BMW 525d
ECO Express
Armed with a new six-pot engine and comprehensive kit, this 5-series is the best yet.
What's new?
The 525d becomes the first executive luxury car to be assembled in Thailand with a six-cylinder diesel engine. It gets the same 3.0-litre turbo unit as used in the 530d albeit with fewer horse power, at 204hp it is 36hp less.
Costing B4.399m price tag, the 525d makes all imported rivals look redundant including the Audi A6 3.0 TDI, Jaguar's pending XF 3.0D and BMW's very own 530d - all coming with prices well over B5m.
The 525d is aimed at BMW fans who want a complete 5-series with diesel power instead of the 523i's petrol six-pot. That's why the 525d is packed with features (Highline in 523i speak) like four-wheel-steering, sport driving mode, DVD/GPS audio system and the unique brake energy regeneration system.
Despite needing to attract 40% excise tax, the 525d is priced only B140,000 more than the 523i, which faces a lesser 30% thanks to its E20-compatibility.
What's cool?
Since its launch in locally assembled form this year, the all-new 5-series has been lacking proper performance, which doesn't match its chassis and brand image.
The 525d seems to plug that deficiency, thanks to a smooth and grunty 3.0-litre turbo-diesel that works far more effectively than the lazy, but equally powerful 2.5-litre inline-six of the 523i.
Six-pot diesel is responsive and smooth.
True, the 525d will never feel exactly as quick or powerful as in the 530d, but it still delivers more than enough oomph at all kinds of speeds possible on Thai roads.
And thanks to the new eight-speed automatic transmission, in-gear acceleration and responsiveness are second to none, the Five's strong point.
A cool thing that has filtered down to the 525d from the 530d is the brake energy regeneration system that recovers calories lost during braking and coasting. There's an indicator on the instrument panel showing the operation and gives a good feeling of "not putting things to waste".
The 525d is the most expensive mainstream 5-series in the Thai model lineup, but its equipment list helps compensate and has lot of relevance in real-world use.
The four-wheel-steering helps out on agility at low speeds and stability higher up, while the sport mode of both the chassis and transmission is useful when driving upcountry for a more stable and engaging drive.
525d goes for B4.399m.
What's not?
There really isn't much to complain about the 525d because the car itself has more or less resolved the deficit of the 5-series since its launch in the Thai market - if you put aside the gimmicky introduction of the lavishly priced 530d and 535i.
Perhaps the only two things you could possibly moan about is the car's size - it's now the biggest in its class, and you feel as much driving it in the city - and the rear perches that have a slightly claustrophobic feel.
Buy or bye?
If you are not on a tight budget and have already set eyes on the 523i Highline, it is seriously recommended that you hold onto the cash and take a good look at the 525d.
You may proclaim yourself a lover of petrol motors, but the simple truth is that the 525d does everything virtually better than in the 523i, be it performance, economy or specification.
True, there's the inevitable diesel clatter at idle speeds, but it's hardly noticeable as a diesel. And yes, the 525d costs B140k more, but it's got plenty to justify over the 523i when driving (and owning in the long run).
Because of that, the 525d gets a buy from us for those looking for a premium saloon like the 5-series.
Eight-speed auto is a delight.
Interior is loaded with features.
Chassis has lots of grip.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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