The new 5 Series, launched in South Africa in February this year, is an executive’s delight – a car you’ll enjoy driving equally as much as being driven in.
We spent a week in the entry-level 520d going for R1,248,731, and while it’s a costly affair limited to the elite, after getting to know the German sedan, its asking price doesn’t seem all that out of place.
Driving pleasure par excellence
The 520d gets BMW’s trusty 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system for a total potential of 145kW and 400Nm.
It’s not the fastest off the line as the big four-door tips the scales at 1.8 tonnes, but true to the ethos of BMW, it’s a real driving machine.
Near-perfect weight distribution coupled with smooth power delivery, direct steering, and class-leading damping makes the sedan nimble through swerving roads, no less so than its smaller sibling, the sporty 3 Series.
On the open freeway it’s as comfortable as riding on a cloud, you could go for hours without needing a break.
The mild-hybrid system also supplies a responsiveness to the accelerator that is usually not associated with diesel motors, and the cabin isolation and refined mechanics mean you can barely hear the engine when idling or on the go. In fact, I had several people ask whether it was electric.
You still get the benefit of diesel’s frugality, too, with my average consumption working out to a relatively low 6.7l/100km.
The 5 Series is delivered as standard with the M Sport package in South Africa that adds feistier bumpers and wheels, and this particular model was treated to fetching bronze finishes that turned a great many heads.
Attractive adaptive LED headlights with arrowhead daytime running lights are equipped as standard so you don’t have to fret about blinding oncoming traffic at night whilst visibility remains excellent at all times.
The grille is also surrounded by an LED light band bringing another layer of flair.
The sheer scale of the BMW is something to get used to; at over five metres in length it rivals most double cabs while the deep seating position means you have to remain highly aware of your surroundings to keep the shiny alloys and bumpers unscathed.
However, it’s such an engaging drive that after a few days it seems to fit like a glove, and your worries of accidentally misjudging a corner and scraping a skirt quickly subside.
Opulent is an accurate word for describing the 520d’s spacious interior.
You’re greeted by a lovely thick-rimmed steering wheel, expansive Sports seats covered in soft leather and patterned needlework, fashionable ambient lighting fixtures, and a large panoramic glass roof.
The gear selector as well as the rotary controller for the infotainment system, volume button, and start button are made of see-through crystal, and the massive Harmon Kardon speakers get brushed metal grilles for a modern aesthetic.
Discretion is seemingly important for 5 Series customers as the rear privacy windows render it near impossible to look into the backseats, and manual sunshades can make it even harder for unwanted eyes to peer through.
At the push of a button, you can also bring up an electronic sunshade for the rear window.
When it comes to technology, the 5 Series leads the pack.
It’s shipped with a configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system with connected apps out the wazoo. You can connect your smartphone via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or use the on-board apps to do things such as stream music and videos online.
You can even play games on the AirConsole app using your phone as the controller, though you’ll need to activate an eSIM first before you can do so.
Other highlights comprise electric adjustment and heating functions for the seats, four-zone climate control allowing each passenger in the front and rear to select their preferred temperature and fan speed, an electric tailgate that can be opened and closed from inside the cabin with only a button, and a suite of driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.
A built-in dashcam is included as well, which can display a live feed of the traffic ahead on the digital instrument cluster should you want an extra pair of eyes to ensure the coast is clear.
There are a few areas with black plastic where one wouldn’t expect it to be in a car of this calibre, and the generous gloss black material on the centre console attracts fingerprints and hairline scratches like there’s no tomorrow.
With the optional space-saver spare wheel included the boot is also rather shallow, but other than that, there’s not much to write home about in terms of grievances.
Built-in dashcam displaying live feed on digital instrument cluster
Verdict
Brand preference is usually the ultimate decider when playing in these leagues, but if your mind has yet to be made up, the new 5 Series makes a very compelling argument for why it should be your preferred ride to your next boardroom meeting.
It’s a thing of beauty that drives as good as it looks, just keep in mind, you’ll need ample garage space if you want it to sleep inside at night.
BMW 5 Series
Join the discussion