UK 5 Series

I must confess to not having driven a 523i but I extensively tested the 520d and 525i as I narrowed my choice down to these 2 models (for complex reasons that I won't bore you with, they would both cost me the same to run as a company car).

I am a huge diesel fan (I have had 3 diesel 3 Series Tourings in a row) and thought that the 520d was my natural choice for a 5 series. It really is a great car and you won't be dissapointed with it, but the 525i (with the new 3.0 litre engine) really is a class above it and whatever you try to deduce from the figures, the 525i is a significantly quicker car. I also had extended tests on the 530d as well, but I still prefered the 525i.

The 520d is not underpowered as some would suggest, but you are relying on torque rather than bhp and that does show at times. The 3.0 litre petrol engine by contrast was effortless at all speeds / revs and when you want to shift in it you really do get a sense of power and acceleration that I never experienced in the 520d.

If the choice had been down to mpg, the 520d wins hands down. But on engine refinement, quiteness, acceleration, power and sound (hard acceleration sounds like an F1 car!!), the 525i really is streets ahead. It's also bags more fun!

Put simply, the 520d is a good car, but the 525i is a great one.

Re the point I was making in the previous post about dropping a gear, with an auto box the car will obviously drop a gear for you so it's not a conscious descision that you may chose not to do.