All new BMW 5 series

BMW’s annual re-jig of its model range means there is more excitement and more features for those of you looking for a car in the 5 Series luxury car range.
Now the largest-selling car in its class, with a 54 percent market share, it says a lot about BMW that its model is selling more than the well-established Merc E-Class. Customers looking to get a new 5 will now have the choice of a couple of new diesel models. There’s a new base 520d, with the 320d’s four-cylinder diesel motor under the bonnet. It makes 177bhp, 21bhp more than the 3 Series. However, intelligent engineering means you never feel that the car is underpowered. Far from it. The 520d’s generous 35.67kgm of torque propels it smartly forward and acceleration is actually quite strong. If you are chauffeur-driven and occasionally take the wheel, this is more than sufficient to get the job done. However, as this is a luxury car that delivers more of everything — comfort, luxury and quality — it’s only natural that you will want more power at this price.

Enter the 530d, BMW’s 235bhp, 50.96kgm rocketship. Basically the 525d motor with 44 more horses under the hood, the 530d takes a good thing and makes it even better. Like all BMWs, petrol or diesel, acceleration is linear and doesn’t come on suddenly or in bursts. This gives you the impression that you are not going as quick as you think you are, as there is no sudden surge of g forces on acceleration. What you get instead is a sustained shove in the back that stays as long as you have your right foot pinned to the floor of the car. And then the fantastically stable chassis and bags of grip mask speed even better. So instead of doing a quick 120, like you think you are, you are actually ripping along at 150. Few cars have the balance of sport, luxury and practicality down better than the 530d and we’re sure that at only Rs 80,000 more than the 525d, it’s bound to be a runaway success.