BRILLIANCE OF BMW 5 WILL BLOW YOUR MIND.

Byline: Maxine Ashford

IF it's an edge-of-the-seat, hold-onto-your-hat type of ride you're striving for, then book yourself a test drive in a BMW 5-Series... and do it soon.

From the moment you settle into the body-hugging driver's seat and check out your new leather surroundings brimming with shiny technology, you just know it is going to be something special.

Then with the turn of a key, the M Sport Beamer bursts into life and just the gentlest of pressure on the accelerator gives a glimpse of just how much power is at your disposal.

With a top speed that few of us will reach of 154mph and blistering acceleration, the 5-Series 530d M Sport is certainly not a car for the faint hearted.

But it is a beautifully designed vehicle guaranteed to stand out in a crowded car park and also likely to drive your neighbours slightly crazy with its throaty engine roar.

Packed with top-of-the-range technology, outstanding performance capabilities and class-leading safety features, this Beamer is certainly not cheap, but with every sharp corner or high speed manoeuvre that you throw its way, the undeniable value for money becomes very apparent. .

Despite being very capable of a fabulous drive in and around town with all- round visibility, it's out on the road where the Beamer springs life. No bend is too sharp and the available boost of power is exhilarating - although I have to at times the sheer strength and can be deceiving due to the ride, so it's well worth checking speed at regular intervals.

The Beamer comes very well equipped classy features such as automatic conditioning, courtesy lights, electronic headlight range control, iDrive with shortcut buttons, an onboard computer and excellent audio Safety is also high on the agenda and includes six airbags, anti- whiplash front head restraints, automatic headlights, dynamic control, auto- dimming rearview mirror, rain sensor, run- flat tyres a puncture warning system and an incorrect fuel protection system for those dizzy moments.

But for me the feature that stands out anything else is the mind-blowing performance and handling - unforgettable..

MODEL: BMW 530d M Sport n PRICE: pounds 38,160 n MECHANICAL: 235bhp, 2,993cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox n MAX SPEED: 155mph; 0-62mph: 6.8 seconds FAST FACTS

COMBINED MPG: 44.1 INSURANCE GROUP: 18 CO2 EMISSIONS: 170g/km COMPANY CAR TAX RATING: 19 per cent WARRANTY: 3yrs/unlimited mileage