Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 5 Series 520d Efficient Dynamics

The 520d is a great all-rounder - mixing comfort, economy and performance in a practical package

BMW 520d M Sport - front

Like the new 3 Series, the current 5 Series benefits from a 100kg weight reduction over its predecessor. This aids driving dynamics, important in all BMW saloons, as well as efficiency.

The 520d makes up a huge chunk of 5 Series sales and it’s not hard to see why. The 187bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel gives the 520d a warm-hatch rivalling 7.5 second 0-62mph time but BMW claims in Efficient Dynamics spec it’ll will reach 72.4mpg.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Of course, there are much more powerful engines available with the 5 Series - topping out in the form of the 616bhp M5 Competition, but the 520d is a competent performer, providing the driving experience you’d expect of a BMW and the efficiency you may not. 

Best diesel cars to buy in 2019

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Long-term test: Renault 4 E-Tech Iconic+
Renault 4 - charging fleetwatch

Long-term test: Renault 4 E-Tech Iconic+

Second fleetwatch report: living without a home charger means regular public charging, but the R4 is proving it isn’t as inconvenient as expected
Long-term tests
5 Aug 2026
Car Deal of the Day: MG IM5 for £230 a month is IMmensely good value
MG IM5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG IM5 for £230 a month is IMmensely good value

The IM5 is currently £100 a month cheaper than the Tesla Model 3. It’s our Deal of the Day for 6 August.
News
6 Aug 2026
Record-breaking Nissan Qashqai covers 1,230 miles on a single tank
Nissan Qashqai e-Power Guinness World Record holder - front static

Record-breaking Nissan Qashqai covers 1,230 miles on a single tank

Clever e-Power tech proved its worth on a long-haul adventure in South America
News
6 Aug 2026