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The 5-Series is a fairly big car, but the view out is relatively unrestricted, radar makes parking easy and the major controls are all well placed and simple to use. However, some may struggle to find the ideal seating position - at least with the optional multi-adjustable seats we tried - despite the reach- and rake-adjustable steering wheel, while the electronic indicators can be confusing. Some may also struggle with the iDrive system, which controls the stereo, navigation programme, parts of the climate control and a variety of lesser items via a centre console-mounted rotary knob. While not as baffling than the controversial set-up in the 7-Series, it remains less than intuitive. Finally, changing gear smoothly in the manual diesel at low speeds is difficult without particularly deft footwork - unless you're a very keen driver, the automatic is the better bet with this engine, although the six-speed 'box is slick and precise with the 2.0 petrol engine. When equipped with Active Steering and Dynamic Drive, the 5-Series provides a lot more entertainment than you'd expect from an executive car, especially when powered by the diesel. More willing than most of this breed, the 530d accelerates with almost startling urgency, its exceptional thrust usually enough to overcome gearing that leaves a big gap between second and third gears, a quirk affecting both manual and auto. The 530i is similarly engaging, but doesn't offer quite the thrust and the high-rev refinement. The automatic transmission, whose ratios can be manually selected via the gearlever, works well. The manual gearchange isn't the quickest and the engine's narrow rev range means you'll use it a lot on tightly curving roads, but the results are highly satisfying. They're put to good use by suspension that provides exceptional roadholding and stability. If the car has Active Steering - which quickens its responses on a very twisty road - the combination of all that grip, the near roll-free cornering provided by Dynamic Drive's active anti-roll bars and the protection of stability control allow breathtaking cornering speeds. Even the base 520i is rewarding - and in many ways, its more natural driving feel will be more appealing to many customers. Criticisms of the car are few. The steering is well weighted but can feel strange as it moves off-centre. The brakes, though powerful, don't feel as convincing as they actually are, and drivers that like to perform heel and toe gearchanges may struggle to position themselves so that their knees don't foul the steering column.
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