Luxury fuel miser

In an era where diesel engines are becoming more popular in the luxury segment, BMW makes some of the best available. That praise would normally be directed at its six-cylinder range of silky smooth engines but what about the excellent four-cylinder diesel that powers the 320d and the 520d? The 520d is now the cheapest of the 5 Series range, as it benefited from an €8,000 drop when emission based tax and VRT rates were introduced in July 2008. The test car was the 520d SE (the entry model), a smart looking car. Recent minor upgrades include new LED lights for the restyled rear lens and minor mods to the front lights. The cabin is typically BMW - minimalist and simple and the dashboard is a model of ergonomic excellence - clear, concise and uncluttered, though it all looks bare with just two round dials in the instrument binnacle. At night the instruments and switchgear are illuminated in a soft red glow. Studies have shown that this type of illumination best suits the transition from viewing the road ahead to refocusing on the cars instruments at night, an attention to detail that is evident in every BMW. The main instrument cluster is fine but the second, centrally mounted, binnacle, which contains the information iDrive screen, looks at bit out of place. Later BMWs such as the new 7 Series have a redesigned version. The new simplified iDrive is though much more user friendly, the driving position is excellent and the seats comfortable and supportive. The test car had the optional beige leather trim, which is a must really, as well as Sat Nav; other than that it was standard. Standard equipment in the 5 Series range include: twin airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, traction and dynamic stability control, ISOFIX, BMW iDrive, a puncture warning system, auto wipers, automatic air conditioning, a super stereo system with CD changer, keyless entry with pushbutton start, electric windows, locking and so on. Performance The four-cylinder 2-litre turbocharged diesel produces a 163bhp, which means a respectable zero to 100kmh of 8.3s and a top speed of around 225kmh. It emits just 136g/km of C02, putting it into the low road tax category (€156/year). It consumed 5.9l/100km on the test period, a range of 1,250km. At idle there is a faint diesel thrum from the engine, the only hint that it's a diesel. On the road it accelerates smoothly, providing great mid-range punch. The standard six-speed gearbox has a long throw and does not encourage quick shifts but otherwise is fine with well chosen ratios. The 520d is rewarding in the way it responds instantly to every driver input. The handling is surefooted on wet or dry roads. Push hard and it seems the limits of grip are out of reach; harder and the Dynamic stability Control kicks in to tame your over-eager approach. Refinement is high with little or no engine, road or wind noise to intrude. Accommodation is very good and the boot is generous in its size. There is no spare wheel as the car comes fitted with Dunlop run-flat tyres. Verdict The 520d is not the sporting driving experience that many might expect of a BMW, thanks to the slightly long-throw gearshift and a steering set-up that lacks feel. It is enjoyable to drive and is one of the best smaller engined luxury diesel cars you can buy. The 520d delivers in every aspect that it was designed to. And it has a distinct price disadvantage over its nearest rival from Mercedes - the all new, just launched Mercedes E200Cdi. At €46,057 it's almost €5,000 dearer than the €41,200 new E Class Mercedes... You decide!