The BMW 5 Series has been with us since way back in 1972, and the 2018 BMW 5 Series represents the seventh generation of the German firm’s all-conquering executive car. Like most previous versions, it was offered as a four-door saloon and a five-door estate. It was based on the same underpinnings as the larger 7 Series limousine, and was the first 5 Series to be offered with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It competes with rivals such as the Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class, but betters both of them thanks to its sensational driving manners, beautifully finished cabin, brilliant infotainment system and impressive practicality.

Strengths:

Beautifully appointed cabin
Range of sensational engines
Comfortable and fun to drive

Weaknesses:

M Sport cars not so comfortable
Expensive, even as a used car
Some reliability issues reported

Is the 2018 BMW 5 Series better than the 2018 Audi A6?

It’s fair to say that the Audi excels in all the same areas that the BMW does: it’s great to drive, it’s lovely inside, it’s practical and it comes with a decent amount of standard kit. However, in most of those areas, the BMW just does that teeny little bit better, so it gets the nod from us.