BMW 520i added to Australian 5-Series range

Following the launch of the 530e, BMW Australia is continuing to add models to the local 5-series range with the launch of the BMW 520i in September.

The 520i is priced from $92,900 plus on-road costs, and has been launched to widen the appeal of the 5-Series range for those who may not need the extra performance of the upper 5er range. The launch of the 520i also adds a new limited edition to the local 5-Series range dubbed the 520i Launch Edition, with drive away pricing and extra standard equipment.

“We have been strongly encouraged by the new BMW 5 Series’ performance since its arrival in February this year,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Marc Werner.

“The 520i joins the range as a highly-equipped entry point, sharing specification with the popular BMW 520d.

“Now with three petrol engines, two diesels and the impressive 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid, the BMW 5 Series appeals to a wider audience than ever,” he said.

Motivating the BMW 520i is the same 2.0-litre turbo four found in the 530i, albeit tuned for less power and torque (135kW and 290Nm v 195kW and 350Nm). BMW claims a 0-100km/h sprint of 7.8 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 6.2L/100km. The 520i drives through the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Despite being an entry level model, the 520i is well equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, ‘Dakota’ leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with BMW’s iDrive 6, electric front seats, LED headlights and front foglamps, an electrically adjustable steering column, a heads-up display, DAB+ digital radio, wireless smartphone charging (for compatible devices) and a 12-speaker sound system.

Active safety is well catered for, with radar cruise control with stop and go functionality, front cross traffic alert, lane keep assist and a 360-degree parking camera system all standard equipment.

Joining the BMW 520i is the 520i Launch Edition, priced from $99,900 drive away, which gives buyers the choice of the Exclusive Package or the M-Sport Package for no extra cost. The Exclusive Package gives buyers larger 19-inch alloy wheels, nappa leather upholstery, an automatic tailgate, adaptive dampers, ‘comfort’ front seats with heating, automatic high beam headlights and an anthracite roof liner.

Choosing the M-Sport Package gives buyers larger 19-inch M alloy wheels, the M Aerodynamics Package with sportier looking bumpers, chrome trapezoidal tailpipe finishers, BMW Individual window surrounds in aluminium or high-gloss black, M Sport suspension, M badging, sports front seats and an M leather steering wheel.

The addition of the 520i to the local BMW 5-Series range means that there are now six models for buyers to choose from: the 520i, 520d, 530i, 530d, 530e and 540i, with the 520d and 530i Touring wagon models arriving soon.

The BMW 520i Launch Edition is available from dealerships now, with the regular 520i arriving from September.

2017 BMW 5-Series pricing (plus on-road costs):
520i: $92,900
520d: $95,200
520i Launch Edition: $99,900 (drive away)
530i: $110,500
530e: $110,500
530d: $121,600
540i: $138,610

Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for our upcoming comprehensive BMW 5-Series review.