BMW 520i an underrated overachiever

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Latest 520i is powered by an efficient turbo two-litre that replaces the old 2.5 six-cylinder.

I remember a BMW bigshot telling me some years back that the Bavarian firm would “never” use turbocharged petrol engines in its cars.

We all know how that turned out. Today most petrol engines in Beemer’s model line-up are turbos, and normally-aspirated versions are becoming an increasingly endangered species. So-called purists may lament this but there’s no arguing the benefits of smaller, turbocharged engines in reducing fuel consumption and C02 emissions while at the same time improving performance - particularly at high altitude.

Initially these performance-boosting exhaust turbines were used in high performers such as the six-cylinder 335i and the new eight-cylinder M5, but now BMW’s fully in love with the technology and it’s filtering down into more bread-and-butter sedans such as the 520i.

This car replaces the old 523i as the entry-level 5 Series.

Out goes the old 2.5-litre normally-aspirated six-cylinder engine and in goes a four-cylinder single turbo two-litre with 135kW and 270Nm on board.

Offering slightly less power but a lot more torque than the old 140kW/230Nm straight-six, the new 520i’s advantages are better fuel efficiency, and performance that’s not affected by altitude variations. By all accounts the 520i badge is pretty feeble-sounding and I’m sure that some status-conscious owners will have it removed from the bootlid, but in reality the car over-delivers on the expectations of that modest moniker.

Whether commuting or cruising the 520i doesnt leave you with any unsatisfied power cravings.

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It’s no sports sedan, but whether commuting or cruising the 520i doesn’t leave you with any unsatisfied power cravings. Apart from a touch of turbo lag on initial pulloff, the engine pulls with reasonably eager gusto. It cruises with little sweat (at up to 226km/h if you wish to risk the traffic department’s money traps) and has satisfactory overtaking punch, while BMW quotes a useful 7.9 second 0-100km/h time - quicker than the outgoing 523i even at sea level.

SOPHISTICATED SILENCE

The eight-speed Steptronic auto deserves a special mention for having gearshifts that are smooth and on cue, without any annoying “hunting” effect.

The 520i’s sophisticated silence is the typical 5 Series fare, except when you rev it harder you can hear it’s a four cylinder throbbing under that bonnet instead of a silky six.

Inside that sound-deadened cocoon the passenger quarters are as lush as any more-expensive Five, and the 520i has the premium, expensive feel commensurate with its R487 493 pricetag. Gadgets and safety features are generally plentiful in the leather-lined cabin, and there’s a huge laundry list of extra-cost options to add if you have deep pockets.

JITTERY RIDE

Cockpit is furnished with typically premium 5 Series flair.

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The fancier of these include Active Cruise Control which automatically maintains a safe following distance to minimise the risk of bumper bashings; and Night Vision which “sees” further in the dark than the naked eye can.

What spoilt the party for me slightly was the car’s rather jittery ride on rougher roads, due to our test vehicle being equipped with an optional M Sport package comprising sports suspension and super low-profile 19” tyres. I’m not sure such a sporty setup makes sense in an understated car such as the 520i, but there it is, yours for an extra 51 grand if you want it.

IDLE STOP

Along with their recent engine upgrades, all 5 Series models now get a fuel-saving idle stop function as standard, and the Driving Experience Control - which affects things such as throttle sensitivity, gearchange, steering and stability control settings - gets a new Eco Pro driving mode. A new ultra-economy setting added to the existing Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes, Eco Pro also shows you how many extra kilometres per tank you’re achieving via a display in the instrument panel.

We averaged 9.5 litres per 100km in a town/freeway combination which is impressively economical for a heavyweight such as this. The Five Series isn’t one of those cars that shrinks around you. Though it holds the road with typical BMW finesse you’re always aware of its considerable size and bulk, particularly with all the bleeping from the parking aid when you’re squeezing it into a parking bay.

VERDICT

It may lack the power of its more expensive stablemates but the BMW 520i still feels like a true-blue Five Series rather than an undernourished “lite” version. Its prosaic badge won’t rate well with status snobs, but this underrated and under-the-radar car delivers all the comfort expected of an executive sedan, combined with good fuel economy and more than acceptable pace. - Star Motoring

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