18 Aug 03
The 2.2-litre engine is sweet, too. On paper, it looks barely powerful enough to haul a heavy car like this along at a respectable pace, but its 170bhp can be used to the maximum, thanks to excellent flexibility and the well-spaced ratios of the precise six-speed 'box. Quick off the mark, speed builds smoothly and progressively, yet the car remains quiet and refined even under pressure. Capable of climbing steep, twisty country roads without pausing for breath, the 520i also cruises the autobahn with consummate ease. Unless you're particularly power-hungry, it's all the Five you'd need. It's certainly more inspiring to drive than the Mercedes-Benz E200, excellent though the new E-Class is, and way ahead of the similarly-powered and priced A6 2.4 V6, let alone the sub-£25K 2.0 and 1.8T. The only car in a similar vein which comes anywhere close in terms of dynamic appeal and all-round abilities is the smaller Alfa 156 - a leap of faith too far for many a German car fan.
And when the steering is so sharp and precise, is the optional Active Steering option really worthwhile? This clever development interacts with the driver to vary the steering ratio, with smaller inputs needed to change direction at low speeds, and more intervention required at high speeds: it weights up under fast cornering, and eliminates the need to shuffle the wheel or adjust your grip, as well as helping core stability during straight-line acceleration. This system, which works well now that initial gremlins have been ironed out, feels more subtle than expected, but unless you're a techno-freak or really find parking hard work, this standard car is so good it's not a must-have feature. The only really crucial options for the 520i - apart from the £90 carpet mats, a shameful oversight on the standard kit list at this level - are metallic paint, bi-xenon lights and, for the full executive effect, leather seats. Sometimes, keeping things simple gives the most rewarding outcome.
Specification:
Engine: 2171cc, six cylinders, 24 valves
Bore x stroke (mm): 80.0 x 72.0
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Max power: 170bhp at 6100rpm
Max torque: 155lb ft (210Nm) at 3500rpm
Max speed: 143mph
0-60mph acceleration: 9 seconds
Fuel consumption: 31.4mpg
Carbon dioxide emissions: 219g/km
