Key facts:
Model tested: BMW 530d SE Touring
Price: £39,400
Date tested: September 2010
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 89%

The Touring is the practical face of the 5-Series, with more luggage space than the saloon and Gran Turismo. It delivers a winning combination of good looks, practicality and great driving for around £1,500 more than the saloon.

1. Looks 8/10
The Touring takes on a curvier look than its predecessor and is a far cry from the boxy estates that many of those buyers will have grown up with.

2. Looks inside 9/10
The interior combines classy with comfortable. The central console houses the iDrive that controls the sat-nav, audio and air conditioning. Specifying the optional Head-up display enables you to view essential quickly while the multi-function steering wheel helps you keep your eyes on the road.

3. Practicality 8/10
The 560-litre boot can be expanded to 1,670 litres by folding the three rear seats; they can be folded individually. The rear window can be opened independently of the tailgate while automatic boot opening and closing is optional.

4. Ride and Handling 9/10
The Touring serves up a superb combination of comfort and dynamics. The comfort is helped by an the extended wheelbase - the 5-Series is the longest car in its class - while the optional Drive Dynamic Control means the adjustable chassis is a joy.

5. Performance 10/10
There are three petrol engines and four diesels. The petrol choices are:
523i: 204hp, 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, 141mph.
528i: 258hp, 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds, 153mph.
535i: 306hp, 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds, 155mph.

The diesel choices are:
520d: 184hp, 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds, 138mph.
525d: 204hp, 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, 144mph.
530d: 245hp, 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds, 155mph.
535d: 299hp, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, 155mph.

All cars come with a six-speed manual gearbox apart from the 535d, which packs an eight-speed automatic transmission.

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6. Running Costs 8/10
All models feature BMW's Efficient Dynamics technology. The 520d will be the most popular model, with CO2 emissions of 135g/km and average fuel consumption of 55.4mpg; emissions for the 530d are 169g/km and fuel consumption 44.1mpg.

7. Reliability 9/10
BMW consistently engineers its cars to a high degree and has built a superb reputation for reliability. The fit and finish of parts which are visible inside and out is first rate.

8. Safety 10/10
With a five-star EuroNCAP rating, standard kit includes driver, front passenger, front and side airbags; whiplash-reducing headrests, cruise control with brake function, anti-lock brakes, ESP and an all new pedestrian impact protection system.

9. Equipment 9/10
all Tourings have leather trim and dual-zone climate control as standard, along with parking sensors and, cruise control. There are also four optional equipment packages which bundle options into one price.

10. X-Factor 9/10
You can have fun in the 5-Series Touring, it's very practical and if you choose the right one, it needn't be expensive to run.