BMW 520i 2024 Review
Is the sole petrol-powered model left in BMW’s luxury sedan line-up worth its place?The base-model BMW 5 Series used to be ‘economy luxury’. In essence, a sub-$80,000 entry into a prestige sports sedan range that comprised inline-four and six-cylinder models as well as V8s and the halo M5. Now, if you want a petrol-powered version of the eighth-generation G60 5 Series, you’ll need about $115K for the 520i (gulp). It remains rear-drive, but the four-cylinder gains mild-hybrid technology and the entire package is now more 7 Series lite than ever before. What’s more, much of the sportiness and driver involvement BMW is famous for is missing.
How much does the BMW 520i cost?
The 2024 BMW 520i sedan is the cheapest variant of the G60 5 Series range. For context, the $114,900 (before on-road costs) sticker is about $25K more expensive than the seventh-generation G30 520i launched at in 2017.
However, the landscape has completely changed since, with the entry-grade 520i being the sole petrol-powered variant at launch. A bent-eight is imminent, but currently the hybridised 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit is accompanied by two i5 electric variants.
The bombastic M5 will be joined by a Touring (BMW-speak for wagon) body style in the future.
In terms of the 2024 BMW 520i’s competition, not all are fully on board the battery-electric train – yet. Think Audi A6 and Genesis G80 in particular, while it’s yet to be seen which variants of the E-Class Mercedes-Benz will offer Down Under.
What equipment comes with the BMW 520i?
The $114,900 tag is just the starting point for our 2024 BMW 520i test vehicle, which includes a $7800 Enhancement Package and an additional $4000 for ‘Merino’ Copper Brown leather.
The Enhancement Package comprises the striking BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue paint, Titanium Bronze 20-inch alloy wheels and the 17-speaker, 655W Bowers and Wilkins sound system.
All Australian-delivered 520i models come standard with the M Sport Package, including design elements such as blue brake callipers and a flat-bottom steering wheel, to name a few.
Other spec highlights include a fixed panoramic glass sunroof with retracting shade, powered, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, a power-adjustable steering wheel and contactless powered boot lid.
The standard BMW warranty is five years/unlimited kilometres. BMW also offers three years’ complimentary roadside assistance. Service intervals are conditions-based rather than pre-set and a basic five-year/80,000km package is currently quoted at $2950.
How safe is the BMW 520i?
The 2024 BMW 520i comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2023-25 protocols. It was ranked between 80 and 90 per cent on all four assessment scores that make up the rating.
Driver assistants include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that detects crossing traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, well-tuned lane keep assist, front and rear cross traffic warning, rear AEB and speed limit monitoring.
Lane keeping is switchable, requiring you to delve into the infotainment screen or use voice prompts, while the Matrix LED headlights are brilliant. There are front, front-side, front and rear head and front-centre airbags.
Parking aids are abundant. You can even complete it remotely via the smartphone-activated My BMW app, which also includes an emergency call function.
There are three child seat top tether strap points and two ISOFIX mounts in the rear seat.
What technology does the BMW 520i feature?
The 2024 BMW 520i is a technological tour de force. And it can be intimidating on initial engagement.
The minimalist dash largely does away with hard buttons, while the curved glass comprises a 14.9-inch infotainment screen running BMW’s latest iDrive Operating System 8.5. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an intuitive head-up display.
It looks and feels overtly contemporary compared to the G30 generation it replaces. And if you decide to delve into it, there’s seemingly infinite customisation available for each screen and display.
Despite complexities, some functions can be a set-and-forget affair, while others are often best adjusted through the voice assistant by saying ‘Hey BMW’. It’s an intuitive system when you befriend the technology.
Failing that, the now venerable iDrive controller is a doddle to use or you can play around with gesture control for certain actions.
The 520i also gains tech such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB radio and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (or the optional Bowers and Wilkins audio). There’s also a ventilated wireless phone charger that sucks away hot air so as not to fry your phone.
The BMW ConnectedDrive systems provide features such as exterior and interior cameras with recording functions, video games (yes, really) and access to the ‘My BMW’ smartphone app. You also receive news, weather and real-time traffic information for three years before you must start paying.
Your smartphone can also act as a digital key if you desire and over-the-air software updates are possible.
What powers the BMW 520i?
The 2024 BMW 520i is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybridisation. Combined, the 520i produces 153kW and 330Nm.
Break it down and the 1998cc engine makes 140kW and 310Nm, while the e-motor integrated in the transmission offers 13kW and 200Nm. The tiny 0.96kWh 48V battery feeding the e-motor sits in the boot.
The 520i drives the rear wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims a pretty pedestrian 7.5sec 0-100km/h time.
How fuel efficient is the BMW 520i?
The 2024 BMW 520i is claimed to consume 6.7L/100km of fuel and emits 151g/km of CO2.
In the real world, with the assistance of a smooth stop-start system and the mild-hybrid tech, the G60 520i averaged 6.8L/100km on test. That’s a decent result for a 1725kg sedan.
By comparison, the almost 250kg lighter 2017 G30 520i averaged 7.2L/100km in a carsales road test.
It’s now less focused and more of an all-rounder. It seems more suited to a highway cruise than turning onto a twisty backroad.
What is the BMW 520i like to drive?
The 2024 BMW 520i’s extra weight is partially due to its added powertrain gubbins, but also the fact it is simply bigger than before.
While the new 5 Series continues to be based on BMW’s modular CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, it has grown more than 60mm in length to 5060mm, is 32mm wider at 1900mm and has a 20mm-longer 2995mm wheelbase. It’s now longer than a fourth-generation BMW 7 Series.
A heavy kerb weight, combined with moderate power and torque figures, means progress in the 520i is somewhat lacklustre – even with the e-motor helping. You can engage the lovely and transparent eight-speed torque-converter auto through the steering wheel-mounted paddles, but the 520i prefers to cruise rather than be hustled.
This is no longer a nimble, revvy naturally-aspirated 5 Series sports sedan like the E39. The 520i is now a more refined, luxurious five-seater that prefers a much more sedate lifestyle.
A lower centre of gravity, compared to an SUV, offers dynamic benefits. The 520i cabin is quiet, while road imperfections are dispelled in a controlled and comfortable manner. The passive M Sport suspension is well-tuned and the staggered Pirelli P Zero tyres provide ample grip.
However, the electric-assist steering provides little feedback or the nuanced weight of the old hydraulic systems. And the smoothness of braking appears affected by the regenerative process. As it slows close to stopping, the 520i feels like it is pulling up in notchy stages.
There are different drive modes that moderately affect the steering and powertrain behaviour. And, oddly for a BMW, some that don’t. They instead offer digital art with a narrated explanation from the artist. Yeah, we don’t get it either.
The 2024 BMW 520i doesn’t demand our presence behind the steering wheel. It’s now less focused and more of an all-rounder. It seems more suited to a highway cruise than turning onto a twisty backroad.
What is the BMW 520i like inside?
Inside, the primary impact of the 2024 BMW 520i is on the eyes. Specified as it is with what look like lightning bolts detailed into the dashboard trim and seats, there’s a bit to get used to.
However, like the driving, the overall flavour of the interior is one of luxe comfort. The front seats are supportive, and huge with their manually extendable front edges, while overall space is generous.
Front-seat storage is impressive, yet there are no map pockets in the rear and only small door pockets. Positively, there are air-conditioning vents, USB points and double cup holders in a drop-down arm rest.
The 520-litre boot is long and slightly narrow in shape. The capacity expands via the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, although BMW doesn’t stipulate by how much.
The plethora of tech, and how you interact with it, is the dominating factor within the cabin. It isn’t as complex as it first appears, but acclimatisation is required – especially for those who aren’t quite tech savvy.
Ultimately, proper climate-control dials and physical buttons are preferable to video games deep within the new OS. And it looks like Euro NCAP believes hard buttons are a good idea, too.
Should I buy a BMW 520i?
The 2024 BMW 520i is bigger, heavier and more complex than the car it once was. That has done it no favours dynamically. Nor has the fact it’s now vastly more expensive.
As an entry into the 5 Series range, the 520i isn’t a bad car. It serves a purpose.
However, in an age featuring myriad battery-electric luxury options it’s a struggle to justify its existence and therefore recommend anyone buying it.
2024 BMW 520i M Sport at a glance:
Price: $114,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 153kW/330Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 151g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2023)
- Interior is generously spacious and comfortable
- It’s nice enough to drive in a leisurely, relaxed, quiet way
- Well-tuned active safety assistants
- Has lost the sporty engagement the 5 Series was once renowned for
- Heavy weight and mild powertrain take the edge off performance
- As an entry point the 520i has become expensive
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