BMW's 5 Series lineup is something special, however. No matter what the driving conditions, a 5 Series BMW is as much plaything as comfortable carriage. In this regard, the 5 Series models are genuine dual-purpose machines, totally competent whether cantering lazily down the highway or urged to full gallop down a twisting road. We are unable to find fault with them in either mode -- or in any mode in between.

Less evident than outright performance, are the concerns BMW has devoted to occupant safety. The front airbags are controlled by a dual-mode system that changes the deployment speed of the airbag depending on whether occupants are wearing seat belts; the front-passenger airbags will not inflate if that seat is unoccupied. Not only do the 5 Series cars come standard with side airbags in front, they offer them as an option for rear-seat passengers for just $385. A clever Head Protection System is supplied. Active safety enhancements are also standard, such as anti-lock brakes and traction control. A new Dynamic Stability Control system is available that reduces engine power and selectively applies braking force to individual wheels to counteract skids.