The sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series – the F10 – debuted in November 2009 as a 2010 model and has been, to-date, the most successful 5 Series ever built. It was designed by Jacek Fröhlich from November 2005 to December 2006, with a more prominent upright split kidney grille and the absence of the “Bangle butt” rear-end styling of its E60 predecessor. Externally, the car is a more traditional BMWesque design; a far more sober effort after the highly controversial E60.

The F10-generation 5 Series has had its share of mixed reviews since its inception. It’s been revered for its great looks, wonderfully built interior, excellent technology and superb ride quality. However, it’s also been criticized for being too heavy, lacking the sort of driving dynamics 5 Series fans are used to and being uninspiring to drive.

The F10 shares a platform with the BMW F01 7 Series and has been described as a downsized-7 Series in contrast to its E60 predecessor which was regarded as an upsized 3 Series. Improvements over the E60-generation 5-series include a front dual ball joint short-long arm suspension, and rear multilink suspension, making it more refined but heavier. While the E60 had an aluminum front chassis structure from firewall forward (which provided perfect balance but was expensive to repair), the F10 has returned to the conventional steel monocoque.

While the cabin of the F10 5 Series might not be the sexiest or most interesting, it just feels incredibly well built and luxurious. It’s still a fine interior, even after every competitor has come out with something more modern. Every switch, every control and every material feels finely finished and luxurious. Nothing feels unsubstantial. Even the seats and seating position are excellent.

A combination of four, six and eight-cylinder engines have been offered for worldwide markets, both in petrol or diesel combinations.

On the eve of the new G30 5 Series launch, BMW decided to give us a photoshoot of the outgoing model.