2017 BMW 520i arrives in Australia

The BMW 5 Series range has been bolstered by the addition of a new range-opener, with the 520i sedan entering local showrooms bearing a retail price of $92,200.

Priced $1000 more affordable than the previous entry model, the diesel-engined 520d, the 520i makes 135kW and 290Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four and retails for a whopping $16,700 less than the 530i – which uses a higher-output version of the same petrol engine making 185kW/350Nm.

And for the 520i, that engine will provide it with enough power to hit 100km/h in 7.8 seconds and consume an average of 6.2L/100km. An eight-speed automatic is the sole gearbox on offer, with all power going to the rear wheels.

However, “most affordable” doesn’t necessarily mean “stripped out”, with the 520i packaging the same level of specification as the 520d.

BMW’s Luxury Line trim level will be standard, with leather upholstery, BMW’s high-end infotainment system, a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, 12-speaker audio with DAB+ tuner, LED headlamps, power-adjustable steering column, active cruise control and a colour head-up display being standout features on the standard equipment list.

And that’s in addition to expected luxuries such as keyless entry and ignition, powered front seats, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera view and BMW’s suite of internet-enabled ConnectedDrive apps.

BMW will also offer a value-added Launch Edition, priced at $99,900 driveaway. In Luxury Line configuration, the 520i Launch Edition will pack the following enhancements over the regular 520i:

• 19-inch alloys
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Power bootlid
• Dynamic damper control
• Comfort front seats with heating
• Black headlining
• High-beam assist

Opting for the M Sport package sees these extras added to the Launch Edition’s spec sheets:

• M Aerodynamics package
• Trapezoidal chrome exhaust outlets
• M Sport suspension
• Sport front seats
• M badging on fenders, door sills and steering wheel
• M leather steering wheel

BMW’s semi-automated driving aids are also part of the 520i package, with front-facing radar working in concert with side-mounted sensors and a camera array to monitor objects around the car. Lane keep assist works from 0-210km/h and allows-hands-off driving for up to 30 seconds, while the radar allows the 520i to match its speed to traffic ahead, as well as dealing with stop-start traffic.

PRICING

The BMW 5 Series range in Australia now swells to six models in total – not including the bigger 5 Series GT.

• 520i sedan: $92,900
• 520i Launch Edition sedan: $99,900
• 520d sedan: $93,900
• 530d sedan: $119,900
• 540i sedan: $136,900