A revised BMW 5 Series arrived in South Africa earlier this year. While those seeking outright performance will be eying up the M550i xDrive and M5 Competition derivatives, the Bavarian brand also caters for buyers who are looking for an efficient, moderately appointed “5er”… Does the 520d M Sport offer enough performance, luxury, comfort and refinement to justify its price tag? Gero Lilleike tested the Bimmer along the Garden Route.
We like: Better-than-expected performance, refinement, driving comfort, handling ability, fuel efficiency
We don’t like: Pricey when loaded with options
Fast Facts:
- Model tested: BMW 520d M Sport
- List Price: R1 049 696 (As of October 2020)
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel
- Power/Torque: 140 kW / 400 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Fuel efficiency: 5.2 L/100 km (claimed)
- Performance: 0-100 kph in 7.2 sec, top speed: 235 kph
- Load capacity: 530 litres
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What is it?
The latest iteration of the BMW 5 Series is a formidable offering and there’s more to this 520d M Sport than meets the eye.
As a result of an increasing number of luxury-car buyers opting to spend their Rands on high-riding SUVs, the executive sedan segment is under siege. While that won’t be news to many readers, what that means is that the offerings in this beleaguered segment, of which the BMW 5 Series remains one of the finest, need to be supremely packaged… so as to convince those tempted by the ubiquitous SUV that luxury sedans still have a place in the market. When the G30 5 Series arrived on local soil in 2017, it was praised for raising the bar in terms of its superior blend of refinement, comfort and performance.
The middle child of BMW’s conventional sedan line-up, the 5 Series is rivalled by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF (in the main) and, in an effort to keep the “5er” bang-up-to-date, the Munich-based firm introduced an updated iteration, or Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) – as it’s known internally, late in 2020 with mild styling revisions and notable equipment updates.
Some prospective executive sedan buyers may be inclined to consider the more performance-orientated derivatives such as the M550i xDrive or even the mighty M5 Competition! However, for those whose pockets aren’t that deep (most of us), there’s a more sensible derivative that may appeal to buyers who prioritise comfort and efficiency over earth-shattering performance: the BMW 520d M Sport.
Subtle M details lift the visual appeal of the 520d M Sport, the optional 20-inch alloys certainly lend a sporting edge.
It’s quite a looker, wouldn’t you agree? Over and above its standard (slightly lowered) BMW M Sport suspension, this particular 520d M Sport came specified with rather fetching 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels shod with sporty low-profile rubber (a R32 800 option). M-badging and BMW’s high-gloss shadow line imbue the 520d with a stealthier appearance and we think the M Sport treatment lifts the kerb appeal of the otherwise demure sedan appreciably. Even so, with a price tag of R1 049 696 (before options), is the 520d M Sport worthy of your consideration? Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer…
How the BMW 520d M Sport performs in terms of…
Long-distance travelling is what this 520d M Sport does best.
Handling, ride quality and refinement
We put the 520d M Sport through its paces on a 1 000-km-plus return road trip from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay. Right from the outset, the Bimmer impressed us with its effortless cruising ability and, indeed, its performance. While the 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque developed by the 520d’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine might not sound awe-inspiring, the motor well and truly proves itself on the open road.
We were pleasantly surprised by how briskly the 520d M Sport could accelerate up to the national speed limit, but moreover, by how willing (and able) it was to accelerate further when we needed to execute quick overtaking manoeuvres on the highway. The turbodiesel 5 Series hustles along fairly briskly, so much so, that BMW’s claim of 7.2 sec for the zero-to-100 kph sprint even feels a mite conservative.
The 6-speed automatic transmission works unobtrusively for the most part; shifts are not only well-matched to most driving situations but also virtually imperceptible to the driver. Depending on your driving mood, you can choose between Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro drive modes, which are easily accessible via the buttons in the centre console or in the infotainment menu. It’s a pity ‘shift paddles were omitted.
There’s a mode to suit your every driving mood and the 520d M Sport’s average fuel consumption proved impressive.
Not only is the cabin well insulated from road/wind noise, but the powertrain is highly refined – the engine operates particularly quietly, which is commendable for a turbodiesel, yes, even a modern one!
What’s more, the 520d’s ride comfort was a revelation. One would think the M Sport suspension would produce an overly firm ride quality, especially considering that the test unit came equipped with 20-inch rims shod with low-profile rubber — but it didn’t! The 520d M Sport rode comfortably over poorer surfaces and, even when the sportiest setting was engaged, the suspension was reasonably forgiving.
The M Sport suspension did have some help, though. A push of the Adaptive button on the centre console activated the optional adaptive damping (R12 300), which helped to smooth out the ride quality even further. If you are considering any optional extras, perhaps prioritise that one, because the system was particularly useful on the open road… The 520d M Sport was an excellent long-distance cruiser.
Meanwhile, the sedan’s handling characteristics were aided by Integral Active Steering, which improved dynamic performance at higher velocities but also enhanced manoeuvrability at slow speeds. All considered, it’s no surprise that the 520d M Sport felt quite nimble for its size; it proved a driver’s delight in the handling department with a light steering feel that was pleasantly direct and responsive.
Over and above all of those positive traits of the Bavarian executive sedan, the cherry on top was that the 520d M Sport was a frugal runner to boot. BMW claims average fuel consumption of 5.2 L/100 km for this derivative, but even though we indulged in some (very enjoyable) spirited driving during our test, the evaluation unit ultimately indicated a figure of 6.8 L/100 km, which was admirable!
Cabin luxury, comfort & sophistication
The 520d M Sport’s cabin is eminently comfortable and the updated infotainment system is a notable highlight.
The 520d M Sport certainly appears distinguished (even handsome) from the outside, but it really grabs and holds your attention when you step inside its plush cabin. The sports seats (part of the M Sport package) were not only comfortable and sufficiently bolstered, but the Dakota Cognac leather upholstery brought some vibrance to the cabin. We grant, however, that its hue might be an acquired taste.
As you would expect, there is a host of optional features to consider, but pick wisely. Want to have a heated behind? R6 100, please. Do you seek the convenience of electric seat adjustment? Cough up an additional R15 100. Do you like those cute M-striped seat belts? R4 800. Prefer the BMW Individual leather steering wheel? R7 200. Harmon Kardon Surround Sound? R20 400. Do you see what we mean?
Now with Operating System 7 and BMW Maps, infotainment, connectivity and usability are slicker than before.
Moving on, perhaps the most significant update of the 5 Series pertains to its infotainment system. It now runs on BMW’s Operating System 7 and is neatly presented on a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. In addition to supporting over-the-air software updates, it incorporates BMW Maps (a cloud-based navigation system that’s more accurate than before and offers real-time traffic updates). Voice control comes courtesy of BMW’s so-called Intelligent Personal Assistant and while it stops short of delivering a sci-fi-like “ask and you shall receive” user experience, it responds quite well to the most typical commands.
In terms of connectivity, you’ve obviously got Bluetooth at your disposal and for those who absolutely need more, the system is Apple CarPlay AND Android Auto compatible. The infotainment system can be controlled via touch inputs to the screen or using the steering-wheel-mounted controls or the familiar iDrive controller in the centre console. The menu layout is also fairly simple to navigate. Many of the functions from the infotainment system can also be displayed directly on the familiar customisable digital instrument cluster behind the multifunction ‘wheel, which also adds to the Bimmer’s “tech appeal”.
The digital instrument cluster can be configured according to your info preference; the screen’s resolution is crisp and clear.
Furthermore, the optional Driving Assist Professional package (a R44 600 option) includes useful active safety and driver-assist features such as active (adaptive) cruise control with a stop-go function, front-collision warning with pedestrian detection and emergency brake intervention, steering assist, lane control, -keeping and -change assist, lane-departure warning and rear-cross traffic alert. Passive safety features include a total of 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and electronic stability control (DSC) with traction control.
Overall, the fit-and-finish level of the cabin is exactly where you’d expect it to be in a (premium) executive sedan – the facelifted BMW 5 Series’ perceived interior build quality is, in a word, excellent.
Passengers seated in the rear are afforded ample occupant space (not just those of school-going age and/or with short legs), as well a pair of USB-C charging ports to keep devices topped up on those longer journeys. Two cupholders are provided in the central armrest. As far as boot space is concerned, there’s plenty on offer in the 5 Series with BMW claiming a maximum load capacity of 530 litres.
Space for rear passengers is generous in the BMW 520 M Sport.
Price and after-sales support
The base BMW 520d is priced from R987 296, while the 520d M Sport retails for R1 049 696 (before options). Prices include a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
Take the BMW 520d M Sport for a test drive
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Verdict
The BMW 520d M Sport is a great all-rounder, but it’s a pricey proposition when loaded with options.
For what it is (a higher-specced version of the entry-level 5 Series derivative), the BMW 520d M Sport is difficult to fault. Not only does its engine punch above its weight, the entire powertrain is marvellously efficient. More than that though, the high levels of refinement and driving comfort offered by this updated G30-generation 5 Series are, in our opinion, class-leading.
Interior execution is on point for a car in its segment and the infotainment updates will be appreciated by those who want their vehicles to be entirely up to date on tech features, even if just for a while…
We must, however, point out that the BMW 520d M Sport is quite pricey. Even before options, it’s notably more expensive than the equivalent Mercedes-Benz E220d AMG Line (R988 200) and the Audi A6 40TDI sports S Line (R971 500). A quick gander at BMW’s online configurator revealed this test unit was priced at least at R1 250 000 with options loaded (at least those extras that were apparent to us at the time), which can only be a bitter pill to swallow for buyers, especially when you consider there quite a few more powerful and perhaps eye-catching propositions to consider, including (ahem) SUVs…
Nonetheless, quality comes at a price, as they say. If you are looking for a luxurious executive sedan that’s well-balanced in terms of performance and efficiency and care little about massive engine outputs (and ruinous fuel bills), then we recommend that you at least put the BMW 520d M Sport on your shortlist and take it for a test drive. You might just be as pleasantly surprised as we were…
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