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BMW 520d 2017 review: snapshot

EXPERT RATING
8.0

Likes

Plenty of equipment
Stellar standard safety package
Active drive modes can elicit maximum fun

Dislikes

More expensive than car it replaces
As-standard ride comfort as-yet untested
Underwhelming performance numbers
Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

1 min read

The cheapest way into the 5 Series is family is now a little less cheap, with 2017 pricing for the 520d up $9,145 on the outgoing model, now sitting at $93,900.

BMW justifies the increase by pointing to extra included equipment, and the 520d is fairly comprehensively equipped. You'll find 18-inch alloys, leather trim, dual-zone climate control and a 12-speaker stereo. There's some handy technology, too, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a bigger and more advanced head-up display (it can read street signs now) and a wireless charging pad.

Under the bonnet lives a 2.0-litre diesel unit that will produce 140kW at 4,000rpm and 400Nm from 1,750rpm, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Safety arrives courtesy of six airbags, a surround-view reversing camera and parking sensors, which join a high-tech suite of driver aids including active cruise control, cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist and cross-road alerts. All of which mean the 520d is capable of driving itself autonomously for 30 second intervals.

Read the full 2017 BMW 5 Series review

BMW 520D 2017: Gran Turismo

Engine Type Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type Diesel
Fuel Efficiency 5.3L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $18,370 - $23,210
Safety Rating

Range and Specs

Vehicle Specs Price*
520d Gran Turismo 2.0L, Diesel, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC $18,370 - $23,210
See all 2017 BMW 5 Series in the Range
*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

CarsGuide contributing journalist Andrew Chesterton is an award-winning Australian automotive reporter with more than 20 years of experience across newspapers, magazines, digital publishing and automotive corporate communications. Andrew began his journalism career at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, reporting across business, courts, crime, property and state politics before moving into automotive journalism. He joined TopGear Australia as its online editor in 2008, later being appointed editor of Top Gear New Zealand. He subsequently worked as an assistant editor during the Australian launch of the Daily Mail Australia, and as communications manager at FCA Australia, now Stellantis. His experience on both sides of the media industry gives him an unrivalled understanding of the automotive industry, and the relationship between car manufacturers, the media, and Australian consumers. Andrew’s work has appeared across leading automotive, news, business, luxury, travel and lifestyle publications, including CarsGuide, EV Central, DMARGE, The Sydney Morning Herald, Marie Claire, Top Gear, GQ Australia, The Australian, WISH Magazine, Boss Hunting, The West Australian, The Nightly, Women’s Day Australia, Carsales, NRMA, Men’s Health, CEO Magazine, Australian Financial Review and more.   Andrew specialises in industry news, vehicle reviews, policy,  performance and luxury cars, electric vehicles, automotive technology, EVs hybrid and plug-in hybrids, and the broader Australian new-car marketplace. In 2025, Andrew was named Newspress Australia News Journalist of the Year and was a finalist for the overall Journalist of the Year award. Earlier honours include Website of the Year wins at the Australian Magazine Awards and ACP Awards, the ACP Rising Star Award and recognition in the Bauer Media and News Ltd journalism awards. Expertise Electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles Performance, luxury and supercars New-car reviews and road testing Australian automotive industry and new-car sales Chinese automotive brands and emerging manufacturers Utes, SUVs and family vehicles Automotive technology Policy Awards 2025 Newspress Australia News Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide EV Central DMARGE The Sydney Morning Herald Marie Claire Top Gear GQ Australia The Australian WISH Magazine Boss Hunting The West Australian The Nightly Women’s Day Australia Carsales NRMA Men’s Health CEO Magazine Australian Financial Review The Daily Telegraph The Sunday Telegraph Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.

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