The sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series was recently given a refresh in a bid to keep it at the top of its game.
Riding on the oil burning wave as well as to provide consumers with more choices to suit their needs, BMW Asia has introduced the diesel variant of its popular executive saloon along with its younger brethren, the 3 Series.
Up close and Personal
Exterior styling changes for the updated 5 Series range include a new front bumper and a subtly-revised grille, along with a number of small accents and highlights at both ends. Integrated indicators are also now featured in the side mirrors on all models.
Xenon headlights are now standard across the range, with new LED elements to the taillights. BMW's engineers have also fiddled with the underside of the car and exterior bodywork to improve aerodynamics and efficiency.
The BMW 5 Series' vast exterior dimensions make for - unsurprisingly - an extremely roomy interior with plenty of head and legroom for occupants.
Around the cabin, you'll find plenty of useful storage space that includes large door bins and a decent-sized cubby beneath the armrest.
Otherwise, there's hardly any difference between the 5 Series Diesel that you see here and the regular model.
And it does make sense because considering the fact that the 5er has always been extremely comfortable to start with, and has a high level of fit, finish as well as space - there was little point in changing a successful recipe.
The Drive
Although it has the same horsepower as the 520i, there's less overall surge across the rev range. But you'll only miss the extra power if you've just stepped out of maybe a 528i.
The 520d certainly doesn't feel overly lethargic. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit under the hood puts out 184bhp and a generous 380Nm of torque, allowing the car to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
In the refinement department, the oil burning power plant may not be as polished as its petrol half but that's a small quibble, considering that cabin insulation is nothing short of excellent.
Nonetheless, the 520d is designed to achieve EfficientDynamics parameters with better fuel efficiency and lesser CO2 emissions. And though we only managed 12.5km/L, far from the 20.4km/L as claimed, these are fantastic results from a big executive saloon and better than what its petrol brethren can offer.
Meanwhile, the 5 Series' excellent dynamics are also preserved and the car exhibits agility that belies its size and inspires confidence.
Although it has the same horsepower as the 520i, there's less overall surge across the rev range. But you'll only miss the extra power if you've just stepped out of maybe a 528i.
The 520d certainly doesn't feel overly lethargic. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit under the hood puts out 184bhp and a generous 380Nm of torque, allowing the car to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
In the refinement department, the oil burning power plant may not be as polished as its petrol half but that's a small quibble, considering that cabin insulation is nothing short of excellent.
Nonetheless, the 520d is designed to achieve EfficientDynamics parameters with better fuel efficiency and lesser CO2 emissions. And though we only managed 12.5km/L, far from the 20.4km/L as claimed, these are fantastic results from a big executive saloon and better than what its petrol brethren can offer.
Meanwhile, the 5 Series' excellent dynamics are also preserved and the car exhibits agility that belies its size and inspires confidence.
Handling is also superb with a responsive steering and a precise action that encourages you to make the most out of the well-sorted chassis.
The engineers at BMW have also done a good job in setting up the suspension of the 5 Series to soak up imperfections on the road to a great degree, allowing the car to glide over bumps rather than crash over them.
Conclusion
With the 520d bearing a splitting image of its petrol twin and even sharing the same price ($262,800 as of 22nd March 2014) as well as equipment list, we're pretty sure differences between the two will only start to appear in the long run when visits to the pumps don't happen that often.
And that alone is a strong enough case for you to make a sensible decision.
