The BMW 520i returns with added power

BMW Group Malaysia started the New Year with a revamp of its 5 Series range with new four-cylinder engines introduced to the line-up replacing the company’s hallmark straight six-pots.

The diesel-powered 520d has received some minor updates, but the biggest talking point is undoubtedly the 520i’s return to the line-up since its discontinuation with the E60. It replaces the 523i, and is pleasingly priced a full RM25k cheaper.

From the 2.5-litre straight six that powered the 523i, the new 520i is 20 horses down, but that is about the only deficit you will need to live with.

Torque is up 20Nm, and available over a wider range of courtesy of BMW’s Efficient-Dynamics programme played their part as well. Items under this umbrella include electric power steering, Brake Energy Regeneration, and Auto Start/Stop. Further helping the driver to save fuel is the ‘Eco Pro’ mode accessed from the Driving Experience Control switch.

The Driving Experience Control switch replaces the previous Dynamic Driving Control switch, and while they look exactly the same, BMW has made some adjustments.

Apart from the abovementioned ‘Eco Pro’ mode, drivers can also choose from ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Sport+’, with the car’s electronics then altering its throttle, transmission, steering, and suspension settings accordingly.

We tested the 520i in Spain last year, and although our test cars were touring/wagon variants, they gave useful indicators on what to expect with our cars here.

Your first question will undoubtedly be whether the 2.0-litre engine is good enough to drive a car as big as the 5 Series, and the answer is yes.

In fact, it felt sprightlier than the 2.5-litre 523i, although the six-cylinder motor makes far more pleasant noises. There was also notable improvement in terms of vehicle dynamics.

What was particularly impressive is how our test car gave us a near magic carpet ride on the Spanish cobblestone surfaces while still showing no compromises to the sweet handling that has been the 5 Series’ hallmark.

Quite simply, our test cars in Spain had a ride quality that was far superior to the older six-cylinder units that we’ve tested here.

With the 520i, BMW now has a strong en trant in the midsized luxury segment. Now with four-cylinder power and a more attractive price tag, the 5 Series looks to tap into the prevailing buyer tastes in our market preferring small engine capacities but not compromising on luxuries.