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: BYD Sealion 7
BYD Sealion 7 - front tracking

Long-term test: BYD Sealion 7

Second report: all is not rosy in the garden when it comes to driving our BYD
Long-term tests
11 Mar 2026
Are car headlights too bright? How hi-tech LED lights prioritise the driver but risk dazzling everyone else
Vauxhall Grandland - lights on

Are car headlights too bright? How hi-tech LED lights prioritise the driver but risk dazzling everyone else

LED headlamps on cars may improve visibility at night, but some people say they’re too bright. We investigate the issue and what can be done
Features
9 Mar 2026
New Jaecoo 8 challenges the Hyundai Santa Fe with seven seats, 83-mile EV range and £45k price tag
Jaecoo 8 - front

New Jaecoo 8 challenges the Hyundai Santa Fe with seven seats, 83-mile EV range and £45k price tag

Flagship seven-seat SUV features 422bhp all-wheel-drive plug-in powertrain, plus Land Rover-style Terrain Response system
News
11 Mar 2026