BMW set to launch 520d in November

Any car wearing the BMW badge in Australia must maintain a level of driving enjoyment that fits the brand's reputation.

That's the dictum from BMW Group Australia -- and that also applies to the clean and lean models.

Welcome then, the new 520d, which has snatched the mantle of 5 Series price leader from relative newcomer, the 523i.

Price for the new turbodiesel variant is $79,900 -- a full $5000 less than the 523i -- but the level of trim is aligned with the 523i and performance is a step beyond the petrol model's.

Fitted with the same engine as the 120d, 320d and recently released X3 diesel (more here), the 520d has made the grade for the Australian market by mustering enough torque (340Nm) to drive an auto box and propel the 1520kg car to 100km/h from a standing start in 8.6 seconds. Top speed is 223km/h -- a fairly breath-taking figure for any two-litre car, let alone a big diesel sedan.

As a further bonus, the fuel consumption is as low as 6.1lt/100km in the combined cycle, per ADR 81/01 testing. According to BMW, that figure drops to just 5.0lt/100km on the open road and even around town, the 520d returns a figure as low as 8.1lt/100km.

Being environmentally friendly isn't just about low fuel consumption. The 520d produces just 162 g/km of CO2 -- roughly 10 per cent less than the 523i -- and is 95 per cent recyclable.

Standard features for the 520d include ABS, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control Plus Traction), eight airbags, alloy wheels, leather trim, 6.5-inch colour monitor, satellite navigation, Bluetooth capability, in-dash CD player and CD changer in the glove box, USB/audio interface, dual-zone climate control, electro-chromatic mirror, multi-function leather steering wheel, on-board computer with external temperature display and electric adjustment for front-seat backrest.

In addition to these features, the 520d can be optioned with BMW's 'Professional pack' for a relative pittance, $2500.

According to BMW PR & Corporate Communications Manager, Toni Andreevski, a substantial majority of 520d buyers are expected to opt for the Professional pack.

"About 75 per cent will upgrade to the Professional Pack. It makes sense...because from a resale value point of view, you don't want to leave your car (standard) and it's not an exorbitant price.

"For the $2500, you're getting a TV function, voice activated controls and a few other bits and pieces -- so that alone is worth $2500 and it's a more enjoyable experience."

Commenting on the sales outlook for the 520d, Andreevski said that the company hadn't set an exact forecast, but was hoping for a number between 100 and 200 cars over twelve months.

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