BMW
LClass
eader
BMW 5 Series
When BMW launched the seventh generation of its mid-range 5 Series early in 2017, it replaced a car that was still at the top of its game, so it should be of no surprise that the current model is one of our favourite cars in the tightly-fought executive saloon segment. Stylistically, it slowly evolves the BMW familial look, and the engine off erings aren’t drastically diff erent to before, but there’s loads of new
technology at work, from gesture control infotainment to semi-autonomous driving assistance. Thankfully, strip all that back, and the 5 Series remains an effi cient and enjoyable car to drive. Most Irish buyers will opt for the 520d, though the 530e hybrid is expected to take more sales this coming year. There’s a Touring estate as well as the saloon and the line-up is topped by the formidable 600hp, xDrive-equipped M5.
OUR PICK OF THE RANGE 216d Luxury Active Tourer
OUR PICK OF THE RANGE 520d M Sport
BMW 1 Series
OUR PICK OF THE RANGE 120i Sport fi ve-door
If you like the rear-drive feel and the compact nature of the BMW 1 Series hatchback, then we suggest you get your order in quickly, as rumours suggest that the next generation, due within two years, will switch to front-wheel drive. Many buyers won’t care, but we reckon that it gives the 1 Series a unique selling point and makes it great fun to drive, even at the bottom of the range. It does, however, compromise the packaging, so this isn’t an ideal family car, but really, it can be thought of as a good alternative to a coupe. We adore the range-topping M140i variant, but the more modestly priced 120i is fun too. Plenty of diesel options as well if you need better economy.
20 Auto Ireland Guide to New Cars 2018 AUTO IRELAND AND IRISH STUDIO MEDIA PUBLISHING LIMITED ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY VARIATIONS.
BMW 2 Series Gran/Active Tourer
BMW’s naming strategy comes a little unstuck here, if you ask us, as the even-numbered cars are supposed to be the sporty ones, and the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer are the least sporty models in the entire line-up. They’re the relatively sensible family options, compact MPVs in fi ve- and seven-seat body styles (the Active is the fi ve-seat model). There are larger and more practical family cars on the market for the same money, but very few with the same badge cachet. Keep it simple in terms of specifi cation and engine, though, as a BMW ‘M’ badge just looks wrong on these cars. Even if they drive with more vim than they need to. Especially the bizarrely fast hybrid model.
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BMW
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