BMW 5 Series 520i Launch Edition Review
14 Dec 2023|61,824 views
What We Like
Overall design is stylish and easy to like
Smooth and comfortable ride with plush damping
Excellent interior with just the right amount of flashiness
BMW Operating System 8.5 looks amazing and is intuitive to use
Sufficient power for everyday driving
What We Dislike
Disproportionate body profile - rear is too short while front is a tad long
Aircon vents are finicky and difficult to adjust
Steering is light on feedback
While I still prefer cars from the 90s that were drawn with simpler lines, I have pretty much accepted the fact that car designs will never stop evolving. As such, I am generally receptive when manufacturers update their design language.
Hence, what totally caught me off-guard wasn't the exterior of the new 5 Series. Instead, it was the drive and ride that the new 520i offered. My perception of the BMW 5 Series has always been skewed towards the sporty side - a joyride in an M5 years ago, and the number of modified 5 Series that I often see on the roads ensured this. But with the new 520i, I was introduced to a newfound world of cushy comfort instead…
New proportions make for an all new look
There's a pattern that I've started to notice - BMW's recent designs are polarising. When I showed my friends the M2, many didn't like the boxy bulges on the bumpers. You can also ask anyone for an opinion on the large front grilles of the M3, M4, iX and the new 7 Series, and you'll likely receive a barrage of disapproving comments.
Iconic Glow grilles are standard equipment here - couple it with the Titanium Bronze elements that come with the Launch Edition and you have a recipe for flamboyance
With the 5 Series, the designers have kept the grille reasonably sized, which will appease the majority of naysayers, but they have another trick up their sleeves - flamboyance is assured with the Iconic Glow illumination offered as standard in Singapore. As if that isn't swanky enough, the Launch Edition 520i receives exclusive Titanium Bronze elements on the grille, as well as a multitude of trim pieces in the same shade on the inside and outside to make it truly special.
Ever since spy shots of the new 5 series broke cover, much has been said about the rear. Some found the slim taillights with pointed ends toward the centre reminiscent of the Volkswagen Jetta and Skoda Octavia, while others simply didn't like how big the rear seems to have grown.
Interestingly, I found the rear of the new 5 series to be sleek and cleanly designed (I am also a fan of the new 7 Series' rear that this is clearly inspired by); my only gripe with the car is its side profile. The long and tall front end appears disproportionate against the short boot area. And this isn't just an aesthetic preference - the front end made it difficult to gauge the extent of the car's body when behind the wheel, affecting the driving experience.
Larger, cushier and a little more difficult to manoeuvre
The new 5 Series is longer, wider and taller than before. In fact, it is now over five metres long, which makes it almost as long as the short wheelbase version of previous generation (G11) 7 Series. The growth in size, coupled with a long and tall front-end, means the 5 Series isn't the easiest car to manoeuvre through tight spaces such as multi-storey carparks.
However, once you have gotten used to its size, the 520i offers a calm and comfortable driving experience. The steering is sharp and responsive, and yet it is much lighter and isolated than what I had expected. If this isn't already an indication of the 520i's inclination towards comfort, it's plush damping will convince you. Unlike the i5, the 520i doesn't have rear air spring suspensions, and yet it still manages to offer an amazing ride quality with bumps in the road soaked up without fuss.
That said, some dynamism has been traded off to result in the cushier ride as the car felt a little lethargic in sporty driving - something that the M Sport suspension can probably reverse if that's what you desire.
187bhp and 310Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbocharged mild hybrid engine offers sufficient power for most occasions
While 187bhp and 310Nm of torque don't sound like plenty in today's context, there is enough power for the 520i to cruise along effortlessly - mind you, it will still complete the century sprint in just 8.1 seconds. Should you wish for more oomph, putting the car into Sport mode will instruct it to hold the gears longer, allowing the engine to rev higher to keep it in the powerband for maximum acceleration.
But you probably won't use much of the Sport mode if you are like me - I found myself spending more time to enjoy the creature comforts that the car offers instead of white-knuckled driving.
A well-appointed interior for a luxurious experience
Although the exterior design isn't something that everyone agrees with, I'm inclined to think that most will be receptive to the 5 Series' interior.
Like the 7 Series, the new 5 Series gets a large Curved Display, the backlit Interaction bar, and the concealed air vents with rather finicky adjustment knobs
At first glance, you'll notice the vast similarity to the 7 Series. The large Curved Display that houses the 12.3-inch digital cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen display, the backlit Interaction Bar with its crystalline surface texture, and the concealed air vents all look like they have been lifted right from the 7 Series' interior. I find this to be an excellent decision for the most part as it resulted in a spectacular cabin; my only gripe are the concealed air vents - while pretty to look at, adjusting them with the separate knobs is simply too finicky when on the move.
The crystalline texture of the Interaction Bar continues across the dashboard to the front doors, serving as ambient lighting that comes with colours determined by the drive mode you are in
What I do enjoy is the Interaction Bar and the ambient lighting throughout the front half of the interior. With the crystalline texture, BMW has managed to create an interior lighting element that, while attractive, isn't too ostentatious like its competitor's - each drive mode also has its unique ambient colours.
The materials used within the cabin, including the Veganza vegan leather, as well as the fit and finish of all components are top notch. For the Launch Edition, the dashboard also gets a unique and classy edition-exclusive fine-wood trim with Silver Bronze inlay that is reminiscent of the Japanese Kintsugi art style. These elements all come together to create a luxuriously crafted experience for anyone who gets inside the 520i Launch Edition.
Whether you are using Android Auto, or looking at the high-definition feed from one of the many cameras, the quick access bar on the bottom of the screen allows easy navigation through BMW's Operating System 8.5
On the tech side of things, BMW's Operating System 8.5 adds on to the user experience with an intuitive interface. With wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, smartphone connectivity is a breeze. However, what's impressive is the ability to quickly jump from the respective smartphone functions back to the main menu, or the climate control page with a quick touch on the soft buttons that are permanently on at the bottom of the display.
It is everything that you’ll expect from an executive sedan
The 520i offers a composed and comfortable ride along with plenty of creature comforts and interior space thanks to its enlarged proportions. While it is far from the sportiest BMW I've driven, it is exactly what someone looking to buy the 520i would desire. This isn't an M car, nor is it a sporty coupe. It is a spacious executive sedan, and one that will bring you and your family about in absolute comfort and style.
At $380,888, the 520i Launch Edition is a $7,000 premium over the standard model, and limited to 10 units - you'll get exclusive Titanium Bronze trims, kidney grille and 20-inch wheels. If you prefer your 520i to exhibit a little more dynamic flair, you can opt for the M Sport at $381,888.
Considering the high level of refinement and equipment, and what its competitors such as the aging Mercedes-Benz E-Class is asking for, the 5 Series is quite the value proposition.
Enjoyed reading about the BMW 520i Launch Edition? Here are some other recent cars that you should read about:
Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 vs BMW M2 Coupe 3.0, which would you choose?
The Giulia Veloce now has sharper looks and is still fun to drive
What We Like
Overall design is stylish and easy to like
Smooth and comfortable ride with plush damping
Excellent interior with just the right amount of flashiness
BMW Operating System 8.5 looks amazing and is intuitive to use
Sufficient power for everyday driving
What We Dislike
Disproportionate body profile - rear is too short while front is a tad long
Aircon vents are finicky and difficult to adjust
Steering is light on feedback
While I still prefer cars from the 90s that were drawn with simpler lines, I have pretty much accepted the fact that car designs will never stop evolving. As such, I am generally receptive when manufacturers update their design language.
Hence, what totally caught me off-guard wasn't the exterior of the new 5 Series. Instead, it was the drive and ride that the new 520i offered. My perception of the BMW 5 Series has always been skewed towards the sporty side - a joyride in an M5 years ago, and the number of modified 5 Series that I often see on the roads ensured this. But with the new 520i, I was introduced to a newfound world of cushy comfort instead…
New proportions make for an all new look
There's a pattern that I've started to notice - BMW's recent designs are polarising. When I showed my friends the M2, many didn't like the boxy bulges on the bumpers. You can also ask anyone for an opinion on the large front grilles of the M3, M4, iX and the new 7 Series, and you'll likely receive a barrage of disapproving comments.
Iconic Glow grilles are standard equipment here - couple it with the Titanium Bronze elements that come with the Launch Edition and you have a recipe for flamboyance
With the 5 Series, the designers have kept the grille reasonably sized, which will appease the majority of naysayers, but they have another trick up their sleeves - flamboyance is assured with the Iconic Glow illumination offered as standard in Singapore. As if that isn't swanky enough, the Launch Edition 520i receives exclusive Titanium Bronze elements on the grille, as well as a multitude of trim pieces in the same shade on the inside and outside to make it truly special.
Ever since spy shots of the new 5 series broke cover, much has been said about the rear. Some found the slim taillights with pointed ends toward the centre reminiscent of the Volkswagen Jetta and Skoda Octavia, while others simply didn't like how big the rear seems to have grown.
Interestingly, I found the rear of the new 5 series to be sleek and cleanly designed (I am also a fan of the new 7 Series' rear that this is clearly inspired by); my only gripe with the car is its side profile. The long and tall front end appears disproportionate against the short boot area. And this isn't just an aesthetic preference - the front end made it difficult to gauge the extent of the car's body when behind the wheel, affecting the driving experience.
Larger, cushier and a little more difficult to manoeuvre
The new 5 Series is longer, wider and taller than before. In fact, it is now over five metres long, which makes it almost as long as the short wheelbase version of previous generation (G11) 7 Series. The growth in size, coupled with a long and tall front-end, means the 5 Series isn't the easiest car to manoeuvre through tight spaces such as multi-storey carparks.
However, once you have gotten used to its size, the 520i offers a calm and comfortable driving experience. The steering is sharp and responsive, and yet it is much lighter and isolated than what I had expected. If this isn't already an indication of the 520i's inclination towards comfort, it's plush damping will convince you. Unlike the i5, the 520i doesn't have rear air spring suspensions, and yet it still manages to offer an amazing ride quality with bumps in the road soaked up without fuss.
That said, some dynamism has been traded off to result in the cushier ride as the car felt a little lethargic in sporty driving - something that the M Sport suspension can probably reverse if that's what you desire.
187bhp and 310Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbocharged mild hybrid engine offers sufficient power for most occasions
While 187bhp and 310Nm of torque don't sound like plenty in today's context, there is enough power for the 520i to cruise along effortlessly - mind you, it will still complete the century sprint in just 8.1 seconds. Should you wish for more oomph, putting the car into Sport mode will instruct it to hold the gears longer, allowing the engine to rev higher to keep it in the powerband for maximum acceleration.
But you probably won't use much of the Sport mode if you are like me - I found myself spending more time to enjoy the creature comforts that the car offers instead of white-knuckled driving.
A well-appointed interior for a luxurious experience
Although the exterior design isn't something that everyone agrees with, I'm inclined to think that most will be receptive to the 5 Series' interior.
Like the 7 Series, the new 5 Series gets a large Curved Display, the backlit Interaction bar, and the concealed air vents with rather finicky adjustment knobs
At first glance, you'll notice the vast similarity to the 7 Series. The large Curved Display that houses the 12.3-inch digital cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen display, the backlit Interaction Bar with its crystalline surface texture, and the concealed air vents all look like they have been lifted right from the 7 Series' interior. I find this to be an excellent decision for the most part as it resulted in a spectacular cabin; my only gripe are the concealed air vents - while pretty to look at, adjusting them with the separate knobs is simply too finicky when on the move.
The crystalline texture of the Interaction Bar continues across the dashboard to the front doors, serving as ambient lighting that comes with colours determined by the drive mode you are in
What I do enjoy is the Interaction Bar and the ambient lighting throughout the front half of the interior. With the crystalline texture, BMW has managed to create an interior lighting element that, while attractive, isn't too ostentatious like its competitor's - each drive mode also has its unique ambient colours.
The materials used within the cabin, including the Veganza vegan leather, as well as the fit and finish of all components are top notch. For the Launch Edition, the dashboard also gets a unique and classy edition-exclusive fine-wood trim with Silver Bronze inlay that is reminiscent of the Japanese Kintsugi art style. These elements all come together to create a luxuriously crafted experience for anyone who gets inside the 520i Launch Edition.
Whether you are using Android Auto, or looking at the high-definition feed from one of the many cameras, the quick access bar on the bottom of the screen allows easy navigation through BMW's Operating System 8.5
On the tech side of things, BMW's Operating System 8.5 adds on to the user experience with an intuitive interface. With wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, smartphone connectivity is a breeze. However, what's impressive is the ability to quickly jump from the respective smartphone functions back to the main menu, or the climate control page with a quick touch on the soft buttons that are permanently on at the bottom of the display.
It is everything that you’ll expect from an executive sedan
The 520i offers a composed and comfortable ride along with plenty of creature comforts and interior space thanks to its enlarged proportions. While it is far from the sportiest BMW I've driven, it is exactly what someone looking to buy the 520i would desire. This isn't an M car, nor is it a sporty coupe. It is a spacious executive sedan, and one that will bring you and your family about in absolute comfort and style.
At $380,888, the 520i Launch Edition is a $7,000 premium over the standard model, and limited to 10 units - you'll get exclusive Titanium Bronze trims, kidney grille and 20-inch wheels. If you prefer your 520i to exhibit a little more dynamic flair, you can opt for the M Sport at $381,888.
Considering the high level of refinement and equipment, and what its competitors such as the aging Mercedes-Benz E-Class is asking for, the 5 Series is quite the value proposition.
Enjoyed reading about the BMW 520i Launch Edition? Here are some other recent cars that you should read about:
Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 vs BMW M2 Coupe 3.0, which would you choose?
The Giulia Veloce now has sharper looks and is still fun to drive
Also read our comparison article on:
BMW 520i M Sport vs Mercedes-Benz E200 AMG LineÂ
Car Information
BMW 5 Series Sedan Mild Hybrid
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|14.3km/L
Horsepower
139kW (187 bhp)
Torque
310 Nm
Acceleration
8.1sec (0-100km /hr)
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- Exterior
- Drive
- Interior
- Conclusion