Until the 525d model appeared, BMW were fighting the executive diesel battle with one arm tied behind their backs. Whereas Mercedes could offer no fewer than three different diesel variants of their E-Class, BMW had but one model to offer. Granted, it was the mighty 530d and it did account for over forty per cent of all 5 Series sales during the first few months the car was available but a broader range was required. With the arrival of a wider diesel line-up that now also includes a 520d variant and a 535d, BMW may well have turned the corner in establishing market dominance.

Of course, 'less expensive' doesn't necessarily mean inexpensive. At £31,345 a pop for the SE saloon, £33,475 for the Touring estate and £3,120 more in each case for the M Sport derivatives, the BMW 525d represents a significant investment for many, but one drive will be enough to quell any concerns regarding value for money. Using the same second-generation common-rail diesel technology as the 530d, this model cranks out a respectable 197bhp at 4,000rpm, but as with all diesel engines, the torque rather than flat-out power is more impressive. With 400Nm of torque to call upon at a lowly 2,000rpm, the BMW's engine feels massively muscular when pulling away from junctions or onto roundabouts and its inherent flexibility thus keeps gearchanging to a minimum, further reducing driveline stress and promoting a very smooth ride. To put that torque figure into perspective, the BMW's engine feels stronger than that of a Porsche 911 Carrera from pull away.

Unlike its illustrious compatriot, however, the BMW will turn in an average fuel consumption figure of 45.6mpg and emit just 165 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometre. Couple these figures with cast iron residual values and it's instantly apparent why this car has proved hugely popular with those who've managed to ascend a decent way up the slippery corporate pole. Euro IV emissions compliance means that it sidesteps the punishing three per cent taxation surcharge too. It's too good to reserve purely for fleet buyers however. Private buyers looking for a car that pretty much does it all should put the 525d on their shortlists.

It's quick enough to offer some fun behind the wheel. The 525d will accelerate to 60mph in 7.6 seconds and run on to a maximum speed of 147mph which not so long ago were the sort of figures you'd expect of a three-litre petrol executive saloon. Standard equipment is impressive. The 525d offering a six-speed manual gearbox, air-conditioning, Parking Distance Control, 17" alloy wheels, electrically adjustable seats and Brake Force Display, BMW's novel safety system that increases brake light intensity the harder you hammer the middle pedal. Upgrade to the M Sport trim level and you get some of the M5's styling flair without the price tag. You know the drill, wider air intakes, bigger wheels, sports suspension, flared side sills, it will prove a popular choice even at what is a sizable premium. Tempting options also include Active Steering, Dynamic Drive, a lane departure warning system, adaptive xenon headlamps and dealers will also take orders for the Heads-Up Display system that projects important safety and driver information into the driver's line of sight on the windscreen.

"The BMW's engine feels stronger than that of a Porsche 911 Carrera from pull away"

It may not have escaped your attention that some disgruntled commentators have noted that this generation Five isn't the step forward its predecessor was and they're probably right. That said, the last car was so far ahead of the pack at launch that it was only very late in its life that the Mercedes E-class started taking a few verdicts from it. Claims that a little of the edge has been taken off the Five's dynamics at the very limit somehow matter less with a leggy diesel version than they would with, say, a more coltish petrol engined version. The V10 M5 has shown that BMW has plenty of reserve left in that particular tank.

Such is the reputation that diesel 5 Series models have carved that the 525d is in serious demand as a used vehicle. Factor that in with low ongoing running costs and you have a car that - if you can stomach the upfront price - actually makes a very economical car to run. This is reflected in reasonable leasing costs which should see it achieve a good deal of popularity. Even the initially surprising styling is starting to bed in quite nicely on this particular eye, especially after the latest facelift.

The once radical shape of the 5 Series has now matured nicely into a discreet but smart piece of design. In a bid to keep things fresh, BMW has made a few small changes to the latest car. At the front, the headlights and indicators are now clear glass while the kidney grille sits flush with the bumper. The air duct in the rear valance has been revised while the side sill gets an additional contour line and horizontal LEDs are used in the rear light cluster. Inside, the door panels and window switches have been redesigned and there's now eight freely programmable 'favourites' buttons on the dashboard so that drivers don't have to use the infernal iDrive control system quite so much. There's also an optional Lane Departure warning system offered.

The 5 Series remains a big but not bulky car. The saloon gets decent space up front with slightly below average rear leg room and a 520-litre boot. Measuring 4.48m in length, the Touring estate features a 535-litre load capacity with the 60/40 split folding rear seats in place and a hefty 1,650 litres with the seats folded down. There's also a split bootlid with the rear window opening separately for the easy loading of small items. Customers can also opt for a fully-automatic tailgate operation with a press on the key fob opening the hatch and simultaneously retracting the boot load cover.

The BMW 525d is something of a grower. The styling may not sit easily on your eye at first and the car's dynamic reserves aren't immediately obvious. The 530d offers more of an instant 'wow factor' but when you make a dispassionate review of the two cars' comparative merits, the 525d SE emerges as the better buy for more people more of the time. It won't garner too many headlines and there will always be some who will prefer the more sober suited looks of the 5 Series' German rivals, but for those who do take the plunge, they'll be rewarded with an excellent car.

TOP 5 5 SERIES DEALS

The results below show the top 5 SERIES deals on buyacar

	BMW 5 Series 525d M Sport 4dr Saloon
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £3,276	Price £30,464
	BMW 5 Series 525d SE 4dr Saloon
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £2,939	Price £27,736
	BMW 5 Series 525d SE 4dr Step Auto Saloon
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £3,098	Price £29,047
	BMW 5 Series 525d M Sport 4dr Step Auto Saloon
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £3,435	Price £31,775
	BMW 5 Series 525d SE 5dr Touring Estate
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £3,166	Price £29,594