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BMW 520i SE Touring - Fleet News
01.03.2001 |
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Common rail technology raises the game in diesel, so you’d expect the BMW 530d SE Touring to be something special. It is. Paul Clark reports.
With a power output of 193bhp at 4000rpm and peak torque of 302lb ft from just 1750rpm, the 530d claims its place as one of the most powerful production diesel cars in the world. Such figures enable the 530d SE Touring to deliver the seemingly impossible: high performance, class-busting economy and industry-leading exhaust emissions, questioning - even ridiculing - the Government's wisdom of the new graduated Vehicle Excise Duty aimed at smaller, supposedly 'greener', cars.
In all but badging, the 530d SE Touring - available in SE trim only - looks identical to its petrol-engined stablemates, but it sits between the 525d Touring range and the 530i SE Touring petrol models in terms of pricing at £31,400 for the manual and £32,620 for the automatic. The firmer-sprung 530d Sport starts at £33,905. That's competitive with the Mercedes E320 CDi Elegance (auto only) at £30,980.
Fleet appeal
With the common rail engine's clean-burning characteristics, BMW has extended service intervals, the frequency being indicated by the dash-mounted service interval indicator. On average, an oil change is required at 13,600 miles, though careful driving may see this stretched to an impressive 18,600 miles.
CAP Monitor awards the 530d SE a three year/60,000-mile RV of £12,850, or 41% of cost new. In terms of running costs, there's little in it between the BMW and the Mercedes E320 CDi: the 530d just undercuts the Merc at 41.8p/mile, compared with 42.3p/mile. On fuel consumption, however, the difference is more marked with the E320 returning 35.8mpg, the 530d 38.7mpg - though the Merc is available as automatic only.
Tax position
There's a clear difference between the BMW and Mercedes on CO2 emissions, the BMW's figure of 194g/km undercuts the Mercedes' 209g/km, leading to substantial tax reductions under the 2002 legislation. A 40% tax payer currently covering between 2500 and 18,000 business miles would pay tax of £3122 for the BMW and £3080 for the Mercedes.
However, in 2002, the BMW driver would be liable for £2872 compared with the Mercedes' £3203 - a difference of £331 in the first year of the new regime.
Driver appeal
Its 193bhp output gives the 530d SE Touring a top speed of 141mph and 0-60mph time of 8.1secs, while that fat wave of torque - 302lb ft produced from just 1750rpm - gives blistering through the gears pace: 50 to 75mph in fourth gear takes just 7.2secs. At tickover, the engine is barely discernible as a diesel, while the absence of smoke on start-up or during acceleration dispels any embarrassing pollution worries. In normal motoring you can almost consider dispensing with the gearbox altogether such is the engine's train-like pull: third gear provides tremendous flexibility while overtaking is easily accomplished in fourth. There's seldom any need to exceed 3500rpm, even though the engine's peak revs are at 4500rpm, and with such a flat torque curve the reassuring seat of the pants acceleration is particularly evident during overtaking.
Comfort and interior
Behind the wheel there's precious little to tell you that this is a diesel: only the 'Diesel' script on the fuel gauge gives the game away. Otherwise, it's stock BMW 5 Series which means a beautifully thought out and impeccably finished dash and interior and a sensibly chosen standard equipment list that includes a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel and height, reach and rake adjustable driver's seat which make for a perfect driving position: the seats themselves are firm but supportive. The opening rear window and wide-opening tailgate make the Touring a truly practical estate car, while the useful retractable load floor is a £375 option.
Safety and security
The 530d SE Touring comes with twin front, side and head bags as standard, with ABS and traction control as well as five three-point seatbelts and three rear head restraints.
The 5 Series took this year's BVRLA security award in the executive sector for the fifth year running - helping the 530d SE Touring to an ABI insurance rating in Group 15E - proof if any were needed of an industry-leading approach to security.
Equipment and value
Just about every creature comfort you really need is standard on the 530d SE: climate control, four electric windows, alloy wheels, a quality stereo, cruise control, remote locking, wood trim and BMW's multi-function steering wheel controlling most primary functions. Key options include automatic transmission (£1220), metallic paint (£575) and an on-board computer (£295).
Verdict
The 530d SE Touring's combination of driver appeal, refinement, performance and economy blows the anti-diesel debate wide open and should sway the opinions of even the most hardened diesel-haters. The clincher is a significant company car tax advantage over the Mercedes E320 CDi Elegance that makes a lot of sense in executive car stakes. A saving of over £330 in the first year of the new regime, made all the more palatable by the diesel's broad set of abilities, makes this one executive car that really does match performance and driver appeal with bottom-line frugality.