Like an undying pop band, the BMW 5 Series has always been popular in
the executive class, and the new 520d Modern Line gives the Bavarians even more
edge. Just how good is it really?
The flash
and the flair are as much a part of the deal, if not more than the performance
and creature comforts. When outward appearance makes or breaks everything from
a first impression to a job interview, little can we complain when a large
executive saloon gets a tiny diesel engine. Although
this 5 Series would argue that indeed it is not a literal comparison. It may
have a little heart, but it’s mighty and takes no prisoners. And that, ladies
and gentlemen, we can live with — quite happily, I may add.
Offering a level of refinement, ride quality
and aesthetic charm closer to that of a luxury contender, the BMW 520d Modern
Line sets a benchmark rivals can’t currently match
The 520d
Modern Line is the mid-level variant in the extended 520d line-up which now
includes the Prestige, Modern Line and Luxury Line, but still packs loads of
equipment – things you need and things you didn’t even know were there till you
found the magic button. Visually, the Modern Line is the only one with a matte
chrome front kidney-grille and highlights front and rear. The interior is from
their Individual line and is laced with Satinated Aluminium. What all of that means in the real world is you
get a beige interior with matching leather and generous dashes of wood trim and
aluminium — all of which lend a spacious, posh and airy feeling to the cabin.
Even the key uses beige plastic and matte aluminium.
The interior is wonderful with wood elements up
the posh quotient
Enough with
the details, let’s get on to how the Twin Power Turbo four-pot sets things in
motion. The 1,995-cc motor makes 184 PS and 380 Nm of torque, about the segment
average in terms of sheer numbers. However, put down the spec sheet, get into
the car, push the Start button, and the raspy exhaust note will surprise you.
The 520d also goes like few other executive saloons. Yes, it’s aimed at the
business class, but unlike its rivals, it does bring loads of oomph with its
eager, sporty character. There is rarely a dull moment; in fact, the only ones
I remember were all those when I was stationary.
Optional sports seats are comfortable and
supportive; the pedals are offset
Unlike the
base 520d Prestige, the Modern Line has paddle shifters behind the steering
wheel and puts all eight speeds into your hands. The manual mode is quite fun
when you have some space between the vehicles in front of you and BMW have
ensured that this 5 is no less fun than any of the rest, even with a beige
business suit on. The steering feels weighted just right and the many
adjustments to the seat and wheel help find that perfect driving position.
However, quite a bit of the effect comes with the eye-catching user interface. No, not the iDrive; although that is part
of the package.
The drive
modes: yes, there are three of them, including one especially designed to optimise the ‘ECO PRO system, which, by the way, steps up
the fuel-saving with coasting powers too. This one shows a speedo, marked up to
120 km/h, set in a soothing blue and also displays an indicator with ‘charge’
and ‘power’ both on the dial. The former jumps when you touch the brake, while
the latter is related to the accelerator. There is a ‘Comfort’ mode and a
‘Sport’ mode too, but no ‘Sport+’, unlike the bigger 525d and 530d.
Saloon's boot capacity of 520 litres is just below the class average
For maximum
BMW-style fun, the mode to select is ‘Sport’. The dials go a bright red. Big,
white numerals appear in the centre of the
graphic-intensive dials, and the needles create a new effect as they rise
northwards when you step on the accelerator. Exciting! Another thing which
jettisoned ‘exciting’ and introduced ‘momentary terror’ was a U-turn at full
lock and a sudden push of the right-most pedal. The car slid sideways and
changed direction quicker than my eyeballs could catch up, and when they did,
they were greeted with a flashing amber ‘traction control’ warning light. Even
so, the ride quality is surprisingly good, with the suspension actually set up
quite soft. Going over the ungainly speed-bumps in the city had the car bounce;
revealing how soft the springs and rebound damping were actually set up to run.
That said, at no point did the car feel like a bobbing
boat. Rear occupant room and comfort left nothing to complain about either.
Twin Power Turbo four-pot talks the torque but
also embraces economy
Overall
equipment levels are commendable and the 520d in Modern Line trim is a good car
to own in the city. The 16-speaker Harmon Kardon
surround sound system is standard as are Bluetooth connectivity and the
rear-view camera. Distinguished adaptive LED headlamps with corona rings are
standard as well. The storage space around the car gives you good options and
the boot, a massive 520 litres, can hold a lot of
luggage even with the rear seat up. Consider the whole list on offer and, at
$77,750 (ex-showroom), it does make a lot of sense!
The 520d
can be fun, undoubtedly. That’s the thing with BMWs: they feel more
driver-oriented and the kick-in the-pants feeling you get from a 5 is somehow
different. Yes, all German saloons tend to give you quite a kick, but this one
has Bavarian boots on.
