REVVING IT UP: BMW 520d performs well and is very driveable in city traffic

With more than 50 percent market share, the BMW 5 Series is currently the largest-selling car in it’s segment in India. It’s impeccable road manners, high quality and relative exclusivity have seen buyers flocking to BMW showrooms despite Mercedes’ established presence. Now, to take the game further, BMW has launched a cheaper version of the 5 Series. The 520d comes with a 2.0-litre diesel motor and is now the cheapest car in its class. Have we got your attention?

How good is the new BMW 520d? The engine is a turbo-charged, 4-cylinder motor displacing 1995cc, similar to the one in the 320d. With 177 bhp and 35.67kgm, the performance is surprisingly good. It’s responsive too, making the car very driveable in city traffic. Throttle response is almost instantaneous and you won’t be left wanting for more power in most situations. Also, it cruises comfortably on the highway but this diesel’s forte is its petrol motor-like top-end.

Unlike most other diesels, this one doesn’t mind being revved — a true BMW. Maximum torque comes from 1750-3000rpm, and since this is where you’re most of the time, overtaking is not tough either, the six-speed auto downshifting quickly when you floor the throttle. The well-matched gear ratios also help disguise this car’s displacement deficit. Of course, it’s no match for the 530d’s far more potent 3.0-litre engine, but it does the job nicely.

If you only occasionally take the wheel, this engine will suffice. But when you’re in the backseat, refinement and comfort will be priority, and here the 520d falls short. The engine is quite refined, but it can’t compare to the smooth six-cylinder motor of the 530d. It’s more audible at idle and also vibrates a tad more.

There’s hardly any change in the interiors of the new 5 — the beige colour and superb quality remain. Material quality, design and craftsmanship are simply fantastic. The dashboard is uncluttered, many functions being housed in the car’s iDrive system (iDrive is a computer-like system, used to control most secondary vehicle systems in many current BMW cars).

This 5 retains all the qualities that we have come to love and expect from BMWs. For starters, it handles like a dream. With weight evenly distributed over the four wheels, the car turns into corners with enthusiasm and confidence. Also, there’s loads of grip and the pin-sharp steering gives you accurate feedback on how much you can push the car. And unlike the 3 Series’ steering, the 5’s steering is lighter, so parking it takes much less effort.

Yes, the ride is a bit firm — the trade-off for that brilliant handling — but it improves as you go faster. Though it doesn’t have the hard-edged ride of the 3 Series, there is still an underlying firmness and you’re never isolated from the road.

With sufficient power and low asking price, the 520d makes a strong case for itself. At Rs 43.23 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) it costs just Rs 7 lakh more than a 320d Highline, making sense to stretch the budget a little and go for the bigger and better car.

spec check

BMW 520d

• Price: Rs.43.23 lakh
• Length: 4841 mm
• Width: 1468 mm
• Height: 1846 mm
• Wheelbase: 2888 mm
• Kerb Weight: 1520 kg
• Engine: 4 cyls in-line, 1995 cc,
• turbo diesel
  
• Installation: Front,
• longitudinal, rear-wheel drive
  
• Power: 177 bhp at 4000 rpm
• Torque: 35.67 kgm at 1750-
• 3000 rpm
  
• Suspension: (Front)
• Independent, spring strut, antiroll bar. (Rear) Independent, four-link, anti-roll bar
  
• Gearbox: 6-speed auto
• Fuel Tank: 70 litres
• Tyre size: 225/50 R17