BMW’s glorious 5 Series range now has two new four-cylinder variants – the 520i ($77,900) and 528i ($98,200).
The BMW 520i is now the entry-level 5 Series and debuts BMW’s TwinPower turbo 2.0-litre petrol engine driving through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Maximum power is 135kW at 5250rpm and peak torque of 270Nm is available from 1250 – 4000rpm. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h is rated at 8.0 seconds, combined cycle fuel economy is listed at 6.4l/100kms and exhaust C02 emissions are impressively low at 149g/km.
Significantly, with fuel consumption well below the 7.1l/100kms threshold, the BMW 520i is exempt from luxury car tax.
A similar benefit with the new BMW 528i (powered by a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre, four cylinder) with fuel consumption rated at 6.7l/100kms (14 per cent better than the previous six cylinder 528i). The new BMW 528i delivers 180kW at 5000rpm, peak torque of 350Nm from 1250-4800rpm and covers zero to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds (0.4 seconds faster than the previous six cylinder model).
The new BMW 528i also gains some extra specifications including electric seats and professional navigation with internet functionality.
At the same time, BMW has boosted output of the 535d’s six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine to 230kW, while reducing fuel consumption by eight per cent to 5.6l/100kms.
Prices have also been improved with the BMW 535d stickered at $120,900, the 535i listed at $115,600, the 520d is now $80,700 and the range-topping 550i priced at $179,900 – all gaining extra equipment including BMW’s technically advanced Active Protection system.
