BMW TwinPower fours for the 5 Series

BMW will introduce TwinPower four-cylinder engines to Australia next month, starting with the 5 Series range. Initially available only as sedans - Touring wagons will follow later - the new 520i and 528i will offer improved performance for lower fuel consumption, according to BMW.

As the entry-level model, the 520i will develop 135kW and 270Nm from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder, consuming 6.4L/100km and emitting 149g/km of CO2 in the standard combined-cycle test. To help achieve the low fuel consumption and emission figures, the 520i comes with an automatic stop/start facility.

BMW claims that the 520i can still reach 100km/h from a standing start in 8.0 seconds, despite the frugal stats. Drive to the rear wheels - 17-inch alloys - is via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other standard features include: satellite navigation, front/rear park distance control, active cruise control, USB audio interface, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, electrochromatic mirror, rain-sensing wipers and auto-on/off headlights. The price, with LCT reduced by virtue of the car's fuel consumption being below 7.1L/100km, is $77,900.

Previously powered by an inline six, the 528i is now fitted with the same 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo four, but tuned for higher output. Peak power of 180kW is available between 5000-6500rpm, while peak torque of 350Nm is developed across a rev range from 1250-4800rpm. The 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.3 seconds - 0.4 seconds faster than the previous six-cylinder model.

Fuel consumption is rated at 6.7L/100km, meaning the 528i too is subject to Luxury Car Tax dispensation up to $75,000. BMW claims that the new combined-cycle fuel consumption figure represents a 14 per cent gain over the 528i with the six-cylinder engine. In the same combined-cycle test, the 528i produced 22 grams less CO2 than the six-cylinder 528i for a new figure of 156g/km.

Additional standard equipment in the new 528i not previously fitted to the six-cylinder model include: Dynamic Driving Control, ECO PRO mode, electric seat adjustment, professional satellite navigation, auto-stop/start, Internet connectivity and active protection. Active protection is a new safety feature bundling electromechanical seatbelt tensioning with automatic window/sunroof-closure and crash-optimised positioning of the front-passenger seat backrest. Given the new car's sub-7.0L/100km LCT dispensation, the price is lower now, at $98,200.

For the new model year, BMW has also upgraded the 535d and 535i models, with the diesel boasting more power (230kW) and lower fuel consumption (5.6L/100km - an eight per cent reduction). The 535d will now reach 100km/h from a standing start in 5.5 seconds.

Tweaking of the 535i has reduced fuel consumption by 0.7L/100km and cut the acceleration time to 100km/h to 5.9 seconds. BMW has repositioned both cars in the market, readjusting the pricing to $120,900 for the 535d and $115,600 for the 535i.

All 5 Series sedans other than the 550i now come with auto-stop/start, which has led to a fuel consumption drop to 4.7L/100km in the case of the 520d. The lowest-priced diesel in the range is now even lower, at $80,700. At the other end of the scale, pricing for the 550i is $179,900, which BMW claims is a $3000 improvement in the vehicle's value to customers.

The upgraded 5 Series sedans are on sale now, with the 520i and 528i due in local showrooms during November.

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