For maximum BMW-style fun, the mode to select is ‘Sport’. The dials go a bright red. Big, white numerals appear in the centre of the graphic-intensive dials, and the needles create a fill effect as they rise northwards when you step on the accelerator. Exciting! Another thing which jettisoned ‘exciting’ and introduced ‘momentary terror’ was a U-turn at full lock and a sudden push of the right-most pedal. The car slid sideways and changed direction quicker than my eyeballs could catch up, and when they did, they were greeted with a flashing amber ‘traction control’ warning light. Even so, the ride quality is surprisingly good, with the suspension actually set up quite soft. Going over the ungainly speed-bumps in the city had the car bounce; revealing how soft the springs and rebound damping were actually set up to run. That said, at no point did the car feel like a bobbing boat. Rear occupant room and comfort left nothing to complain about either.
Overall equipment levels are commendable and the 520d in Modern Line trim is a good car to own in the city. The 16-speaker Harmon Kardon surround sound system is standard as are Bluetooth connectivity and the rear-view camera. Distinguished adaptive LED headlamps with corona rings are standard as well. The storage space around the car gives you good options and the boot, a massive 520 litres, can hold a lot of luggage even with the rear seat up. Consider the whole list on offer and, at Rs 46.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it does make a lot of sense!
The 520d can be fun, undoubtedly. That’s the thing with BMWs: they feel more driver-oriented and the kick-in-the-pants feeling you get from a 5 is somehow different. Yes, all German saloons tend to give you quite a kick, but this one has Bavarian boots on.
