The 525d is a great diesel car in Thailand. But will the cheaper 520d already suffice?
WHAT'S NEW?
The 520d is the third model in BMW's latest 5-series range complementing the 523i petrol and 525d diesel heads and forms the new entry-level Five at 3.699 million baht _ just like before in the E60 predecessor.
The new 520d gets the same engine block as before but sees a new ECU to marginally bump up outputs from 177hp to 184 and 350Nm to 380.
To enhance fuel economy, the latest 520d is mated to an eight-speed auto in place of the six-speeder and, for the first time, has energy regeneration system.
But since we're talking about the cheapest 5-series, the 520d doesn't get some goodies showcased in the 525d like multi-adjustable seats (called Comfort Seats), 12-speaker audio, sat-nav, steering-mounted paddle-shifters, four-wheel steering and headlights that turn in corners.
WHAT'S COOL?
The brand's brilliant 2.0-litre diesel-turbo was, and is, never a shortcoming in any of BMW's applications. And with uprated power and torque, this 520d is no exception.
Once the turbo kicks in, acceleration and overtaking power is simply impressive _ even next to the 525d, which would only stand out if you line the two cars together on a dragstrip. In the real world, the 520d has plenty of usable performance, which is deployed seamlessly thanks to that new auto 'box.
It doesn't stop there. The 520d's four-pot is quieter than the 525d's six-cylinder variation and remarkably economical on fuel. You can comfortably go up to the North from the Big Mango with just a tank of fuel and still find some left in spare _ even after high cruising speeds.
You might feel a little short-changed for those aforementioned features, but a 700,000 baht difference can be a significant saving for some because the 520d's more basic kit is still relevant and luxurious enough for an executive car in this price range.
The 520d comes with smaller wheels and thicker tyres, so the ride is cosseting at most times and doesn't really compromise on the car's already fine levels of handling and cruising ability.
The eight-speed automatic transmission is a genuine delight on the move.
WHAT'S NOT?
In spite of a generally excellent engine, the 520d's diesel suffers from some turbo lag below 2,000rpm. Because of that, you need to get into the powerband for a satisfying and fluid driving experience.
Ever since the launch of the new 5-series, we tend to find the car excessively bulky to drive especially with that long bonnet.
So you must remember that the 520d is not about agility but the need to satisfy metal-hungry luxury car punters.
Despite entry-level status, it’s still luxurious.
BUY OR BYE?
Reading this report, by now you should already know what the verdict on the 520d is going to be. Yes, it's the right buy in the 5-series model range because its performance is still ample on Thai roads when measured against the 525d.
We really don't want to repeat this over and over again: there is really no point in going for the 523i from a rational point of view, unless your baptism has come by way of petrol.
Like before, the 520d is the best 5-series on sale in the Thai line-up. Probably, a time would come when BMW starts to offer a higher spec version of the 520d for those needing some of the frills (known as High Line in BMW speak) of the 525d.
Is it another Mercedes beater?
When we compared the latest German executive cars in diesel form late last year, the BMW 525d took a slim victory over the Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI.
Although the E250's 204hp/500Nm 2.1-litre diesel-turbo had the performance to avoid utter defeat at the hands of the 525d, it lacked the technical and emotional sophistication of its nemesis from Munich.
The 525d's eight-speed automatic scored with brilliant power delivery over the E250's aging five-speed. As well, the Bimmer's more luxurious spec seemed to help compensate for the 400,000 baht premium it asked over the Merc.
So, to the other question: can the 520d also be a better choice than the 3.999 million baht E250, but this time with a 300,000 baht advantage?
In one word, certainly. Since the E250 is only sold in Elegance trim in Thailand so far, it's specification isn't really that superior over the 520d.
And in performance and economy terms, the 520d strikes a better balance between these two aspects than the E250.
Having said that, it appears the 520d marks BMW's finest moment for the 5-series.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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