Video Review: 2024 BMW 520i
BMW has unveiled its all-new 2024 BMW 5 Series sedan, which promises to provide cutting-edge luxury and performance. The new BMW 5 Series is the latest generation that has an aesthetic design with new features and enhanced performance. They were among the best midsize luxury sedans and have remained so to this day. Today, we have the BMW 520i in our hands for a comprehensive review of this great luxury sedan.
Table of Contents
Sleek Styling Shows Refinement
Firstly, one can comprehend how BMW has endeavored to give the new BMW 5 Series a more graceful look by accentuating the lines of this particular car model. The front has a large brand logo of the car maker’s kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights.
There are no sharp bends in the profile and the character line runs from the front of the car right up to the rear end of the sedan to give it a graceful and sporting look. New wheel designs range up to 20 inches in diameter and come with an attractive design solution.
At the rear, there is an L-shaped light cluster that extends from the boot lid and is connected by an unbroken chrome bar, which makes the car look lower and more stable on the ground. All in all, it appears to be quite traditional but it is evident that it wants to be on the cutting edge.
Step Inside Premium Comfort
Getting into the driver’s seat, which is a procedure I am rather used to by now, I first of all, observed the interior, which corresponds to BMW’s standards of a premium car. Soft leather, genuine wood inserts, and aluminum are used in the interior of the driver.
Aviation themes can be applied to the digital dashboard, and there are options to switch between different gauge designs and information widgets. The new iDrive system is intelligent; it features an 8.8-inch touchscreen, engaging voice controls, and convenient shortcut buttons.
Some of the features include ambient lighting, multi-zone climate control, and 16-way adjustable front seats, which allow the driver and passengers of the car to have the greatest comfort they desire.
New Electrification for Efficiency
It is also important to note that, as part of the powertrain upgrades for the 5 Series, BMW has incorporated new mild hybrid technology for 2024. The 520i engine is a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder with a 48-volt starter-generator.
This results in a nice smooth flow of 184hp on offer with better fuel economy on the side. This means that steering and acceleration do not really feel that sluggish, despite the added weight that the sedan brings to the table.
The electric boost complements these situations well by providing additional torque. As for the power train, an 8-speed automatic gearbox and auto start/stop are also employed to optimize the mileage.
Out of these two qualities, Composed Handling is by far the best quality to have, and a Comfortable Ride is a close second.
During my drive, I got the opportunity to drive on open roads aside from the city, where the carmaker has introduced new, upgraded chassis and suspensions in the 5 Series.
The steering has a good weight and feel to it through corners and communicates the willingness of the car to turn but at the same time disconnects harsh road inputs from the driver.
One of the good things about this sedan is that it has very little body roll during cornering, especially attributed to rear air suspension. Road conditions are well absorbed by bumps, which is advantageous for ride comfort.
This is true, as BMW has not compromised on comfort by making the cars too athletic or has made them very comfortable without compromising on athletic features. Other enjoyable features such as the lane keep assist and traffic jam assist also relieve the driver of some work as well.
Aids for Ease of Usage and Protection
The new BMW 5 Series comes equipped with loads of technology – entertainment, and safety—in and outside the cabin. The car is equipped with the newest iDrive 8 software that operates very smoothly and quickly on the 12.3-inch touch display. Automotive features include Wireless Android Auto/Apple Carplay, Bluetooth, WiFi hotspot, and wireless phone charging for effortless connectivity on the move.
Proactively, there are features such as remote start, digital key access, and advanced exterior surveillance with 360 cameras. Traditional options include such upgrades as a head-up display, parking autopilot, and an augmented video output feed. Safety front/side collision warning, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking help minimize risks.
Returning to the Realm of True Luxury Competitors
Overall, I spent some good time with the 2024 BMW 520i and I find it rather impressive how this 5 Series sedan has been fine tuned. It does not disappoint on any aspect of design and aesthetics, it has a spaciously inviting luxury interior, is packed with opulence, offers efficient and responsive powertrains and handling, and is equipped with innovative technologies.
In the same manner, a high level of craftsmanship and minute detailing is quite patent throughout. If there are customers who are in search of a car that offers a blend of driving excitement, comfort, and technology, then the new BMW 5 Series should be on their list.
This is a world-class package that will do very well against rivals from Mercedes and Audi.
2024 BMW 520i Main Highlights
- 19-inch M alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Remote start
- Panoramic glass roof
- Power boot-lid
- BMW Iconic Glow illuminated grille
- M Sport package
- Comfort Access (keyless entry and start)
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BMW Operating System 8.5
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Head-up display
- Gesture control
- Alcantara and Veganza leatherette upholstery
- Interior camera
- Ambient lighting
- Carbon-fibre interior trim
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heated front sports seats
- Wireless phone charger
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Parking Assistant Professional
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Surround-view camera
- Travel & Comfort System
- ConnectedDrive
Enhancement Package (520i: $5400) adds:
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Metallic paint
- Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system
Comfort Package (520i/i5 eDrive40: $5700; i5 M60 xDrive: $3200) adds:
- Heated steering wheel
- Roller sunblinds
- Ventilated front seats (520i and i5 eDrive40 only)
- Front comfort seats
- BMW CraftedClarity Glass application (520i and i5 eDrive40 only)
- Heated rear seats
- Four-zone climate control (520i and i5 eDrive40 only)
Source: carexpert.com.au