BMW 520i First Drive

FIRST THOUGHTS: The new, entry-level 520i sees BMW’s 5-Series now start from less than $80k. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is grunty and reasonably frugal, but the ride is a little harsh.

There are still plenty of Australians who think only a big six, or an even bigger bent eight will do. But the times, as Bob Dylan once said, they are a changin’ and small-capacity turbo-diesels and efficient petrol (and turbo petrol) fours are fast becoming the way of the future. And now BMW is hoping to convince premium buyers that large sedans (the 5-Series) can run with a four-cylinder engine (Mercedes-Benz has already done this with the E250). Enter the 520i. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder it makes 135kW and 270Nm, and uses a claimed 6.4L/100km. In terms of pricing, the 520i kicks off the 5-Series range at a competitive $77,900 (although metallic paint adds $2000), and that list price, excluding metallic paint, sees it slip just under Jaguar’s XF 2.2D ($78,900).

What's it like?

BMW has just added two new petrol engines to its range in the form of the 520i and 528i, it’s the four-cylinder toting 520i we’ll be talking about. Under the shapely bonnet of the new entry point for he 5-Series range is a 2.0-litre turbocharged (it’s a single twin-scroll turbo) four-cylinder making 135kW between 5000-6250rpm and 270Nm from just off idle at 1250 through to 4000rpm. This is mated to a clever eight-speed transmission that always seems to have you in the right gear, you’re never, ever left wanting more.

That the 520i is so impressive is down to the gearing, as mentioned, but also because all of the grunt is being delivered, like a diesel, very low in the rev range. This means, the 520i doesn’t have to be revved to get at its best, and that’s great for fuel consumption. In terms of CO2 emissions, the 520i is reasonable pumping out around 149 grams/100km, while acceleration to 100km/h arrives in eight seconds.

The 520i we drove at launch sat on the standard suspension and the entry-level 17-inch alloys and it wasn’t quite as sharp or as comfortable as you’d think it might be. Sure, the smaller wheels and run-flats (with a higher side wall) offer a more cosseting ride than other wheel and run-flat combinations, but there’s still an unnatural firmness to the ride. The steering is nice, direct and consistently weighted, but it could do with a little more feel.

BMW has tried hard to distance itself from the (Chris) Bangle-era designed cars (Google him) and this current car looks more swooping and sleek than its predecessor. Is it better looking? You be the judge. No doubting the quality of the car, though, and it all feels very well screwed together with quality materials used inside and out.

Indeed, so well designed and finished is the 520i that you’d be hard pressed, unless you knew, to pick it as an entry-level model. And while it’s usually easy to take a swipe at the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi for their entry-level models for being a little bare bones, the 520i is surprisingly well equipped. It comes, as standard, with the likes of 17-inch alloys, eight-speed transmission, auto stop/start (which works well - you’ll hardly notice it), sat-nav, front and rear park distance control, cruise control with braking function, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, auto climate control, anti-dazzle mirrors, rain-sensor with auto headlight control, and a through-loading system. Then you can add bits and bobs like adaptive drive which dynamic damper control ($7000), electric seat adjustment ($2700), comfort access system ($2400), and the list goes on and on, and on and on. But, all of this stuff is really just gilding the lilly...

Because, if you’re keen on a 5-Series with more then you need look no further than the 528i, which uses the same four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (making 180kW and 350Nm) and adds more gear. The pricing jumps substantially, though, to $98,200.

VERDICT: All in all, the 520i is a very impressive entry-level model and probably, considering the price and the standard equipment one of the most impressive cars in the BMW line-up. There’s plenty of grunt from the four-cylinder engine and at just 6.4L/100km it’s reasonably efficient. And it’s miles better than its rival at Mercedes-Benz.