BMW 520d SE

THIS is the moment of truth for BMW’s executive contender. While the 530d has already beaten all-comers in the sector – including the Jaguar XF and Mercedes E-Class – the 520d is expected to account for 72 per cent of 5-Series sales, making it the most popular variant.

One thing the entry-level diesel shares with other models in the line-up is its conservative, understated styling. But the flared kidney grille nostrils and distinctive headlamps provide the newcomer with a purposeful face.

The low-key approach extends to the cabin. Anyone familiar with the larger 7-Series will feel immediately at home inside, as the interior has a high-class, luxury air. Leather upholstery and Bluetooth connectivity are standard.

The excellent driving position offers unrivalled scope for adjustment, and the latest iDrive cabin control set-up is more intuitive than ever – although Audi’s MMI system is easier to get to grips with.

We don’t have many criticisms, but cubby storage is limited and the steering wheel rim is unnaturally thick. What’s more, there’s nowhere to put the key – and as you need to plip the fob to get in (the car has keyless start, but not entry), this is irritating. A final gripe is revealed as you try to pull away, because the electronic handbrake doesn’t release automatically, like most rival systems.

Strong

Once up and running, the four-cylinder common-rail engine is hushed and gives excellent pace. It’s a superb performer, with 181bhp, and peak torque of 380Nm arrives at 1,900rpm – so the BMW pulls strongly and smoothly across the range.

At the track, the superior traction off the line gave the 520d an advantage. It left its rivals trailing with a 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds. On the road, the performance gap is much smaller, as indicated by our in-gear tests.

It really scores at the pumps, as BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology works a treat. Stop/start is standard on manual models, and the 520d has brake regeneration, low-rolling-resistance tyres and electric power-steering. The result is a class-leading CO2 output of 129g/km and an excellent 37.4mpg fuel return. Yet this doesn’t come at the expense of the sharp responses, agility and grip we expect from the brand. It feels like a smaller car from behind the wheel, and is the most engaging choice along twisty roads.

But it’s not perfect. Run-flat tyres are standard and, on our car’s optional 18-inch rims, they provide a firm ride – even though the model has variable dampers. When you’re going faster, the power-steering is heavy, too, and to stay on course on motorways, you find yourself making minor adjustments which aren’t needed in rivals.

For a car that’s designed to spend much of its time cruising, this is a pity.

The rest of the package is incredibly polished, though, and it makes as much sense on paper as it does on tarmac.

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WHY: Impressively low emissions mark out new 520d as something special. Does it make too many sacrifices in name of efficiency?