanded with the Business infotainment system now standard on all new 5 Series Saloon and Touring models. The superior Business system is standard on all four-cylinder GTs, while the Professional infotainment comes as standard on all GTs with six cylinders.

Cost

This improvement is due in part to aerodynamic additions to the wheelarches and under-body panelling

All 5-Series petrol engines now conform to the forthcoming EU6 emission regulations, but note that the 520d EfficientDynamics model is no longer part of the line-up because the regular 520d now has the same 119g/km CO2 emissions (previously 125g/km) in both manual and auto guise. This improvement is due in part to aerodynamic additions to the wheelarches, under-body panelling and front apron which have lowered its drag co-efficient to 0.25. Whether the EfficientDynamics moniker will be revived for an even cleaner variant remains to be seen. Average (combined) fuel consumption is an impressive 62.8mpg, although our 520d's trip computer recorded 40mpg exactly which, though less impressive, certainly can't be scoffed at. That’s especially when considering that the 520d's quoted performance is 0-62 in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 145mph.

Our Verdict

With the right choice of driving and equipment options, the 5 Series strikes a great balance between comfort, refinement and driving dynamics. Not quite picking the right options for you however could leave you a little disappointed with how this car drives. Pretty much all the extras don’t exactly come cheap either. Those quibbles aside, the 5 Series continues as the benchmark for all mid-size executive cars on the market. Now since the mid-life refresh, it has become that little bit better.