It's hard to imagine, but the 5 Series was launched in 2003.  Initially mocked for its over-the-top styling, it had the last laugh as three years later as every other new car seems to have a variation of the famous “Bangle Butt” (named after the BMW design guru).  Aside from paving the way in design and innovation, the 5 Series is known for its driving dynamics, relentless sophistication and excellent engines.  The entry-level 520d is no different with its spirited 163 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 engine.  And although the outright numbers pale in comparison next to say, the Audi A6 3.0 TDi or even its own big brother, the 530d, it's no less fun to drive and appealing to own.

Next to its ultra-conservative rivals, the BMW 5 Series is a standout.  Even after being all too familiar with its shape, the 5 Series remains sharp.  It’s certainly not the finest example of automotive design, but at least the 5 Series becomes the center of attention whether one loves or hates the design.

Overall, the exterior lines connote a controversial but athletic shape especially with the sharply raked hood and chinked headlamps.  It’s echoed at the back where the drooping tail lamps dominate the otherwise unadorned rear end.  From the side though, the 5 Series turns conservative, employing little by way of uniqueness.  There’s a squared-off and formal roofline as well as the infamous Hofmeister’s kink.  Whatever the reason why BMW chose such a design concept is unfathomable, but it does make the 5 Series very vulnerable to critics.

Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, criticizing the 5 Series based on its liberal use of creases and angles would be like asking a guy who’d he prefer to bed for the night: a blond or a brunette?  Where it’s easy to criticize the 5 Series though is in its attention to detail, or rather the lack of it.  After an excellent initial impression, the eye begins to examine areas such as the doors which aren’t detailed at all.  There’s a grab-type door handle and that’s it.  The slab-sided appearance not only adds visual bulk to the otherwise sporty looking 5 Series, but it accentuates items such as the signal marker which looks too tacked on.

While not everyone considers the 5 Series a beauty from the outside, at least everyone can agree that the BMW is the place to be for driving quick.  Although the dash echoes the exterior’s use of lines and creases, it does so without looking too gaudy and without sacrificing a bit of ergonomics.  Operation by touch is a BMW specialty, and the 5 Series is no different.  Items such as climate control and lightning are easy to decipher without the need for a manual, while the secondary controls such as the ‘DSC off’ are located in plain sight, reducing the need for fiddling around.  The cabin’s well finished too with black leather with dark-shade walnut for the accents.  When it comes to cars, it still doesn’t offer a homey atmosphere, but at least the interior’s pretty straightforward and easy to understand.

As a driving environment, the 5 Series is peerless.  The seating position is perfect, with the balanced amount of comfort and lateral support for the seats.  All the gauges are easily legible and the pedals placed just right.  Visibility is excellent all around too.  The 5 Series even has better shoulder room than the A6 (although the Audi has a flatter foot well).  Still, between them, the BMW is the better driving environment to be in.

After being in the market for around 3 years now, the BMW 5 Series remains as fresh and controversial as ever. Not everyone liked the design, but at least it's a standout and a trendsetter.  Just ask Lexus.