BMW 520d EfficientDynamics car review
Sam Hardy
What is it?
THE BMW 520d Efficient Dynamics is the executive car that every business driver has been waiting for. It’s a 520d that costs you even less to run than the average supermini. How does it do that? Well, there are no changes to the 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, instead there’s slightly longer gearing for the six-speed manual gearbox, low rolling resistance tyres and some aerodynamic alloy wheels – subtle tweaks which reduce CO2 emissions further and boost fuel economy. It costs from £30,435, only £405 more than the standard 520d SE.
What’s hot?
- If you thought the 520d was good with 125g/km of CO2 and 58.9mpg combined, the EfficientDynamics version goes a step further with 119g/km of CO2 and 62.8mpg
- Those emissions mean a 13% BIK band, compared to 18% for the most efficient diesel A6/E-Class and 22% for a Jaguar XF
- VED is free in the first year and £30 thereafter
- Yet for all its frugality, it’s still fast…
- With 380Nm of torque, 0-62mph takes 8.2seconds and there’s loads of mid-range urge. It feels just as quick as the standard car
- It comes with a super efficient ECO PRO mode, as well as other driving modes
- Plus it’s refined and has a very comfortable ride
- It still involves like a 5 Series should, with agile handling and decent grip
- Residual values should be rock-solid. Why would you buy any other 5 Series?
What’s not?
- Some drivers will want even more overtaking punch…
- …and some won’t like the fact you can only have a manual, not an auto
- While some will want to swap those alloys for M Sport ones
- Err…that’s about it
P11D Value: | £30,380 | |||
Monthly Rental: | From £397 3yrs/30,000 miles | |||
Tax Bands 2012/13 to 2013/14: | 13%, 17%, 18% | |||
Benefit in Kind 2012/13 to 2013/14: |
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Engine: | 2.0 4cyl turbo diesel | |||
CO2 Emissions: | 119g/km | |||
Power/torque: | 187ps/380Nm | |||
Economy: | 62.8mpg |
Business Car Manager Car Review Verdict
For business car drivers, the BMW 520d Efficient Dynamics is definitely the 5 Series to go for – no wonder we named it our SME Director’s Car in our Best Business Car Awards 2012.
It’s even more economical than the 520d, costs an incredibly small amount in BIK company car tax for such a large executive car, yet drives just as well any other BMW 5 Series. It feels every inch the luxury saloon inside and out, and is so quick that few owners will want more power, and with company car finance lease rates starting from under £400 it doesn’t look exacting on the pocket, either.