BMW Australia has announced the addition of a sixth member to the 5 Series line up in the form of the all-new BMW 520i.
BMW Group Australia CEO, Marc Werner, said: “The 520i joins the range as a highly-equipped entry point, sharing specification with the popular BMW 520d.”
The 520i will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, capable of producing 165kW and 290Nm, matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission with gearshift paddles.
Three drive modes – Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport – will alter the steering, suspension, gearshift and throttle settings depending on the selected mode.
The BMW 520i will be slightly bigger than the predecessor model in an attempt to provide more space for occupants. The 520i will have a 2975mm wheelbase (7mm longer), be 4935mm long (28mm more), 1868mm wide (8mm more) and stand at 1466mm tall (2mm more) with a 530L boot capacity (10L more).
In terms of exterior style, the 520i will feature a range of light alloy wheel options and exterior lines, including satinated aluminium trims found on M Sport Package equipped models, to tailor the vehicle. There is also the M Aerodynamics package available to increase the sporty feeling.
Also on the exterior are the signature full LED headlights and fog lights fitted as standard.
Found on the inside are electronically-controlled Dakota leather seats as standard, the driver’s seat also has a memory function. Also, standard inclusions are the leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, fine-wood poplar grain finishers, velour floor mats, Sensatec dashboard trim, comfort access, electrically-adjustable steering column and two-zone automatic climate control. There is also a 12-speaker HiFi system.
Connectivity and safety have to be two of the biggest assets for the BMW 520i though.
When it comes to connectivity, the iDrive 6 infotainment system is found in the 520i. It can be accessed through the 10.25-inch colour touch screen display, circular iDrive controller and console buttons or via a new voice control system. There is also the option of gesture control available.
Wireless phone charging and wireless connection to Apple CarPlay, which is optional, are available. An extended Bluetooth system which has the ability to connect to two smartphones simultaneously is also an enticing optional extra as is BMW’s ConnectedDrive services.
The new ‘remote 3D view’ camera system will be available on the 520i.
There’s a significant list of safety inclusions. There is a stereo camera which works with front-mounted radar and four side-mounted radar systems to continuously monitor the vehicle’s surrounds. Other safety inclusions featured on the 520i include steering and lane control assistant, speed limit assist, stop & go function as part of the Active Cruise Control system, front cross-traffic warning, lane keep assistant, evasion aid, cross-roads warning, active park distance control as well as a full suite of stability control systems.
There will also be a BMW 520i Launch Edition with the following specifications:
Launch Edition in Luxury Line trim adds the Exclusive Package, which brings the following additional specification:
- 19-inch light-alloy wheels in a choice of multi-spoke or W-spoke styles
- Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery
- Automatic Tailgate function
- Dynamic Damper Control
- Comfort Seats for driver and front passenger
- Seat heating for driver and front passenger
- BMW Individual Anthracite Roofliner
- High-beam Assist
Those specifying the Launch Edition with the M Sport Package gain:
- 19-inch M light-alloy wheels with double spoke styling
- M Aerodynamics Package
- Trapezoidal tailpipe finishers in chrome
- BMW Individual window surrounds in a choice of satinated aluminium or high-gloss Shadowline
- M Sport Suspension
- M designation on front side panels
- Sports Seats for driver and front passenger
- Illuminated M door sills
- M leather steering wheel
The BMW 520i will be in showrooms around Australia from September 2017 at a list price, excluding on-roads, of $92,200. The BMW 520i Launch Edition is priced at $99,900 drive away.
Let’s start a Car Conversation, what do you think of BMW’s recent drive away pricing strategy?
