By Eoin Cuttle
The diesel-powered version of the BMW 5 Series (520d ) is no more in Ireland. Instead, the German marque has made the decision to only offer its popular executive saloon here in either petrol (520i ) or, for the first time, all-electric (i5 ). But fear not 'dirty-diesel' lovers, as this stalwart remains a seriously good proposition. And with the M Sport package now offered as standard, the new eighth generation BMW 5 Series Saloon gives you even more bang for your buck.
Tested was the 520i M Sport Pro Saloon, which is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance, coupled with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. While prices for this model start from a little over €70k, my press model had more than €8,200 worth of extras fitted, including the comfort pack that gives you a heated steering wheel and a (rather pointless ) electric boot lid.
Standard specification is still impressive however. The new BMW 5 Series Saloon is the first model in Ireland to feature Veganza upholstery as standard. It includes black seat surfaces in the leatherlike Veganza finish, with the material also extending to the dashboard and door panels. Optionally, the leather-free surface material is also available with a decorative perforation and in three other colours.
The standard M Sport specification also includes an anthracite-coloured roof lining, while M Sport Pro models also feature M seat belts. Again, as standard, there is a Harman Kardon surround sound system with 12 speakers and a 205 watt amplifier.
Two USB-C ports are fitted as standard in the front of the new 5 Series and two further USB-C ports in the back. Optionally, a further USB-C port is available in the backrests of the front seats. Standard equipment also extends to the 19-inch light alloy wheels on M Sport models, while M Sport Pro models receive 20-inch light alloy wheels as standard.
Staying on the exterior, the side profile of the new 5 Series has a pronounced athletic look thanks to black side skirts that provide a visual contrast to the rest of the bodywork, while the door openers are integrated flush with the surface. The counter-swing at the base of the C-pillar is highlighted by a graphic element with the number '5' embossed on the side window surround.
M Sport Pro variants of the new 5 Series stand out with the illuminated BMW kidney grille with black surround, the dynamic light carpet, high-gloss black exterior mirror caps and a black-painted M rear spoiler. In addition, there are also the M Shadow Line lights for the front and rear and redpainted brake calipers. My press model certainly looked the part in 'Mineral White', albeit a €1,259.60 optional extra.
The eight generation vehicle has grown in length by 97mm to 5,06mm, in width by 32mm to 1,900mm and in height by 36mm to 1,515mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 20mm to 2,995mm for improved seating comfort, especially in the rear.
Inside, the fully digital 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display represents the heart of the interior redesign. This features Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard, while the 360 degree camera is best described as exceptional, both in picture quality and usability. The clean heads-up display should also be commended. Storage space in the door bins, centre armrest, and glove box could be better. Boot space is 520 litres, 10 more than its predecessor.
Nevertheless, the cockpit of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is a very nice place to be. The car handles impressively and is well insulated from outside noise. The petrol-powered 520i has a top speed of 230km/h and a modest 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is quoted at 5.9l/100km, while annual road tax is €210.
