BMW 520i Video Review

Published on 1 May, 2024

Petrol still packing a punch in executive saloon market

Highlights

Overview

The 5-Series has been a stalwart of the big executive saloons for as long as most of us will remember, with diesel the preferred powertrain of choice for many of those years. The times however, are undoubtedly changing, and the 520i finds itself somewhat eclipsed by its electric counterpart, the i5, which made waves as the pioneering model of its kind.
For those who aren’t quite ready to go fully electric, or perhaps don’t want to pay the premium (the i5 starts at €92,000 and the petrol at a still not insignificant €70k) it is currently the less expensive option, with no plugs required which some people will appreciate. 
 

Interior Gallery

The latest 5-series  benefits from a longer wheelbase than its predecessor and feels more roomy as a result. Boots space measures in at a respectable 530 litres, which is 10 litres larger than the last 5-series, but still 10 litres shy of the new Mercedes E-Class. The petrol model offers the most cargo space of the range, with the 530e plug-in hybrid losing quite a bit to the battery pack so it’s a good option if you need the room back there. 
Space in the back is generous, with enough room for an average sized adult to fit behind another average sized adult in comfort. The seats are beautifully finished and impressively bolstered, with a pull down centre armrest to boost that feeling of luxury even further.
For those carrying small children, its well equipped to facilitate most types of car seats. Two sets of Isofix anchors ensure easy installation for infant carriers and high back boosters, and there is just enough room to facilitate extended rear facing seats, although the slight incline on the rear bench can make it tricky for fitting certain models. As always its worth taking your car seats with you to the showroom to try before you buy. 
 

The 5-series cabin has always been a pleasant place to be and this latest version is no exception. It is laden down with the latest tech, including a widescreen infotainment system with all the features you will ever need including one of the most impressive surround view parking systems on the market.

Standard features on the M-Sport model include 20 inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers, an illuminated front grille, M sport suspension and spoiler, M sport steering wheel, and heated seats. It ticks plenty of boxes in terms of luxury already but there is an impressively long list of options to choose from to add some more bells and whistles such as a heated steering wheel or the questionably useful electric bootlid. 

The 520i is powered by a 2 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine which uses mild hybrid technology (not to be mistaken for a full hybrid system, but it does get some mild assistance at certain speeds from a 48 volt battery and electric motor). If it’s true hybrid economy you’re after, then the Plug-In Hybrid 530e is the one for you.
The 520i is still an appealing option and while it won’t offer the same impressive fuel economy as the previous diesel models, it can still offer an impressive 5.9l per 100km. The power output of 184hp feels more than adequate and the seamless automatic transmission makes for a very smooth and premium ride. The raft of driver assistance features on board make life easier again, from adaptive cruise control to blind spot monitoring, and a head up display that shows you a mini map  on the windscreen so you don’t ever have to take your eyes off the road. 
It’s not as torquey as a diesel and lacks the outright performance of an M model but does still give you that exceptionally engaging BMW drive. It’s a very enjoyable car to waft around in, and handles superbly on corners and bends. The cabin is supremely well insulated both from outside noise and any uneven road surfaces, even on the M sport suspension. When it comes to driving dynamics in this class, the 5-series is still the one to beat. 
 

The new 5-Series petrol is a fantastic evolution of a legendary executive saloon, now with more tech, design, and comfort features than ever before. Residual values on the 5-series tend to remain strong for many years with huge demand for them on the used market. All new BMWs come with a three year, unlimited mileage warranty. 

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives