BMW 5 Series - Changing my 5 Series for a more 'sensible' car - StateOfPlay

I have had a 5 series for 7 years, it's a lovely car and is now 10 years old. I have a chronic health condition which affects my mobility and will need to get a car that is easier to get in and out of. I no longer do a lot of miles (due to the health condition) but do still make a trip to the Dordogne in France for a family holiday each year. I am looking for suggestions for a car that drives as nice as the 5 series, is very spacious and comfortable, and is quiet on the motorways. I am really not sure about getting an SUV, the ones that I think are going to be comfortable will cost a lot to own and are too big. Budget is £25k, do not want an EV but a PHEV would be fine. Any ideas?

BMW 5 Series - Changing my 5 Series for a more 'sensible' car - skidpan

Simple answer. Skoda Superb iv. It's a PHEV and within your budget. Had one for almost 5 years, averaged 70 mpg but after factoring in home charging that drops to nearer 60 mpg.

BMW 5 Series - Changing my 5 Series for a more 'sensible' car - gordonbennet

Traditional saloon car types will all be similar to 5 series for access, but of the saloons my suggestions would be Toyota Camry or a Lexus is300, both hybrids.

Maybe better access and egress found in one of the not that large Toyota/Lexus SUVs, ie Rav4 or Suzuki Across (its a Toyota), Rav4 available as self charging hybrid or PHEV, Suzi Across is i believe PHEV only, alternative Lexus NX300 or RX450.

BMW 5 Series - Changing my 5 Series for a more 'sensible' car - Adampr

I used to have a Skoda Karoq. With the petrol engine, it's a very refined and comfortable car. The interior is pretty nice too, so won't feel too Spartan compared to your BMW.

BMW 5 Series - Changing my 5 Series for a more 'sensible' car - skidpan

Toyota Camry or a Lexus is300

Looked at both the Camry and Lexus ES when we bought the Superb (the ES is 5 series size, the IS was smaller and discontinued in 2021, the Camry was discontinued about the same time). Both were nice but neither could compete with the space or kit the Superb has. Both were saloon whereas the Superb is either hatch or estate. The seating position in both was lower making access more difficult for us.

One issue both had was the plastic seats. Lexus call it Tahara leather, Toyota call it leather, in reality its never been anywhere near a cow. The "genuine" real leather in the Superb is far superior.

Maybe better access and egress found in one of the not that large Toyota/Lexus SUVs

Better access in SUV's is a myth propagated by the press. My wife finds the high seating position impossible to live with even on a test drive.

Look at all the available options, drive them and make your own decision, its you that has to live with the car.

But at least I am speaking from personal experience of the Superb (we have owned 2 for 8 years now with zero issues) unlike many on here who recommend cars they have never driven let alone owned.

BMW 5 Series - Changing my 5 Series for a more 'sensible' car - John F

Can't think of many cars much more sensible, or significantly more comfortable, than a 5 series BMW. Have you got the seat at its highest setting? At a mere 10yrs old it should only be halfway through its life with very little ongoing depreciation.

BMW 5 Series - Changing my 5 Series for a more 'sensible' car - pd

If you like your 5-Series how about a 5-Series GT or X6?

You could get a very nice last of the line 5 Series GT for your budget (in fact probably less than your budget) which actually has more in common with a 7-Series which would give you all the refinement of your 5-Series a bit higher off the ground?

The X6 was effectively its replacement if you want newer.

BMW 5 Series - Changing my 5 Series for a more 'sensible' car - Xileno

I have been down this road about five years ago helping an elderly neighbour. It's fine to take some suggestions but you need to go and try different cars out. SUVs offer a higher seating position which is beneficial to some but can make matters worse for others depending where their stiffness, aches, pains etc. are. I found this link that covers some of the issues - a start anyway.

tinyurl.com/yb8k6rbv

BMW 5 Series - Changing my 5 Series for a more 'sensible' car - StateOfPlay

Thanks to all for your advice, and thanks Xileno for the link to the assistance aids, very useful.

BMW 5 Series - Changing my 5 Series for a more 'sensible' car - Terry W

Recently swapped from a mid size hatch to a Seat Ateca SUV - similar to VW, Skoda and Audi variants. Knees were starting to be a bit of an issue - much better seating position, easy to get in/out, feels spacious inside despite footprint similar to previous car.

Just driven down from Bristol to Malaga, albeit with a few stops. Absolutely no problems - although may not have the "luxury" trimmings of a 5 series. Personally not bothered - would rather trade almost new for older, higher mileage, debatable gizmos.