BMW 5-series Touring: cultured estate

BMW 523i 2.5 SE Touring

What is it?

Launched in March 2007, revised 5-series offers latest BMW EfficientDynamics technology. This delivers a car with the driving characteristics expected of a BMW, but with significantly better economy. And fewer emissions. This is Touring estate model.

What’s hot?

• A refined express of an estate car
• Engine proves new generation petrol units are closing the gap to diesel

What’s not?

• Facia design still not brilliant
• Better iDrive system but still too complicated

What you need to Know?

P11D Value:	30,475
Monthly Rental*:	545
Tax Band when posted:	24%
Monthly BiK:	123 (20%)/ £246 (40%)
Engine:	2.5-litre straight-six
CO2 Emissions:	183g/km
Power/torque:	190hp / 235Nm
Economy:	36.7mpg

Monthly rental courtesy of HSBC DriverQuote. Based on 36-month/36,000-mile contract hire agreement with maintenance.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

General upgrading of small but significant changes makes this an even better car. In the engine, transmission and other technical areas EfficientDynamics add up to a major saving on fuel and emissions without sacrificing driving pleasure. Watch the prices, though, which have crept up.