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.

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.

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 Editionu2019s 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

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