Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 520d SE

Blend of style and driveability makes our class champion a strong choice

There's no time for BMW’s latest 5-Series to rest on it laurels. Less than a year after being crowned Best Executive Car at our New Car Awards, the model is having to defend its position at the top from Audi’s all-new A6.

On first impressions, there’s little to separate the pair. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

While it lacks the Audi’s sleek profile, the taller 520d is more imposing, thanks to its gaping, double-kidney grille and quad headlamps.

The car in our pictures is the more expensive M Sport model, which features larger 18-inch alloy wheels and a bodykit that adds an aftermarket feel. We think the more low-key entry-level SE version tested is much better, although neither has the head-turning appeal of its boldly styled predecessor.

Inside, cues are taken from the firm’s luxurious 7-Series saloon. The sweeping dashboard design and beautiful build quality help give the interior a genuinely upmarket feel. This impression is reinforced by the long list of standard kit, which includes leather trim for the seats and dual-zone climate control, although sat-nav remains an extra-cost option. It’s spacious, too, with rear passengers getting plenty of room to stretch out. And while the BMW has the smallest boot of this trio, its 520-litre capacity should be ample.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

60,376 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £10,600
View Qashqai
X3

2021 BMW

X3

17,015 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £31,500
View X3
Yaris Hybrid

2025 Toyota

Yaris Hybrid

39,445 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,400
View Yaris Hybrid
Sportage

2021 Kia

Sportage

49,200 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £17,500
View Sportage

As you’d expect from the firm, the 520d is a strong performer on the road. Its refined 181bhp 2.0-litre oil-burner is the most powerful on test. However, what gives the big saloon the edge off the line is its rear-wheel-drive traction. It sprinted from 0-60mph test in 8.1 seconds, but trailed the lighter A6 for mid-range pace.

The blue propeller’s clever EfficientDynamics technology has set the benchmark in this sector, yet the 520d’s emissions of 129g/km are matched by its newer rival. And while fuel returns of 37.4mpg are good, it trailed the A6 at the pumps. Keen drivers are sure to favour the BMW, though, as its rear-wheel-drive chassis serves up a wealth of involvement. The weighty steering delivers a lot of feedback and precision, which help to mask the car’s bulky dimensions.

The trade-off for its sharp handling is a firm ride, which means the BMW is less cosseting than its rivals. Long journeys are also made more tiring by steering that requires constant corrections to keep the 520d tracking straight at high cruising speeds. However, that’s one of the few flaws in an otherwise outstanding package. 

On this showing, it’s going to take something special to knock the most affordable car in this line-up off the top of the podium.

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: Our current class leader is a brilliant executive car, yet it’s under threat from the new A6 and Jaguar’s forthcoming XF 2.2D.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,825 off RRP*Used from £8,904
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD
Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis stood next to the Honda 0 SUV prototype

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD

Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they’ll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
News
1 Jul 2025