520i report
03-05-2004, 04:33 PM
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The previous 5 series was certainly a benchmark saloon for BMW, and a legend in its own time. In whatever guise, it did all that was required of it, competently and admirably and so, was hailed throughout its lifespan. Whatever that was to fill its shoes would have to be quite a cut above.
When the new 530i was driven some weeks back, it chalked nearly full marks in all departments on the report card. Being propelled by the BMW impressive straight-six made it all the more desirable. Yes, in 530i guise, BMW has made the cut. It is packed to the brim with a host of new technologies that are there not as mere gadgetry or gimmickry, they work and they work to make the new Five, once again, the segment leader, at least for the time being. After, all, there is the new Audi A6 waiting in the wings.
But what if a lesser power plant resided under the hood? Would a 520i still pass with flying colours? Would reductions in outputs, minus 61bhp and 90Nm of torque, make a significant difference? And bear in mind that only 10kgs in weight stand them apart: the 520i at 1570kgs and the 530i at 1580kgs.
On the road, the 520i lacks the sparkling get-up-and-go of the 3-litre and that is about the only element that is lacklustre in the model. Certainly, acceleration from rest is sluggish, as the engine needs to muster all it has to get the car going. But once on the go, it displays all the attributes of its better endowed sibling.
The cruise is swift, stable and quiet. The handling is as per the 3-litre. It steers obediently and with precision, which makes placing the car in and out of corners such a pleasure. And the expertly calibrated suspension geometry enhances the driving experience by reducing roll to a minimum so the car stays flat and feels firmly planted.
So, the drive in the 520i establishes the fact that the lack of grunt is but a mere chip in an otherwise rock-solid driving experience. Add to that first class build quality and the prestige that the blue-white badge brings and you have on your hands a polished performer. And don?t worry about how it looks.
FAST FACTS: BMW 520i
Engine: 2171cc 24V inline six
Gearbox: 6-speed auto
Power: 170bhp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 210Nm at 3,500rpm
When the new 530i was driven some weeks back, it chalked nearly full marks in all departments on the report card. Being propelled by the BMW impressive straight-six made it all the more desirable. Yes, in 530i guise, BMW has made the cut. It is packed to the brim with a host of new technologies that are there not as mere gadgetry or gimmickry, they work and they work to make the new Five, once again, the segment leader, at least for the time being. After, all, there is the new Audi A6 waiting in the wings.
But what if a lesser power plant resided under the hood? Would a 520i still pass with flying colours? Would reductions in outputs, minus 61bhp and 90Nm of torque, make a significant difference? And bear in mind that only 10kgs in weight stand them apart: the 520i at 1570kgs and the 530i at 1580kgs.
On the road, the 520i lacks the sparkling get-up-and-go of the 3-litre and that is about the only element that is lacklustre in the model. Certainly, acceleration from rest is sluggish, as the engine needs to muster all it has to get the car going. But once on the go, it displays all the attributes of its better endowed sibling.
The cruise is swift, stable and quiet. The handling is as per the 3-litre. It steers obediently and with precision, which makes placing the car in and out of corners such a pleasure. And the expertly calibrated suspension geometry enhances the driving experience by reducing roll to a minimum so the car stays flat and feels firmly planted.
So, the drive in the 520i establishes the fact that the lack of grunt is but a mere chip in an otherwise rock-solid driving experience. Add to that first class build quality and the prestige that the blue-white badge brings and you have on your hands a polished performer. And don?t worry about how it looks.
FAST FACTS: BMW 520i
Engine: 2171cc 24V inline six
Gearbox: 6-speed auto
Power: 170bhp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 210Nm at 3,500rpm
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