Marlborough Express - Weekend Express

520i stuck between a rock and 3 Series

- NILE BIJOUX

The 5 Series has been refreshed for 2021, bringing small design changes, tech improvemen­ts and pricing changes. Let’s start from the bottom, shall we?

YOU SURE THEY CHANGED IT?

I think so. . . facelifts don’t always equate to a new face, despite the phrasing. According to BMW, the new models get an upgraded iDrive system that has over-theair update capability, BMW Drive Recorder, BMW Intelligen­t Personal Assistant and Android Auto compatibil­ity as well as Apple CarPlay. Both phone interfaces are wireless as well.

There are also more options to be ticked, like M Multifunct­ion seats, red brake calipers and M Individual wheel options.

Visual changes include sleeker LED headlights, a (slightly) enlarged kidney grille with longer and wider pieces, while M-Sport models get a different front fascia.

In a nutshell, the update brings the 5 Series visually closer to the new 3 Series while updating its onboard tech.

There are four 5 Series models this time around, not counting the range-topping M5, starting with this $99,900 520i, followed by the 530e Plug-in Hybrid ($129,900) and then the v8-powered M550i xDrive Pure at $149,900 and the full-fat

M550 xDrive at $174,900.

DOES IT STILL HAVE A TWOLITRE ENGINE NOW THAT EVERYTHING ELSE HAS GONE TURBO?

For a change of pace; yes, it actually is! There’s still a two-litre inline-four under the bonnet but, thanks to everything going turbo, it’s better than the figures make it look. On paper, 135kW/290Nm is only just okay, but BMW has managed to keep the weight of the 520i in check with an unladen mass of 1655kg. That means it feels surprising­ly light on its feet

Part of that is due to modern vehicle architectu­res, but a bigger part is down to BMW not giving the 520i all-wheel drive. That means the entry 5 Series is rear drive, a collection of words that have probably perked the ears of about a third of you reading this.

WAIT, WHAT? A REAR-DRIVE LARGE SEDAN IN 2021?

That’s what I said. Though remember those power figures – this isn’t a powerful machine. The four-cylinder feels designed more for extending fuel range rather than what you might find

BMW 520I

Base price: $99,990

Powertrain and economy: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-four, 135kW/290Nm, 8-speed automatic, RWD, combined economy 6.8L/100km, CO2 156g/km (source: RightCar).

Vital statistics: 4936mm long, 1868mm wide, 1497mm high, 2975mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 530 litres, 18-inch alloy wheels.

We like: Faster than it looks on paper, high levels of tech, comfy cruiser.

We don’t like: Too many M badges for a non-M car, noticeable vibrations between 80kmh and 100kmh, similar price as a higherspec 3 Series.

crackling inside a hot hatch.

Although, get it out on some dry roads and it’s clear that BMW is still trying to provide a driver’s car, despite the health, safety and emissions requiremen­ts. As standard, BMW NZ applies the M Sport package which adds 19-inch wheels, M Sport suspension and M Sport brakes plus other aesthetic changes.

The improved suspension and brakes are welcome additions, as are the larger wheels. The 520i is relatively happy being pushed, though we did notice a funny vibration in the cabin at between

80kmh and 100kmh.

WHY AM I SEEING M BADGES ON A NON-M CAR?

Honestly, it should be made illegal to put M badges and colours on a car that isn’t a proper M car (or at least an M-Sport car) regardless of extra packages or options.

Our 520i had little Ms just behind the front wheels, on the steering wheel, the seatbelts had red and blue stitching and there are even M specific sills and mats.

Just because AliExpress sells things for $2 including shipping doesn’t mean you have to buy it.

ANY OTHER CARS I SHOULD CONSIDER?

Here lies a bit of a problem. By itself the 520i is actually not a bad car. It performs well, offers good fuel consumptio­n and looks good.

But priced at a hair under $100k puts it against some strong competitio­n, not the least of which coming from BMWs own ranks. For about seven grand less, you can get a 330i Sedan which uses the same engine as the 520i but tuned for 190kW/400Nm and has broadly similar standard kit.

Depending on your priorities, you can spend $94,900 on the 330e plug-in hybrid – more powerful again, with a combined output of 218kW/420Nm.

The nearest Audi is the A6 Sedan ($112,500) while MercedesBe­nz’s closest offering is the $99,900 E 200.

 ??  ?? Yeah, it looks similar to last year’s model. But there are difference­s – promise.
Yeah, it looks similar to last year’s model. But there are difference­s – promise.

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