The 2017 BMW 5 Series range has been expanded this week with the introduction of a new entry-level 520i variant, hitting Australia nshowrooms in September.

Starting at AUD 92,900 plus on-road costs, the 520i comes equipped with the Luxury Line styling pack with chrome exterior highlights, 18-inch light alloy wheels, LED headlights and fog-lights, keyless entry and start, ‘Dakota’ leather upholstery, electric front seat adjustment, Navigation Professional with 10.25-inch touchscreen display, 12-speaker sound system, DAB+ digital radio and wireless smartphone charging.


Other standard kit includes an electrically-adjustable steering column, a head-up display (HUD), active cruise control with stop/go function, front cross traffic warning, lane keeping assist, surround view camera system, and access to BMW ConnectedDrive Freedom online services. As part of the launch promotions, BMW is offering the 520i in ‘Launch Edition’ guise, which is available for a special AUD 99,900 drive-away immediately. The Launch Edition gives buyers the choice of the Exclusive Package or the M Sport Package as no-cost options.

With the Exclusive Package, additional equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, nappa leather upholstery, automatic tailgate, dynamic damper control, comfort front seats with heating, highbeam assist and the BMW Individual anthracite roofliner.


Meanwhile, the M Sport specification brings 19-inch M light alloy wheels, the M Aerodynamics Package, chrome trapezoidal tailpipe finishers, BMW Individual window surrounds in either satin aluminium or high-gloss ‘Shadowline’, M Sport suspension, ‘M’ badging, sport front seats, and an M leather steering wheel.

Under the bonnet is the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol found in various other BMW models with the 20i designation. Power and torque outputs are rated at 184 Hp and 290 Nm respectively, with 0-100 km/h taking a claimed 7.8 seconds. Fuel consumption, meanwhile, is rated at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle. Shifting gears is an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, sending drive to the rear wheels.