BMW 5 Series 520d xDrive MHT M Sport 4dr Step Auto [Tec/Pro Pk] Review
Category: Luxury car
Section: Version review
The model
Read full reviewThe BMW 5 Series is a brilliant, classy and wonderfully refined luxury saloon, with surprisingly low running costs if you go for the 530e plug-in hybrid or 520d mild hybrid. It's a more complete package than its chief rivals, such as the Audi A6, Jaguar XF and Mercedes E-Class.
The trim
See full equipmentM Sport trim is extremely popular and the one we’d go for. It comes with 19in wheels (18in on the 530e), a sportier bodykit, black rather than chrome exterior trim, sport seats, an M sports steering wheel, a black headlining and an instrument panel wrapped in faux leather (or as BMW puts it, synthetic leather). Just make sure, however, that if you do go for M Sport you also tick the box for the optional M Sport Pro Pack. Amongst a plethora of other goodies, this introduces adaptive suspension (on all models aside from the ‘entry-level’ 520d and 520i) and gives the 5 Series a plush ride.
The engine
See full engine specsThe 520d is punchy enough for most people and is our pick of the range. If you don't believe us, check out its claimed 0-62mph time of just 7.2 seconds, which is plenty for whisking you up to motorway speeds without any fuss. Performance is roughly on a par with the rival Mercedes E220d, although in terms of real-world drivability (as opposed to outright 0-62mph acceleration), the Audi A6 40 TDI has a slightly wider performance window, and is fractionally more flexible as a result.
