Bmw 520i

Bmw 520i

Bmw 520i

The BMW 5 Series offers quite an extensive array of luxuries throughout the range. With a strong emphasis on driver comfort, the 5 series has enough variety to please just about anybody.The extensive range includes; 520i, 520d, 520d Touring, 528i, 535i, 535i touring, ActiveHybrid S, 535d, 550i and the top of the range M5. Also, we mustn't forget the Gran Turismo models with these 5 Series GT variants; 520d, 530d and 535i.Today we will focus purely on the 520i, a finely tuned German automobile powered by a BMW TwinPower Turbo 4 Cylinder Petrol Engine and paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission. Let's take a closer look at the 6th generation BMW 5-series' 520i.On road and the BMW 520i is elegant and magnificiently smooth.'Integral Active Steering' aids the driver by creating a more dynamic driving experience across all environments. Whether it be open highways or congested city driving, Integral Active Steering makes steering easier, improves agility and excels in stability. Sneaking into a tight car park has never been easier.This is also aided by PDC, Park Distance Control. Utilising sensors, the parking system is highly competent and extremely helpful to everyday driving.Fuel efficiency is a slight concern with the 520i as we experienced higher than expected fuel usage figures (despite the auto stop/start feature). BMW claim the 520i drinks 6.4 litres per 100kms, however we notched up figures that varied between 8.7 litres and 10.6 litres per 100kms (Depending on driving styles and drivetrain settings).Driving Experience Control allows the driver to select different drivetrain settings according to driving preferences. Three settings are available, these include Comfort, Sport and EcoPro.EcoPro mode, as you would expect, intends to conserve fuel more efficiently. Considering we racked up in excess of 8.7 litres per 100kms with EcoPro Mode switched on, fuel efficiencty could and probably should be better.Brake Energy Regeneration is also standard with the 5-series range. A graphic representation is available for the driver on the instrument cluster that shows regenerative braking in effect. Basically, regenerative braking uses the recovered energy gathered from braking and uses this to sufficiently accelerate the vehicle from a stand still. Thus in doing so provides extra power and maximises fuel efficiency.Considering the strong focus on 'Driver Comfort and Control', there is a host of personalised settings, options and data available to the driver. An on-board computer (showing fuel usage and all relevant vehicle data), a journey computer (showing time of departure, journey distance and fuel usage), vehicle status and efficient dynamics (shows consumption history, 8 hour history and ecopro tips) can all be accessed to the driver.Cruise Control and Speed Limitation are standard throughout the range and both work as expected. A word of warning regarding the Speed Limiter: On descent, the car will exceed said speed limit. However an audio warning beep will notify the driver that they have exceeded the designated speed limit.Aside from fuel efficieny concerns, the BMW 520i is a brilliant on-road performer.

Bmw 520i

Bmw 520i

The 520i is powered by a BMW TwinPower Turbo 4 cylinder petrol engine. This petrol engine is paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission with Steptronic. Steptronic is basically the name BMW have given to their automatic transmission that have a manual shift function.The petrol engine generates enough power to deliver an inspiring drive across a variety of terrain and driving situations. The engine produces 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque.Reaching 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds, the 520i isn't hair-raisingly quick from a standing start. In fact it's most rewarding when it clicks into 3rd gear and beyond.The auto stop-start function is smooth and barely noticeable as the engine temporarily shuts itself off when the car comes to a stop. Releasing the brake pedal will restart the engine. This aids fuel conservation, yet as mentioned previously, fuel usage could be better.The 5-series sedan is a striking, elegant family car.Style lines run across the notably elongated front bonnet and join with the trademark BMW front grille with chrome surround and chrome played kidney grille slats.Fog lights are perfectly positioned below the front grille to grande effect. Style lines continue along the side of the vehicle as they merge seamlessly with all four door handles. The BMW 5-Series is a masterclass in design. A truly breathtaking vehicle.17" light alloys with v spoke styline are the perfect addition to a powerful, athletic and elegant family vehicle.Overall, the 5-series BMW is a dynamic, awe-inspiring vehicle. As Head of BMW Group Design, Adrian van Hooydonk proclaimed, " If a vehicle doesn't look dynamic how are we supposed to believe that it drives dynamically?" Fine point indeed.

Bmw 520i

Bmw 520i

The BMW 5-Series is a ridiculously safe vehicle. The 2013 model received a 5 star ANCAP safety rating with a score of 36.53 out of 37 (Pretty damn close to the perfect score).A host of safety features and technologies culminate to deliver the complete safety package. These include; Driver and front passenger airbags, head airbags in the front and rear, side airbags for the driver and front passenger and a seat occupanct detector for the front passenger airbag.Under extreme braking, dynamic braking lights are triggered to warn fellow road users. Also, in the event of an accident, a safety body shell design absorbs impact at speeds up to 15km/h with deformation zones at the front and the rear.Other safety features include; Active headrests to reduce whiplash, active protection, dynamic stability control including dynamic traction control, antilock braking system, cornering brake control and braking assistant.

Bmw 520i

Bmw 520i

As soon as you lower your backside into the comfortable Dakota leather seats, one thing becomes apparent; The 520i is amazingly comfortable.It is then discovered that the 520i is brilliantly simplistic and modern. A culmination of high quality materials, striking colour coordination and an efficient set-up of dials, controls, media and navigation.The high quality Dakota leather flows throughout the cabin with a mixture of black and beige. Beige dominates the seating. Black and beige combine on the front dash with a fine wooden veneer and black and beige are merged across the doors and window ledges with chrome and black high-gloss, all to great effect.Keyless entry and an electromechanical parking brake (with auto hold function) cleans up the front dash and centre console. This allows for extra space for storage and also provides less clutter.
Leg space is at a premium for both front and rear passengers. Head space is also impressive down back as we managed to squeeze a 6-foot bloke inside with ease.Controlling media, navigation and settings is acheived via a turning dial located next to the transmission lever. Ergonomically positioned, the turning dial limits on-road distractions, whilst providing easy access to menus and settings. Media, Navigation and settings are accessed via a 6.5" display screen.All the standard media goodies are included, such as; iPod connectivity, AUX, CD Player and Bluetooth.

Bmw 520i

Bmw 520i

The sound system is basic yet bearable, this includes; a stereo speaker system, 6 loudspeakers, 4 midrange speakers and 2 bass speakers.Engine and Environmental noise is limited inside the cabin thanks to the BMW design team. This leads to a very quiet and smooth on-road experience.On a side note, the BMW lane change indication is perhaps the only weak aspect of a near perfect interior. The lane change indicator only allows for 3 blinks, which is clearly not enough to give fellow road user enough notification of a lane change.Other notable interior features include; 2 zone automatic air conditioning, fogging sensor, automatc rain sensors and automatic driving lights. The 520i positions itself in the upper echelon of family sedans, sitting in the realm of the Audi A6 (A personal favourite of mine). The BMW 520i definitely belongs in such high esteem.The 5-series is BMW's second best seller behind the 3-series. Aimed at the young family and/or the successful businessman/woman, the 5-series, in particular the 520i, is a majestic work of art.Priced from $79,900, the BMW 520i has a massive list of optional extras and bonus packages to suit just about anybody.

Bmw 520i

Bmw 520i