Ever since the 5 Series launched half a century ago it’s become pretty much the default choice for those after classy executive transport, but the arrival of the E39 in 1995 really moved the game on. As impressive as its E34 predecessor was, the new model raised the bar for ride, handling, quality and plushness, all of this being combined with a wide choice of excellent petrol and diesel engines.
Rivals included the usual suspects from Audi and Mercedes-Benz in the form of the A6 and E-Class, while the Saab 9000, Lexus GS and Jaguar S-Type that arrived in 1999 could all stake a claim in the executive car sector. None, though, could match the E39’s broad-batted abilities and that’s as true today as it was more than 20 years ago. Oh, and let’s not forget it also spawned a brilliant super-saloon in the M5.
Ensuring it stayed ahead of the pack, BMW made numerous improvements over the eight years it was in production, from more powerful and efficient engines to higher levels of kit and tech. It remained a peach of a car right to the end, bowing out in 2003
