Test drive BMW 520d xDrive Touring: business class in an economical version
Long-distance travel on an almost five-meter BMW liner approaches the convenience of air transport
Acceleration in the automotive industry is a continuous process, and this can be seen in the posture of instances such as the Bavarian "five" Touring. The upper-midranger has as much in common with classic middle-class notions as modern smartphones with their puck-shaped Bakelite predecessors. The fifth-series station wagon has an ambiance that can safely be described as luxurious even in the presence of higher-end BMWs in this regard. The spacious five-seater interior is furnished with high-quality fabric and thought out to the smallest detail, iDrive ergonomics are at the usual impeccable level, and the luggage compartment with a functional rear seat folding system and a minimum volume of 560 liters contributes to an active lifestyle, rather than regular transportation of oversized cargo. In short - the class is visible from afar and the inscription 520d on the back cover of the basic version does not change anything in this direction - except for the cost, of course ...
Economical four-cylinder diesel
The modern turbocharged 520d unit has a very good torque development and in combination with an eight-speed automatic transmission guarantees more than dynamics from the 1500 rpm limit. The car runs quietly, balanced and without noticeable noise even at high speeds, and compliance with European speed limits and a reasonable attitude to the accelerator pedal are rewarded for a long time with a real average consumption of about 7,0 l / 100 km - excellent value for money for a car weighing 1800 kilograms in base version. Added to this is the weight of the impressive accessories that come with the Luxury Line. Price levels are pretty impressive too, but the result of the already mentioned eight-speed automatic transmission, air suspension on the rear axle and adaptive dampers brings the five-series wagon very close to the level of comfort known from the seventh series.
Excellent driving comfort
BMW's precise steering and cornering dynamics are still there, giving the impression that you're driving a much smaller and lighter car, but what's really surprising in this case is the calmness with which the 520d xDrive Touring soaks up the bumps in the road surface. In this regard, the association of business airliners is closest to reality - even in the pilot's seat, which discreetly and without undue strain leaves four-digit mileage readings in a matter of hours.
In short
BMW 520d xDrive Touring Luxury Line
In-line four-cylinder diesel turbo engine
Engine volume 1 cm3
Maximum. power 184 HP at 4 rpm, max. torque 000 Nm at 380 rpm
Eight-speed automatic transmission, dual transmission
Acceleration 0-100 km / h - 8,4 sec
Average fuel consumption - 5,6 l / 100 km
Base price BMW 520d xDrive Touring – BGN 99 including VAT.
Luxury Line price and extra. equipment – BGN 32 VAT included
The price of the test car is BGN 132. VAT INCLUDED.
Evaluation
Body
+ ample interior space
+ very good visibility from the driver's seat
+ flexible luggage space
+ stable case
+ excellent workmanship
– the minimum amount of luggage is approximately average for the class
Drive
+ economical engine with good manners
+ very stable road behavior
+ excellent ride comfort
Costs
+ likely low level of obsolescence
– high base price
– relatively expensive additional equipment
Conclusion
A luxury station wagon with decent road handling and exceptional driving comfort. The luggage compartment does not set any volume records, but it is flexible and capable of handling a wide variety of tasks. The four-cylinder basic diesel engine demonstrates harmonious performance, very good dynamics and first-class performance in terms of fuel consumption.
Text: Miroslav Nikolov
Photo: Miroslav Nikolov
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