Used BMW 5 Series Review – 2009-2017

On the road, the two petrols offer plenty of performance, the 535i through a smooth 3.0-litre inline-six, and the 550i with a 444bhp V8. Of the diesels, the 520d is the most frugal, the 530d suitably punchy (think 0 to 60mph in just 6.3sec, rivalling the best hot hatches) and the 535d a real humdinger. There’s plenty of power on offer in all options, and the 5 Series GT is a smooth and refined cruiser with any of these units under its bonnet. A standard eight-speed automatic gearbox on all models is likewise creamy in everyday use.

Comfort is more of a mixed bag. On normal 18in wheels, the BMW 5 Series GT is a little disappointing in its ride comfort. On the optional 20in wheels, it’s downright disappointing in its ride comfort. It can be caught out by bad road imperfections and these impacts can become intrusive. You might be able to excuse it this if the handling were sporty, but it isn’t. In fact, it always feels slightly disconnected through the steering, and there’s even a fair bit of body lean in bends taken quickly. It’s certainly not what you might expect from a firm who labels its products as the ultimate driving machines. 

Inside, things are more as you might expect. It’s classy, with an excellent driving position that offers a lot of electrical adjustment, although visibility is a little limited by the large pillars and small rear window. BMW’s much-admired build quality is at its best in the 5 Series GT. Leather seats and wood trim are standard, while a particularly nice touch is the wave-like appearance of the armrests. Sit in any of the seats, though, and the GT is an exceptionally comfortable and aesthetically pleasing place to spend time, rivalling plenty of cars from higher classes.