BMW 5 Series Diesel range expands (520d & 535d)

To start the range the BMW 520d retails from $83,300* and features a four-cylinder turbo diesel that outputs 135 kW and 380 Nm of torque. This means a 0-100km/h time of 8.1 seconds whilst using just 5.2 litres of diesel per 100km. Interestingly the CO2 emissions are a ridiculously low 137 g/km.

New features on the 520d include 17" alloy wheels, an eight-speed automatic transmission, electric power steering, Head Up Display and Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear. The 520d also makes use of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as low rolling-resistance tyres, brake energy regeneration, and air vent control.

Moving up the range, the more expensive ($134,400) and more powerful 535d is powered by a straight six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine that develops 220 kW and a massive 600 Nm of torque. This gives an almost unbelievable 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds while using just 6.1 litres of diesel per 100km. CO2 emissions are marginally higher than the 520d at 162g/km of C02.

As well as all standard equipment on the 520d, the 535d also gains as standard: metallic paint, 18” alloy wheels, 8-speed sports automatic transmission with Steptronic, adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights including washer system, rear view camera, electric seat adjustment with driver’s seat memory function, sports leather steering wheel, Comfort Access System and 12-speaker HiFi system to name just a few.

BMW is bringing more and more diesel variants into Australia as 50% of its 2010 sales have been diesel powered cars (compared to 35% for the luxury market).

The 520d is already available and the 535d will land in dealerships in November.