BMW 5 Series Saloon 520d SE 4dr

For The turbodiesel engine is strong, smooth and efficient, while the sumptuously trimmed, smartly-styled cabin makes you feel special every time you get in. Refinement is top-notch, too.

Against In its standard form, the 5 Series isn’t comfortable enough for an executive saloon, and it’s not as fun to drive as it should be. Variable Damper Control sorts this out, but costs a lot extra.

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

No other executive car can rival the 520d for refinement, quality or efficiency. Adding Variable Damper Control makes it great to drive, too, but be warned - it’s not nearly as good without.

Reader review rating

4.555555

Key facts

0–60mph: 8.1 secs
Top speed: 141 mph
Average mpg: 58.9
Tank range: 907 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole BMW 5 Series Saloon range

Cheaper

Saloon 520d SE 4dr
£30,030
Saloon 520d Efficient Dynamics 4dr
£30,435
Saloon 520i SE 4dr
£31,190
Saloon 520d M Sport 4dr
£33,330
Saloon 528i SE 4dr
£33,610
Saloon 520i M Sport 4dr
£34,490
Saloon 525d SE 4dr
£35,135
Saloon 530i SE 4dr
£35,395
Saloon 528i M Sport 4dr
£36,910
Saloon 525d M Sport 4dr
£38,435
Saloon 530i M Sport 4dr
£38,695
Saloon 530d SE 4dr
£38,780
Saloon 535i SE S/S 4dr
£38,940
Saloon 530d M Sport 4dr
£42,115
Saloon 535i M Sport S/S 4dr
£42,240
Saloon 535d SE 4dr
£44,290
Saloon 535d M Sport 4dr
£47,590
Saloon 550i SE 4dr
£53,080
Saloon 550i M Sport 4dr
£55,890

More expensive

Saloon 520d SE 4dr
£30,030
Saloon 520d Efficient Dynamics 4dr
£30,435
Saloon 520i SE 4dr
£31,190
Saloon 520d M Sport 4dr
£33,330
Saloon 528i SE 4dr
£33,610
Saloon 520i M Sport 4dr
£34,490
Saloon 525d SE 4dr
£35,135
Saloon 530i SE 4dr
£35,395
Saloon 528i M Sport 4dr
£36,910
Saloon 525d M Sport 4dr
£38,435
Saloon 530i M Sport 4dr
£38,695
Saloon 530d SE 4dr
£38,780
Saloon 535i SE S/S 4dr
£38,940
Saloon 530d M Sport 4dr
£42,115
Saloon 535i M Sport S/S 4dr
£42,240
Saloon 535d SE 4dr
£44,290
Saloon 535d M Sport 4dr
£47,590
Saloon 550i SE 4dr
£53,080
Saloon 550i M Sport 4dr
£55,890

The BMW 5 Series Saloon full review Read in full

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
How much do you need?
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Expensive options make it beautiful to drive
Refinement
5 out of 5 stars
Everything is quiet
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
No executive car makes more sense
Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Expensive, but worth every penny
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
All the latest safety kit
Behind The Wheel
5 out of 5 stars
Looks and works brilliantly
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Do you really need more space?
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
What you'd expect for the money

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Enthusiasts will argue that you buy a BMW for its driving prowess, which means a powerful engine is essential.

The 535i, 550i and the mighty M5 will deliver all the thrills you need, but the Five will mainly be bought by pragmatists rather than enthusiasts – that’s why the incredible 520d ED is the best option.

The relatively small diesel engine will average almost 63mpg, and if you're a company car driver, the CO2 output of just 119g/km places the car in a low tax bracket. The fact is, though, that every engine in the range is among the most efficient of its type.

One more thing – on SE and M Sport versions, the standard suspension gives a lumpy ride and disappointing handling. We’d recommend adding some options, although they’re a bit pricey. Four-cylinder models can be had with Variable Damper Control, while six-cylinder models can be had with the all-singing Adaptive Drive system. In both cases, they’re money well spent.