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BMW 520i 2024 review: snapshot

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EXPERT RATING
7.5

Likes

  • Lighter weight, more nimble than i5
  • Not too much more expensive than before
  • Egalitarian features for a base model

Dislikes

  • Could use more power
  • Six figures and no leather seats?
  • ‘Sports car’ styling 

The new entry-point to the BMW 5 Series range is still a 520i, as it moves into a new generation, but the differences are there. Now, it’s the only petrol version on offer, and even it has some mild electrification.

From $114,900, before on-road costs, the 520i has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder with 153kW and 330Nm, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, its front seats are heated as standard and electrically adjustable, upholstered in synthetic ‘Veganza’ leather with Alcantara, though optional Merino leather is a $4000 option.

Read More About BMW 5 Series

A 12.3-inch instrument display paired with a 14.9-inch multimedia display are standard while a head-up display, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging tray and BMW’s ‘new’ Interaction Bar are included, too.

A panoramic glass roof - unable to be opened - and a Harman Kardon audio set-up with 12 speakers round out the key standard features.

An ‘Enhancement Package’ which adds a choice of aerodynamic 21- or 20-inch wheels, metallic paint, and a 655-watt 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system is an option for $5400.

BMW claims the petrol 520i sips 6.7 litres per 100km from its 60-litre fuel tank.

ANCAP hasn’t crash tested the new 5 Series, but it comes with 'BMW Driving Assistant Professional' as standard, with active cruise, lane assist and departure warning, front and rear cross traffic alert, collision prevention and intervention systems - about 40 safety systems are featured including an augmented reality dash display.

Airbags includes front and side airbags for driver and passenger including one between the two occupants, as well as curtain airbags front and rear.

BMW has an industry-standard five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty on its new cars, while servicing is undertaken based on condition, not time or distance intervals.

Pricing Guides

$114,900
Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Hyundai I30 2024 variant.
LOWEST PRICE
$114,900
HIGHEST PRICE
$114,900

Range and Specs

Vehicle Specs Price*
5 Series 20I M Sport Mhev 2.0L, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC STEPTRONIC $114,900
See all 2024 BMW 5 Series in the Range
*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
Chris Thompson
Journalist
Racing video games, car-spotting on road trips, and helping wash the family VL Calais Turbo as a kid were all early indicators that an interest in cars would stay present in Chris’ life, but loading up his 1990 VW Golf GTI Mk2 and moving from hometown Brisbane to work in automotive publishing in Melbourne ensured cars would be a constant. With a few years as MOTOR Magazine’s first digital journalist under his belt, followed by a stint as a staff journalist for Wheels Magazine, Chris’ career already speaks to a passion for anything with four wheels, especially the 1989 Mazda MX-5 he currently owns. From spending entire weeks dissecting the dynamic abilities of sports cars to weighing up the practical options for car buyers from all walks of life, Chris’ love for writing and talking about cars means if you’ve got a motoring question, he can give you an answer.
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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