BMW 520d Touring

Having undergone a mid-life facelift last year, BMW’s executive model here tested in strong-selling Touring form now receives a new four-cylinder diesel engine to enhance its standing against the audi a6 2.0 Tdi, Jaguar XF 2.2d and Mercedes-Benz e220 Bluetec. 

The 520d’s new engine is the same 2.0-litre unit first seen in the facelifted X3 xdrive20d. Here, it delivers 187bhp at 4000rpm and 295lb ft between 1750rpm and 2500rpm, increases of 6bhp and 15lb ft over the engine that it replaces. Key among its developments is a new fuel injection system, a new variable-geometry turbocharger that is claimed to bring a 50 per cent reduction in frictional losses and a more efficient electrically operated oil pump. as before, it comes mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox or, as here, an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.

in this latest incarnation, BMW’s four-cylinder diesel engine provides the 520d with a broad spread of performance, outstanding efficiency and improved refinement. it delivers a more instantaneous response and even greater mid-range flexibility than the engine that it replaces, although its relative lack of capacity shows low in the rev range.  

Perhaps more than the extra power and torque, it is the improvement in cold-start and on-boost refinement that really marks this engine out. With improved frictional qualities and additional sound deadening, this engine is truly hushed at motorway speeds. it is only when you explore the upper reaches of the rev range that you register any diesel-like acoustics, and even then it is hardly loud.

The ultra-precise shift action of the eight-speed auto adds to the sense of outstanding refinement. in kickdown, it will drop up to four gears to provide convincing vigour, yet a very tall top gear endows it with a wonderful, loping gait at cruising speeds. 

in saloon guise, the new 520d is claimed to hit 62mph in 7.7sec and reach 145mph, but the Touring, with an added 135kg, requires just less than 8.0sec and runs to 140mph. it is more impressive at the fuel pumps, though. official claims give the 520d Touring a combined 62.8mpg, with Co2 emissions of 118g/km, endowing it with a theoretical range of 967 miles from its 70-litre fuel tank. 

Criticisms? The interior is starting to show its age, with some less than dazzling materials and a clutter of buttons spread across the dashboard.

The optional adaptive damping control system is also unnecessarily complex. Choice is a good thing there are Sport Plus, Sport, Comfort, Comfort Plus and eco Pro modes but one has to ask: does this car really need such adjustment? 

But if you’re in the market for an executive car or looking at securing a new company car, you’d be mad not to give this new BMW consideration. as far as everyday motoring goes, it is about as much as you’ll ever need. 

SO GOOD

Smooth, quiet, flexible engine
Slick operation of the optional automatic gearbox
Superb cruising ability
Outstanding economy 

NO GOOD

Interior design is looking dated
Too many driving modes