BMW continues to bet on diesel. It's no joke and we're happy. And we say this after having tested the new 5 Series, in its 520d xDrive version, with a 197 HP four-cylinder diesel engine.
The immediate future, in Europe, seems to be the electric car. We are not against it, since really important things are at stake such as air quality, gas emissions, decarbonization or climate change itself.
It happens, however, that there are other ways to promote decarbonization. Some are really brilliant and efficient and should also be taken into account. This is the case of the BMW 5 Series 520d.
We must remember that the BMW 5 Series, now in its eighth generation, is one of the most prestigious classic body sedans that exist. And when we say classic we mean the format with four doors and a separate trunk. By the way, a 520-liter trunk can fit practically everything.
One of the characteristics of the new BMW 5 Series is the wide variety of mechanical options. Including a 100% electric version. This version in question is diesel, but a diesel with 48-volt light hybridization that allows it to show off the DGT ECO label. It is one of the most affordable versions of the range and, given its behavior, one of the most reasonable when traveling.
In this way, the 520d has a 2.0 diesel engine with 197 HP and 400 Nm of torque associated with a 48-volt electrical circuit, a second 11 HP electric motor and a small 0.53 kWh battery. That is, it has the advantages of diesel engines (thrust and consumption), but with the extra that the ECO label ensures.
The result of this technology, which does not increase the price of the car excessively despite being a BMW, is some very interesting performance: 228 km/h maximum speed and 7.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h. And, above all, an approved consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 km.
Taking into account that the tank is 60 liters and that we can opt for the Eco driving mode, the autonomy is close to 1,000 kilometers. Almost nothing. This allows unusual peace of mind when traveling, since we can do long stretches on the road without refueling.
Regarding the design, saying that BMW this time has opted for continuity and elegance, without falling into controversial stylistic experiments, everything has been said.
The 520d xDrive is a big car and certainly heavy. BMW's all-wheel drive system adds additional weight to bring it close to 2 tons. Nothing exaggerated since we are talking about a sedan five meters long with a wheelbase of 3 meters.
The increase in dimensions, together with the presence of the xDrive all-wheel drive system and the sports running gear of this unit allow you to experience a great feeling of security behind the wheel. That is to say, the inertia of the weight is noticeable, but the car maintains admirable poise at all times. And it is much more agile than it seems. Even on curved roads.
The interior is very spacious, comfortable and excellently equipped for traveling. There is plenty of room in the rear seats, both for head and legs, with seats designed to make trips a pleasant experience. Of course, the transmission tunnel and the (hard) center backrest mean that the third rear passenger, the one in the center, is not so comfortable. Therefore, the ideal is for two passengers to travel in the back.
The driving position stands out for the quality of the materials and the careful presentation. The digital instrument panel is 12.3 inches, very attractive and configurable, and a large touch screen (14.9 inches) arranged below. Also striking, due to the amount of information and clear visibility, is the Head-Up Display system projected on the windshield. There is also an excess of touch-type sensors on the center console or on the door controls that do not have adequate touch and precision.
The diesel engine surprises from the first moment with its refinement. It is true that the car is insulated very effectively, but it is always perceived as a tuned engine and not at all noisy.
The 197 HP makes for relaxed travel, with an interesting power reserve for carrying out common road maneuvers. Very pleasant to drive, the thrust is notable from the low area of the rev counter.
Another great news is the operation of the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. Quick and easy to use, the shift paddles on the steering wheel also allow for slightly more dynamic driving that will appeal to drivers who prefer to have gear control in their hands.
And the Sport driving mode quickens the gears so that the driver gets the best performance from the diesel engine. But one of its best qualities is undoubtedly its ride comfort on all types of roads, especially fast ones with good asphalt.
The feel in general, what the driver perceives, is very good, typical BMW. With excellent ride quality, powerful braking and precise steering. And with the security provided by having xDrive four-wheel drive, especially when driving on wet floors (or at low temperatures) in winter.
The M Sport sports package of this version provides interesting elements such as the lowered suspension, the panoramic roof or the elegant finish of the front grille in piano black, which means paying more than 20,000 additional euros.
In short, a large diesel sedan ideal for long trips, which consumes very little and offers driving comfort and refinement typical of BMW. Wow, and it's neither plug-in hybrid nor electric.
