BEST HYBRID BMW 5 SERIES - BEST SALOON VOLKSWAGEN ID 7

When BMW introduced a 545e version of the previous-generation 5 Series, it was a real 'have your cake, eat it and lose weight' kind of car: a plug-in hybrid that ticked all the sensible company car boxes while also a decent sports saloon with a wonderful straight-six engine.

Now that the 5 Series has entered a new generation, BMW has naturally repeated the trick. Compared with its predecessor, the 550e has more power and more electric-only range, and it retains a pliant ride and a good dose of dynamism.

There are other PHEV saloons and there are other PHEVs with six-cylinder engines, but none that offer it all at once, let alone execute the formula so well.

The 'G60' 5 Series hasn't had the easiest time here at Autocar, having been launched in pureelectric i5 form. But as is probably not entirely surprising from a company whose name translates as Bavarian Engine Factories, it all comes together when you add an engine. BMW's B58 petrol straight six is not only very versatile (appearing in everything from the 5 Series to the Ineos Grenadier to the Morgan Plus Six), but its smooth, willing and sonorous character transforms a very competent PHEV into a truly compelling one.