Midrand, Gauteng - BMW's 520d has gained a new-generation turbodiesel engine that makes a bit more power and uses less fuel.
Now available in South Africa, the upgraded 520d gains 5kW and 20Nm to bring the tally to 140kW at 4000rpm and a meaty 400Nm of twist between 1750 and 2500rpm, while an updated eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard.
Against the clock this model gains 0.2 seconds from 0-100km/h, with a claimed sprint time of 7.7 seconds, while fuel efficiency improves to the tune of 0.4 litres per 100km. In fact, if we go by the official laboratory figures, the 520d - consuming between 4.1 and 4.5 l/100km depending on what tyres are fitted - is the most efficient car in its league; Audi's A6 2.0 TDI sips 5.0 l/100km and Merc's E250 CDI claims 4.8-5.2.
The 520d's consumption figure translates into a tree-hugger-muting CO2 emissions figure between 109g/km and 119g/km.
This 520d's diesel engine is derived from BMW's new modular engine family and it features an aluminium crankcase with thermally-joined cylinder liners, integrated balancer shafts and a latest-generation common-rail direct injection system that allows an injection pressure of up to 2000 bar.
The variable geometry turbocharger has also become better at its boosting job thanks to a need-based exhaust gas recirculation system and new roller bearing.
We're awaiting confirmation of the new 520d's price, but it shouldn't stray too far from the previous model's R624 500 tag.