BMW Australia Launches BMW 520d and BMW 535d
The Australian market will get two of BMW’s four 5er Series diesel sedans, namely the 520d and the 535d (BMW also makes a 525d and a 530d, which we reviewed back in May).
The 520d has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 185 hp (135 kW) and 280 pound-feet (380 Nm) of torque. It used 4.9 l/100 km (48 mpg) in the combined EU test cycle (although BMW Australia reported its fuel usage as 5.2 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions are just 137 g/km. [The EU test cycle has three components: city or urban driving (the first 800 seconds of the test), highway or extra urban driving (the next 400 seconds), and combined (the complete cycle).]
The 520d can go from zero to 100 km (0-62 mph) in 8.1 seconds. For $83,300, Australians get an eight-speed automatic transmission, 17″ alloy wheels, Head Up Display (HUD), Park Distance Control, among other options. BMW EfficientDynamics technologies for the 520d include low rolling-resistance tires, brake energy regeneration, and air vent control. The 520d is available in Australia effective immediately.
The 535d, a new addition to BMW’s diesel offerings, comes with a 3.0-liter 300 hp (220 kW) twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that produces 442 pound-feet (600 Nm) of torque. The 535d, which will become available in November, will cost $134,400 and (in addition to the equipment listed for the 520d) includes metallic paint, 18″ alloy wheels, an eight-speed sports automatic transmission, rear view camera, Comfort Access, and a 12-speaker HiFi system. It used 6.1 l/100 km (38.5 mpg) in the EU test cycle and sprints from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.7 seconds.
BMW of North America will offer a 5er Series diesel by mid-2011. Prices quoted are in Australian dollars.
