It’s hard to imagine, but the 5 Series was launched in 2003. Initially mocked for its over-the-top styling, it had the last laugh as three years later as every other new car seems to have a variation of the famous “Bangle Butt” (named after the BMW design guru). Aside from paving the way in design and innovation, the 5 Series is known for its driving dynamics, relentless sophistication and excellent engines. The entry-level 520d is no different with its spirited 163 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 engine. And although the outright numbers pale in comparison next to say, the Audi A6 3.0 TDi or even its own big brother, the 530d, it’s no less fun to drive and appealing to own.
Next to its ultra-conservative rivals, the BMW 5 Series is a standout. Even after being all too familiar with its shape, the 5 Series remains sharp. It’s certainly not the finest example of automotive design, but at least the 5 Series becomes the center of attention whether one loves or hates the design.
Overall, the exterior lines connote a controversial but athletic shape especially with the sharply raked hood and chinked headlamps. It’s echoed at the back where the drooping tail lamps dominate the otherwise unadorned rear end. From the side though, the 5 Series turns conservative, employing little by way of uniqueness. There’s a squared-off and formal roofline as well as the infamous Hofmeister’s kink. Whatever the reason why BMW chose such a design concept is unfathomable, but it does make the 5 Series very vulnerable to critics.
Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, criticizing the 5 Series based on its liberal use of creases and angles would be like asking a guy who’d he prefer to bed for the night: a blond or a brunette? Where it’s easy to criticize the 5 Series though is in its attention to detail, or rather the lack of it. After an excellent initial impression, the eye begins to examine areas such as the doors which aren’t detailed at all. There’s a grab-type door handle and that’s it. The slab-sided appearance not only adds visual bulk to the otherwise sporty looking 5 Series, but it accentuates items such as the signal marker which looks too tacked on.
While not everyone considers the 5 Series a beauty from the outside, at least everyone can agree that the BMW is the place to be for driving quick. Although the dash echoes the exterior’s use of lines and creases, it does so without looking too gaudy and without sacrificing a bit of ergonomics. Operation by touch is a BMW specialty, and the 5 Series is no different. Items such as climate control and lightning are easy to decipher without the need for a manual, while the secondary controls such as the ‘DSC off’ are located in plain sight, reducing the need for fiddling around. The cabin’s well finished too with black leather with dark-shade walnut for the accents. When it comes to cars, it still doesn’t offer a homey atmosphere, but at least the interior’s pretty straightforward and easy to understand.
As a driving environment, the 5 Series is peerless. The seating position is perfect, with the balanced amount of comfort and lateral support for the seats. All the gauges are easily legible and the pedals placed just right. Visibility is excellent all around too. The 5 Series even has better shoulder room than the A6 (although the Audi has a flatter foot well). Still, between them, the BMW is the better driving environment to be in.
How about the iDrive? Don’t believe what the critics say. The iDrive controller remains a more natural and easier to understand system with its four directional track wheel with a press down confirmation button. From the main menu, there’s a constant need to activate various sub-menus (which could be a hassle), but it’s designed to keep the driver’s eye on the road all time rather than pushing and pressing buttons. And this doesn’t come a handier time as the 5 Series is designed as an Autobahn machine, and nothing beats its poise on the road.
Without the boot saying “520d” at the back, it’s hard to tell what 5 Series it is. Each 5 Series could be customized with an array of alloys, exterior colors and add-ons (i.e. HID headlamps). Nonetheless, the difference is obvious when the engine’s started. Starting the motor is an event in itself, requiring a push button process as opposed to simply twisting the ignition. On idle, there’s a noticeable degree of diesel rattling—indicative of the BMW’s lack of engine sound insulation (or ineffectiveness). 163 horsepower certainly isn’t enough on paper, but it’s surprising how it copes with pushing the 5 Series well beyond 140 km/h. There’s a noticeable and uncomfortable boom around 1,300 rpm but it disappears at anywhere else in the rev range.
The 520d’s acceleration feels a tad pale. Whereas a small bleep of the throttle on a 530d would require a flooring of the accelerator on the 520s; luckily the responsive 6-speed automatic works overtime keeping the difference to a minimal. Still, despite the 5 Series’ power handicap, show it a twisty enough road, and it will still shine. For one, the 520d still has good weighted and sharper steering. It’s very easy to position the 5 Series into any corner, making it seem smaller than its size suggests. In addition, the chassis is more direct, exhibiting reflexes similar to a ballet dancer. A five-door, premium luxury ballet dancer—Lisa Macuja would be proud. The brakes are on a different league as well, offering a much bigger window of confidence and easier modulation. With the DSC switched off, it’s easy to power slide the 5 Series, but it never feels scary—because it’s so controllable.
With the emphasis tuned towards a more spirited drive, the 5 Series suffers a bit in the ride department where it’s bordering on the firm side. Riding on run-flat tires doesn’t help things, jolting the suspension in some surfaces. However, in general, it’s not that far behind those running on standard tires; perhaps the only difference is the superior NVH isolation in the others.
Even if the 520d is slower off the starting line, the biggest advantage it offers is savings. At P 4.090 million, it’s still excellently equipped inside and out. In addition, the 520d still contains that wonderful and elegant chassis—which is perhaps the main reason for buying one. And then you can add the other bonus such as the excellent driving position, striking looks and the famed propeller badge and it’s a winner.
It’s true that having more horsepower and torque would mean a much better seat-in-the-pants experience, but slotting in a 1.6 metric ton car through the corners is just as addicting. That’s where the BMW 520d shines. It offers a much better driving environment and such phenomenal chassis that everyone else is just playing catch-up.
The BMW 520d is certainly designed for those who enjoy a more thrilling drive, those who want their cars a bit more tossable and aggressive through the corners. In addition, it’s certainly more affordable without actually sacrificing a lot by way of lesser toys or horsepower.
Personally, I would opt for the BMW 520d any day. Despite its shortcomings in terms of all out power, the Bimmer is more fun, much more engaging to drive and certainly more affordable compared to the Audi. And if the lack of acceleration or toys really bugs you, then BMW is also offering the 530d—with its earth moving power and tremendously smooth engine.
By Ulysses Ang | Photos by Ulysses Ang
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