Roy Lewis road tests the BMW 525d Touring (From Hereford Times)

Roy Lewis road tests the BMW 525d Touring

7:00am Saturday 21st November 2009 in

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GERMAN cars keep moving the game on – the engines are more refined than ever, they are more distinctive to look at, beautifully built and superb to drive.

Both the saloon and estate models are hard to beat in the executive car category and one of the class acts is BMW’s 5-Series, which has set the standard for so many years.

Some rivals do mount strong challenges in particular areas but the Bavarian motors can still lay claim to being among the best – if not the best – in the world.

The 5-Series saloon is very popular, but the Touring continues to be hugely successful as it possesses all the driving dynamics of the saloon and offers generous load space for the family or business user.

During the past decade or so, the popularity of the estate has fallen victim to the MPV craze.

But nowadays, most modern estates are far more appealing and are not only the load luggers they once were but lifestyle sports tourers with low, long and sleek bodies.

Style has become an important feature of the family holdall and vehicles like the Touring are arguably better looking than the saloon counterpart.

Actually, BMW have never regarded the Touring as a fully-fledged estate. And although it may not be as practical or as spacious as some rivals, it does have many useful features, together with a well-designed load bay which can cater for between 500 and 1,650 litres – big enough for all that the family can throw at it.

If you can afford a new Touring with prices starting at £29,440, there is unlikely to be a problem running it. Nevertheless, a sensible choice during these belt-tightening times is the diesel unit, especially as the motors are very refined and frugal.

The mainstay of the 5-Series is the six-cylinder, 3.0-litre motor that uses the very latest diesel technology and which is used too good effect in the 525 for exceptional driveability.

It’s hard to fault this model because nothing comes close to it in terms of ride comfort, sharp handling, silky smoothness from the engine and transmission, and roominess and comfort in the cabin.

The 525 diesel boasts an output of 194bhp which enables the 0-60mph dash to be completed in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 144mph. What impresses most, though, is the amount of smooth pulling power and the calmness of the motor when extended.

Without doubt, the diesel fully exploits the 5-Series’ agility so that it remains a true driver’s car.

The automatic transmission is also smooth in operation with changes barely noticeable and, although costing extra with most models, it will be an essential item for some users.

A feature of the cabin layout is the new iDrive system which offers the latest technology. It provides a variety of functions to make your journey more enjoyable. The menu can highlight a number of items, including CD/multimedia, radio, phone, navigation and vehicle information. It can store items and carry out a host of entertainment and communication functions. All in all, it’s a brilliant system – once you get accustomed to it.

The equipment list is also extensive on the 525 with climate control, an electronic stability programme, traction control, parking sensors, alloy wheels, electric controls galore and so many airbags, the car would almost float on the sea.

AT-A-GLANCE

BMW 525d Touring

Price: £33,285.

Top speed: 144mph.

0-60mph: 7.8 seconds.

Fuel: 44.1mpg.

Emissions C02 (g/km): 171.

Verdict: Superb blend of abilities. Pampers its driver and passengers with refinement and a smooth ride.