2015 BMW 520d Touring F11

It may not be its only strength – far from it – but outstanding efficiency is undoubtedly a BMW 5-Series speciality. Indeed, the model series’ achievements in this area have played a major role in securing its global bestselling status at the premium end of the executive class. And now the BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring have set about extending their lead in the efficiency stakes once again. The introduction of a new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines improves further on what was already an exceptional balance between performance and fuel economy. The new 2.0-litre units with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology boost the output of the new BMW 518d and new BMW 520d by another 5 kW apiece. At the same time, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the EU test cycle have been reduced by as much as 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres / 10 grams per kilometre. For example, the new BMW 520d Sedan – which now produces 140 kW/190 hp – burns just 4.7-4.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (60.1-65.7 mpg imp) with CO2 emissions of 114-124 g/km. If the optional eight-speed Steptronic transmission is specified, these figures improve further to 4.5-4.1 l/100 km (62.8-68.9 mpg imp) with CO2 emissions of 109-119 g/km, depending on the tyre format fitted.

The new entry-level diesel models – the BMW 518d Sedan and BMW 518d Touring – now offer output of 110 kW/150 hp and peak torque of 360 Newton metres (266 lb-ft). The 140 kW/190 hp variant of the new four-cylinder power unit, meanwhile, boosts peak torque by 20 Newton metres (15 lb-ft) to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). This version of the engine is fitted in the BMW 520d Sedan and BMW 520d Touring as well as the BMW 520d xDrive Sedan and BMW 520d xDrive Touring models with intelligent all-wheel drive. The likewise updated eight-speed Steptronic transmission is available for the rear-wheel-drive models as an option in place of the standard six-speed manual gearbox, and included as standard on the all-wheel-drive models.

These new gains in fuel economy represent further evidence of the effectiveness of the ongoing development work – focusing on the optimisation of combustion engines and other components – under the BMW EfficientDynamics banner. The current (sixth) generation of the BMW 5-Series has set the pace in its class in terms of economy and driving pleasure from day one, thanks to extensive use of BMW EfficientDynamics innovations, such as BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, Electric Power Steering, Brake Energy Regeneration and numerous other measures. The exemplary levels of efficiency achieved as a result underline the trailblazing character of the BMW 5-Series, as do its elegantly sporty design defined by harmoniously flowing lines, the modern functionality of the interior – with innovative display and control elements – plus driver assistance systems from BMW ConnectedDrive and superior chassis technology. Additional innovations like ECO PRO mode and the Auto Start Stop function (also available with the automatic transmission) are now likewise fuelling this commitment to building on its leading position.