You can Beem me up, Scotty

A combination of launches and road tests has meant a little less time behind the wheel of our long- term BMW 520i, which is a pity because it's a vehicle we on the MotorMania team have grown to appreciate.

For me, slipping behind the wheel of this five-star executive cruiser brings with it a sense of familiarity.

While one constantly fiddles about in some vehicles, searching for buttons and switches to carry out the most basic of tasks, the 520i has everything logically and sensibly laid out.

That and the fact that you can have your programmed seating position reinstated at the push of a button... and the extendable lower seat support is an advantage if you are on the tall side.

Although the 520i has a base price of R484500, our test vehicle has certainly been "dressed up" with a long list of optional extras pushing the price up to R628642.

To separate the two, a quick look at what is standard on the vehicle.

It has park distance control (front and back), automatic air-conditioning, rear air-con vents, Bluetooth, USB, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers, automatic locking as you drive off, alarm system, locking wheel bolts and brake energy regeneration.

Optional equipment - which will set you back the price of a small car - includes double-spoke rims with 19-inch tyres, rear-view camera, glass sunroof, sport seats for driver and front passenger, headlamp washer system, Xenon headlights, lane departure warning, park assist, navigation system, anthracite roof lining.

That valued "M" badge on the boot means you also get sports suspension, leather steering, aerodynamic kit, rear spoiler and sport automatic transmission.

So, I guess it depends on how deep your pockets are and how much you want the bells and whistles as to what you add to the standard vehicle.

All vehicles, though, come with a five-year/100000km motor plan and a two-year unlimited mileage warranty.

I've written before about the excellent eight-speed automatic transmission this car comes with and at the risk of sounding like a stuck record, I'll again sing its praises.

I recently read a reports describing this number of gears as "a bit of a gimmick".

Well, in the case of the 520i, if this is a "gimmick" then I'm all for it!

Those seamless gear changes are one of the high points and, I'm sure, contribute to a very reasonable return in the fuel stakes.

That, coupled with the start-stop technology and brake regeneration, means an ever-increasing fuel price will hopefully not leave you flat broke.

We've clocked up just over 10000km with the Beemer and found its versatility and reliability matched by its comfort and functionality - a great combination from a manufacturer that prides itself on excellence.