| PERFORMANCE RATING: |
 |
Initially BMW is offering a 3.0-litre turbodiesel, and 2.0 and 3.0 petrol engines, all straight sixes. We Of the two 3.0-litres, the diesel is undoubtedly the engine to go for, its pulling power providing performance far sportier than the petrol's. Proof lies in fourth gear acceleration from 50 to 75mph, the diesel dismissing this in 5.4 seconds while the petrol requires 7.4 seconds. On the road, you feel it. The diesel's muted baritone rumble is quite pleasant despite the odd clatter, its throttle response is lively and it's a quiet cruiser. In contrast, the petrol feels slightly anaemic, despite its 231 horses. That's the consequence of higher gearing than in the old car, with the result that it doesn't have the same pull, and revving it to find more produces a slightly rough-edged note that's a disappointing surprise from BMW's usually silken straight-sixes. That said, it's hardly slow. The 520i (actually fitted with a 2171cc engine, 170 bhp) is, however, surprisingly nippy and lively, especially in combination with the six-speed manual gearbox, and can be hustled along more than quickly enough to satisfy most drivers' needs. In many ways, it's sweeter than the 3.0 - and a hell of a lot cheaper.
|
