2009 BMW 5 Series Road Test Ratings

The 5 Series manages to find a sweet spot in terms of model variety, price, design, and performance. Where a 3 Series sometimes is too small to be a practical sedan/wagon, the 5 Series always fits the bill. Our favorite style is the 535i with its twin-turbo six-cylinder engine and brilliant 6-speed automatic which effectively obsoletes the much more costly V8-powered 550i.

With two six-cylinder engines (one turbocharged), one V8, two transmissions, two drivetrains and two body styles, there are fully six variations oof 5 Series from which to choose. Thankfully, all are a joy to drive. The latest application of BMW's twin-turbo-six-cylinder wundermotor leaves us breathless. It effectively renders the V8-powered 550i obsolete, with equal acceleration performance and better (Edmunds-verified) fuel economy. Manual transmission is considered standard, but the no-cost optional six-speed auto is highly recommended.

Never busy or floaty, the 5 Series walks the ride-versus-handling tightrope like few ever do, regardless of standard or sport suspension selection. Standard seating is well-designed for comfort, but the optional Sport seats are exceptionally adjustable and supportive. Front and rear access to the open airy cabin is excellent. Rear and side sunshades are optional.

In this broad category, the 5 Series is sometimes peerless and sometimes clueless. Instrument panel, most secondary controls and visibility are outstanding. On the other side of the fence are labor- and attention-intensive functions associated with the notorious iDrive controller, relatively little interior storage space and lousy cupholders. Those frustratingly awkward window switches have been replaced with more conventionally placed buttons, but the center armrest storage is still a riddle. In the end, the 5 Series has room to improve in this regard.

The interior remains an example of "how to do it right," and all the models display world-class build and paint quality.