This sole bastion of the internal combustion engined BMW G60 5-series locally (for now) is set to cost RM 340,000.
Following on from the all-electric i5 eDrive40 that launched late last year, BMW Malaysia has since also added an internal combustion-engined counterpart to the new G60 5-Series lineup, in the form of this recently revealed 520i. Shown alongside the hot i5 M60 xDrive at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2024, this locally-assembled petrol-powered German executive sedan is set to be priced in the region of RM 340,000 when deliveries begin later this year.
Now surprisingly for a BMW these days, the 520i does indeed have an engine displacement that matches its variant designation. Powering this petrol 5-er is to be the German automaker’s B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot, which in this particular trim has been enhanced slightly through the inclusion of a 48 V mild hybrid system.
Total system output for this mildly-electrified heart is rated by the German automaker at a modest 208 hp and 330 Nm of torque, with this turbo four then paired with an 8-speed automatic that sends drive to solely its rear wheels. BMW currently quotes for the 520i to currently sprint from 0-100 km/h in a decently spritely 7.5 seconds, before eventually running out of puff at 230 km/h.
Another rather surprising observation with this particular petrol-powered 520i is for it to look strikingly similar to its all-electric i5 counterpart, especially in comparison to its more sensible eDrive40 sibling. This ICE option has after all shared much the same blanked-off grille design up front as its aforementioned EV alternative, with it even having gone to the length of hiding its tailpipe from view round its rump.
BMW nerd will no doubt point out for the i5 eDrive40 to feature a different front bumper to the 520i, which gives the former a slightly more pinched-cheek face to the latter’s slack-jawed look when observing it head on. This new petrol-powered 5-Series also comes rolling on some 19-inch aero alloy wheels in the 934 bicolour grey, wrapped in 245/45R19 tyres.
Moving along inside now, the sensible spec of this 520i sees for a two-spoked squircle steering wheel to come in place of the usual round item that typically comes with the M Sport package (as optioned with the i5s in Malaysia). Other notable toys within its cabin meanwhile includes the BMW Curved Display comprising a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen Control Display, the illuminated BMW Interaction Bar for controlling ventilation and other functions, a wireless charging tray, as well as a comprehensive suite of driver aids from the standard BMW Driving Assistance Plus package.
The New BMW 520i is to be offered in a selection of stunning exterior colours: Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, and Cape York Green Metallic. Upholstery is meanwhile a choice between two luxurious options, the Veganza Perforated with Quilted Black or the Veganza Perforated with Quilted Espresso Brown.
