BMW 5 Series 520d sedan

Volkswagen for one has built much of its recent growth on efficient diesel powerplants and BMW is looking to join the party. Using the same all alloy 2.0-litre diesel engine used in the X3 2.0d Sport Activity Vehicle, BMW quietly introduced the 520d in December. The engine complements the 530d six-cylinder engine. The new 520d's high torque, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine boasts powerful and spirited performance along with low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. With its second generation common rail fuel injection and variable geometry turbocharger, the 520d engine produces 125 kW at 4,000 rpm, as well as 340 Nm of torque that is available from as low as 1,750 rpm to provide impressive pulling power. Equipped as standard with BMW's six-speed automatic transmission and capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, the new 520d is endowed with the sporting all round performance that is central to the BMW philosophy.Yet, with a fuel consumption of 6.1 litres/100 km on the combined cycle, the 520d offers small car fuel consumption.

This frugality is augmented by low exhaust emissions, with the CO2 output of just 162 g/km made possible with the combination of advanced BMW engine management and the standard exhaust system particle filter. Accompanying the efficiency and on road dynamics of the new BMW 520d are the high levels of luxury and passenger comfort that have made the 5 Series an outstanding worldwide success. As well as advanced BMW safety technology that includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control Plus Traction) and eight airbags, the 520d is equipped with 16-inch star spoke alloy wheels, high-gloss wood interior trim in Bamboo grain, Poplar brown or Poplar light, Dakota leather upholstery, Control Display with 6.5" colour monitor and Radio Navigation, Bluetooth preparation, BMW Professional radio with in-dash CD player and CD changer in the glove box, USB/Audio interface, dual automatic climate control, automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, multi-function leather steering wheel, on board computer with outside temperature display and controller on centre console, and power adjustment for front-seat backrest angle and height.

The new BMW 520d automatic is priced from $79,900.

Specifications: BMW 5 Series 520d sedan
Engine type: Inline 4-cylinder
Capacity: 1995cc
Bore & Stroke: 84 x 90mm
Compression ratio: 16:1
Fuel: Diesel
Max power: 125kW @ 4000 rpm
Max. Torque: 340Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm

Chassis & Suspension:
Front: Double joint tie bar spring strut axle, aluminium
Rear: Integral-IV multi-arm axle, aluminium, multi-dimensional suspension with anti-squat and anti-dive
Brakes: front & rear - Single piston swing calliper disc brakes
Driving stability systems: ABS, DBC, DSC with ASC+T, CBC
Steering: Rack and pinion servotronic steering
Gearbox: Six speed automatic transmission with steptronic
Final drive: 3.230
Tyres: front & rear - 225/55 R16 95V
Rims: front & rear - 7J x 16 light alloy

Performance:
Power to weight: 12.2 kg/kW
Output per litre: 62.7
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 8.1sec
Top speed: 2232 km/h

Fuel consumption:
Urban/city cycle: 8.1 l/100km
Highway: 5.0 l/100km
Combined: 6.1 l/100km
Range: 1150 km

Price: From $79,900