Some of the finest cars on the planet, the 2009 BMW 5-Series have received a middle-year refreshment to the iDrive system. With MSRPs starting at $45,000, the 5-Series is a bit on the pricey side, comparable to a Porsche Boxter, of its competition. However, when it comes to presenting the best overall package available on four wheels, these cars (and wagons) are almost unbeatable.

If there is a down side to the 5-Series by BMW for 2009, it would be that, even with the new modifications, the iDrive system still makes mundane tasks unnecessarily complicated. But that's where the down side comes to an abrupt halt. Every other consideration is very pleasing indeed. The engines offered are strong and fluent. The interior cabin spaces are quiet and luxurious. Handling is superb and as always, resale values are soaring.

Even on the base model 528i, performance standards are surprisingly adequate. Of course, for those who are seeking more thrills, an upgrade to either the 535i or the top-of-line 550i may be in order. The 528i offers fuel economy ratings of 18/27 mpg city/highway while the 535i delivers a similar 17/26. Slightly different, the 535i xDrive wagon yields16/24 mpg city/highway with a combined rating of 18 mpg. The more powerful 550i takes you 15/23 mpg city/highway with a combined 18 as well.

The BMW 5-Series lineup scored fairly well, but not perfect, in crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The NHTSA awarded a perfect five stars for passenger frontal crashes as well as for both front and rear crashes to the side. However, frontal driver-side tests only earned 3 of 5 possible stars. As for the IIHS, the best score of "Good" was awarded for both sides in the frontal tests, but only a "Marginal" rating was awarded for side impact tests. Go figure.

Speaking of keeping you safe, the 2009 5-Series offers standard safety equipment including electronic stability control, frontal-side airbags, both front and back curtain bags, beefy anti-locking disc brakes, hill starting assistance, hill descending control, tire pressure monitoring and more. And of course, there is an impressive list of optional safety features as well.

The BMW 5-Series lineup is filled with excellently-crafted vehicles. All materials are of optimal quality, soft to the touch and very well integrated. As is the BMW standard, cabin noise from the exterior is almost nonexistent. Riding inside is super quiet and very smooth. Every element seems to be just the correct size for optimal enjoyment. Each occupant has been allotted the space necessary to stay in their own worlds, yet not so much that they feel isolated from the pack.

All engines offered are excellent. The base 528i arrives with a 3.0L 230hp 200 lb-ft I6. The 535i features a 3.0L 300hp 300 lb-ft twin-turbo I6 and the 550i receives a 4.8L 360hp 360 lb-ft V8. All sedan models are rear wheel driven by standard design. However, the 528i and 535i are able to be ordered with AWD. All engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a 6-speed automatic offered optionally.

In summary, the 2009 BMW 5-Series lineup features some of the best cars on the roads anywhere. A bit pricey with an iDrive system that takes a good bit of learning, these cruising machines more than make up for their very limited shortcomings.