If you’re looking for a rear wheel German drive luxury sedan, budget won’t exactly be your top priority. However, we know now that India is a price sensitive market and if one spends half a crore on a car, one would want maximum thrill at minimum cost which is exactly that we would demand.
Which brings us to the 520d, which is the cheapest 5 series with the goodness of a diesel. The current 5 series comes with a 2.0 litre engine which is a bit of a letdown, however when you slip into the driver’s seat you won’t be spoilt by the power but won’t be disappointed either. It produces 184 BHP of power and cruising at 160-180 kmph is great!
The handling is one the best features of the 520d. It bends around the corners like a boomerang half way. Slot it into the sports mode and the throttle response is sharper and its fun to drive.
The interiors are most similar to the high end variants. The cockpit holds you snug and all the switches are in easy reach. The materials are top notch as expected and the use of wood, leather and aluminum is done efficiently. The only thing we don’t like here is the single CD player.
The 8 speed automatic transition can either be left in auto or shifted to manual. The manual shifting is assisted with the gear lever while the top line 3.0 litre petrol and diesel engines get paddle shifts only. The car is lower, longer and curvier than the previous edition and is turns heads everywhere!
However if you’re in search of a 5 series then here is your ideal buy. The ride quality and interior is great and BMW can be trusted upon. The cars gives a decent mileage of 10.5 kmpl even after driving in traffic.
More on the 5 Series
The new BMW 5 Series is available in two petrol variants – 535i and 523i and three diesel variants – 530d, 525d and 520d.
The new BMW 5 Series is available in Alpine White as non-metallic paintwork and in the following metallic colours: Space Grey, Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Havanna, Cashmere Silver, Deep Sea Blue, Milano Beige, Imperial Blue Brilliant Effect and Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect.
Dakota leather is the standard upholstery for the new BMW 5 Series and is available in the following colour combinations: Oyster / Black, Black / Black, Vento Beige / Vento Beige, Oyster / Oyster dark and Cinnamon Brown / Black. The following interior trims are available: Fine-wood trim Ash Grain Brown and Fine-wood trim ‘Fine line” anthracite.
BMW 5 Series Brochure and images
