A game of word association often throws up quirky surprises, but one thing's for sure, mention BMW 5 Series and the first thing that pops into one's mind is, 'yummm, (at the very least) silky smooth six-cylinders.' So while it's fine for the entry level 3 Series to feature unruly four-pots, but surely we wouldn't expect these engines to permeate the executive inner sanctum of the '5'?
Don't get me wrong, this move is supposedly meant to make the popular '5' more accessible to buyers. However, does this remove the 'aspirational' aspect of the car? Would it make a difference to the upwardly mobile if it's so 'easy' to gain entry into the 'club' now?
This also means that BMW has finally joined the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the 4-cylinder executive brigade.
So we're not quite sure how to deal with the prospect of the 'new' 520i, which now features a slightly re-tweaked version of the four-cylinder, also found in the 3 Series, under its bonnet and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
However, the results are surprising.
A weekend with the car threw quite a curve ball; the 520i is quite an enjoyable drive and all-round performer in town traffic and even at legal speeds on the highway. Push it up North and the performance on high-speed runs begin to pale in contrast to the 523i and 525i.
Notwithstanding any snobbery associated with the long-standing '4-cylinders vs. 6-cylinders' debate, the engine is a smooth performer with well-matched gear ratios that really maximise low to mid range urge.
Working the auto-box 'manually' demonstrates the efficiency of the transmission, as the shifts are executed seamlessly and quickly. The dynamics are as involving as you'd expect from the car and the absence of Active Steering makes for a more natural steering feel.
Equipment-wise, the 520i offers a no-frills solution to the executive washroom. Air-conditioning is manual and single-zone, rather than a multi-zone electronic climate control system. Xenon HIDs are standard, a nice touch for the car.
There's a quality of unpretentiousness about the car that leads us to wonder, "does such a thing exist? A 5 Series with no pretensions?" Gasp, what would the neighbours think?
The 520i bolsters the ranks of the 5 Series, which includes the 523i, 525i and 530i here in Singapore.
(*all pix courtesy of Penoramic Publishing)
Fast Facts: BMW 520i
Engine: 1995cc, in-line 4 cylinders
Maximum power: 156bhp at 6400rpm
Maximum torque: 200Nm at 3600rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-100km/h: 10.6 seconds
Top speed: 219km/h
LxBxH: 4841x1846x1468 mm
Wheelbase: 2888mm
Kerbweight: 1490kg
Price: $168,800 (with COE)
Agent: Performance Motors Limited
