BMW was once living in the seventies with its 5 Series.

Only five years ago an entry turbocharged petrol four-cylinder version of this sedan could be purchased for around $75,000 plus on-road costs. Fast forward to the latest 5 Series, and the action starts in the nineties – the $90,000-plus 520d – and noughties with the $100,000-plus 530i.

In the last half-decade BMW has joined the war against the decline of large cars by giving its contender a point of difference. Once known as an executive sports sedan, then pigeonholed as conservative in this age of the coupe SUV, the new ‘5er’ is now packed with technology.

Technology, it must be said, that costs more. So what is the current BMW 530i, then – a sports sedan, a luxury car, a technology feast? Jack of all three, or perhaps a master of none?