WHILE the festive season may now have passed there is still much in the motor world to entertain as the new year settles in.

In fact,as I have just discovered, there are some gems around as proved by the BMW 5-Series 530d M Sport.

As one of the most successful cars in history - with around five million models sold during a 40-year lifetime to date - the BMW 5 Series saloon has defined the executive saloon sector, offering fine handling and performance combined with more than a touch of luxury and elegance.

Now in its sixth generation the elements that make up those benchmark standards have been enhanced.

The near perfect 50:50 weight distribution inherent in all BMWs is still to the fore while an advanced rear-wheel-drive chassis and award winning engines now offer higher power and increased efficiency.

The 5 Series has become the archetypical sport saloon and this latest offering not only offers the driver more value but improves on its previous incarnation's residual values.

The 5 Series wheelbase is now the longest in its class at 2,968 millimetres while the newcomer is 58mm longer than its predecessor.

With its long wheelbase and short overhangs, long bonnet, athletic body and a coupe-like, sleek roofline, this model is distinctively a 5-Series, designed and built to ensure the sixth generation retains the legacy created by the first five.

The standard spec now includes Dakota leather upholstery, which was previously an option in the outgoing range.

Also on board is automatic air conditioning with two zone control, rear park distance control along with seven inch control display and iDrive while a raft of intelligent new technology, including park assist automatic parking which alerts drivers to the proximity of solid objects, integral active steering, head-up display, plus night vision with pedestrian recognition.

In addition, the German car giant is the first to feature auto start-stop, eight-speed automatic transmission and a double wishbone front suspension in a car of this ilk.

The beautifully laid out interior has also been well thought through and a number of striking features such as amazingly clear analogue dials and the clever way that the centre console has been inclined towards the driver are other big plus points.

On the road the 5-Series drives beautifully, responding sharply to the electric steering while rear wheel drive delivers a solidly secure feeling through twisty sections and, with engine and road noise kept to a minimum, this BMW proved to be an overall superbly refined motor.

It is all you would expect from a manufacturer which for 2012 has just achieved its best ever sales result and remains the UK's number one premium car company.