The BMW 5 Series has scooped the title of What Car? 2017 Car of the Year.
The vehicle won the luxury car of the year category and then beat all-comers in the other categories to take the overall title for the best new car introduced in the last 12 months. The awards, now in their 40th year, recognise the best in the motor trade across a range of areas from safety to small cars, readers’ awards to technology.
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The What Car? judges chose the BMW model ahead of new Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz cars in the luxury category before awarding it the ultimate title. The vehicle was praised for its efficiency, handling, technology and the luxurious driving experience it provides.
BMW brand senior vice-president Hildegard Wortmann said: “The BMW 5 Series is a brand-shaping saloon and in times of rapid change within the automotive industry we believe the seventh generation model points the way into the future. It is a truly outstanding car and I am very grateful to What Car? for this great recognition.”
Meanwhile, the Honda Civic Type R took the readers’ award ahead of the Jaguar I-Pace and Lexus LC 500. The safety award was won by the Toyota Prius and the technology category went to the Peugeot 3008.
In the growing SUV sector, Seat Ateca took the Small SUV of the Year prize and the Skoda Kodiaq won Large SUV of the Year.
