BMW Group Asia and Performance Motors Limited have announced the availability of the all new BMW 520i in Singapore. Setting new standards with its elegant appearance and state-of-the-art technology, the seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series exceeds customer expectations to be the ultimate business automobile for today's 'Business Athletes'.
The engine in the 520i belongs to the newly developed, modular BMW EfficientDynamics family of power units. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology imbues all members of the family with outstanding performance combined with exceptional efficiency. The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line engine in the new 520i develops peak torque of 290Nm and maximum output of 181bhp.
Its fuel consumption in the combined cycle comes in at 16km/L, which equates to CO2 emissions of 141g/km. Working in tandem with rear-wheel drive, the 520i accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 235km/h. Rigorous application of the BMW EfficientLightweight design concept, with increased use of aluminium and high-strength steels, reduces the weight of the 520i by up to 100kg, compared its predecessor.
A wealth of assistance systems are on hand in the new 520i to offer the driver unbeatable support - not only at critical moments but also in less demanding situations at the wheel, such as traffic jams, slow-moving traffic and monotonous stretches of motorway. Available as an option is the stereo camera, which teams up with optional radar and ultrasound sensors to monitor the area around the car.
New features in the 520i, alongside the evasion aid and Crossing traffic warning, are the Lane Change Assistant and Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection. The latter keeps an eye on lane markings and the area around the car, and actively helps the driver to avoid looming collisions by applying corrective steering inputs.
The BMW 520i also takes another step towards automated driving with extended functions for the optional Active Cruise Control system and Steering and Lane Control assistant. These include adoption of speed restrictions, which drivers can select as part of the Speed Limit Assist option. Drivers can confirm adoption of a speed restriction and make an adjustment of +/-15km/h in the system settings.
From rest to 210km/h, the car assists the driver with distance keeping, accelerating, braking and lane control. This increases comfort significantly - particularly at low speeds and in slow-moving traffic on clogged up motorway sections. The intelligent Auto Start Stop function now adjusts its responses to the route and traffic conditions and therefore offers even greater driving comfort.
The 520i also offers a compelling proposition in terms of connectivity. Extensive BMW ConnectedDrive features are joined by new services, which lavish business travellers with extra comfort and save them time. This includes the Parking Assistant feature, which detects empty spots and parks the vehicle automatically.
Meanwhile, the optional Remote Parking system allows the 520i to be manoeuvred into even the tightest parking spaces remotely using the car key. Smartphone integration has also been further improved - from Apple CarPlay, which in a first for a carmaker, has been incorporated fully wirelessly to inductive phone charging.
BMW Connected, the personal digital mobility assistant from BMW, has been available in Singapore since October 2016. The next development stage of the system, complete with additional services, is set to be introduced with the new BMW 520i. BMW Connected Onboard gives drivers an overview of their mobility-related information.
Relevant content such as upcoming navigation destinations and estimated arrival time recorded in their personal mobility agenda are transferred seamlessly into the car from their smartphone and displayed onto a personalised screen. The optional Remote 3D View allows drivers to call up 3D views of the area around their car on their smartphone while on the move. And that means they need never lose sight of their car.
Price as of press time (inclusive of COE)
BMW 520i Luxury - $264,800
Package price includes first year road tax, number plates, in-vehicle unit, registration fees, GST and CEVS rebates.
