Some cars may excel in one way or another, but occasionally a consummate all-rounder shows just how good the modern family car can be. The BMW 5 Series is just such a vehicle, and while you pay for such talent, the best things in life are never cheap. Since the seventh-generation 5 Series was launched we’ve pitted it against the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class, Volvo S90 and V90, plus the Lexus ES and Jaguar XF. In every case the BMW has come out on top, so it’s no wonder that it was our Executive Car of the Year in our 2017 New Car Awards – and then again in both subsequent years. Since then the Mercedes E-Class has stolen the BMW’s thunder, but don’t let that put you off, because the 5 Series is every bit as desirable as it has always been.