BMW introduces entry-level 520i variant

AFTER launching the seventh-generation of its 5 Series luxury sedan in March, BMW has expanded the line-up to include an entry-level petrol-powered variant, the 520i, priced from $92,200 plus on-roads.

Arriving in local showrooms in September, the 520i release will also be commemorated by a more generously-specified Launch Edition, which will arrive alongside the 520i from $99,900 driveaway.

Under the bonnet of the 520i is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine capable of 135kW/290Nm, which sips a claimed 6.2 litres of fuel per 100km and can propel the 520i from zero to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.

As with the rest of the local range, power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment on the 520i includes 18-inch alloys, LED headlights and foglights, Dakota leather upholstery, 10.25-inch infotainment display with iDrive 6 system, 12-speaker audio with DAB+ radio, wireless phone charging, head-up display, and front, side, driver’s knee and head airbags.

The 520i comes with a suite of driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, front cross traffic warning, crossroads warning, lane keep assist, parking assistant with rear active park distance control, surround view and panorama view.

To aid its autonomous functions the 520i employs a stereo camera with a front and four side-mounted radar systems that continuously monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.

The limited-run Launch Edition can be specified with two levels of trim. When choosing the Luxury Line trim, it adds the choice of two 19-inch alloys, Nappa leather upholstery, automatic tailgate, comfort seats with heating function for front occupants, anthracite roofliner and high-beam assist.

Opting for the M Sport package nets buyers 19-inch double-spoke alloys, M aerodynamics package, trapezoidal tailpipes finished in chrome, aluminium or high-gloss Shadowline window surrounds, M Sport suspension, M-branded front side panels, door sills and leather steering wheel, and sports seats for front occupants.

The 5 Series range has been progressively expanded since launch with the addition of a hybrid 530e variant, as well as the Touring wagon versions and a hot M5 halo variant to be added in the future.

BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner said the 520i would help broaden the appeal of the 5 Series range.

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

“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.”

The launch of the new-generation 5 Series in March has seen a 173 per cent in year-to-date sales, with 795 registrations in the first half of 2017, up from 291 over the same six months last year.

It trails only the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the $70,000-plus large car segment with 1107 sales, with daylight separating the Audi A6 (188), Mercedes-Benz CLS (130) and Maserati Ghibli (117).

2017 BMW 520i pricing

520i (a)	$92,200*
520i Launch Edition (a)	$99,900^

*Excludes on-road costs
^Driveaway