2012 BMW 520i coming in November

Priced from an exceptional $77,900, the BMW 520i will undercut the recently launched Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel ($78,900) and the entry model Mercedes-Benz E 220 ($83,300). It will also be the first vehicle to showcase the German company's new two-litre, four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine.

You wouldn't expect much from a 2.0-litre turbo in a car as big as a 5 Series, but thanks to a combination of a twin-scroll turbocharger with high precision injection, valvetronic variable valve control and double VANOS camshaft control (don't worry, we don't really know what they do either) the BMW 520i develops 135kW (5,000 – 6,250 rpm) and 270Nm of torque (1,250 to 4,000 rpm).

It will do the 0-100km/h dash in a respectable eight seconds flat whilst using just 6.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. If you happen to care, you'll be pleased to know it emits just 149 grams of CO2 per 100 kilometres. The impressive fuel consumption and acceleration figures are achieved thanks to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. Being below the 7.1L/100km luxury car tax threshold is one of the main reasons for the lower than expected price.

Standard equipment levels comprise of 17” alloy wheels, automatic stop/start function, business navigation screen, front and rear park distance control, cruise control (with automatic braking function), USB integration for iPod connectivity, Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming, climate control, anti-dazzle interior mirrors (auto darkening), rain sensor with automatic headlight control and more.

The new 2012 BMW 520i will go on sale next month, alongside the revised 5 Series lineup.