Overall rating:

There's little we don't already like about the BMW 520d saloon. That the EfficientDynamics Edition is more economical and, crucially to company car drivers, boasts CO₂ of just 119g/km, means we love it a little bit more. So long as you're happy with a manual gearbox and the lack of M Sport accoutrements it's the ultimate long distance executive.

Key Facts

Pricing: £30,435
Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Audi A6 2.0 TDI, Jaguar XF 2.2D, Mercedes-Benz E 200 CDI
CO₂ emissions: 119g/km
Combined economy: 62.8mpg
Top speed: 144mph
0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
Power: 184bhp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 280lb.ft at 1,900 - 2,750rpm

In the Metal:

If you know your BMW 5 Series alloys then you might spot that the 520d EfficientDynamics version wears a new style. They're called 'Streamline-design' and they sit on low rolling resistance tyres. That really is about it for cosmetic changes, though it's worth remembering that you cannot specify different wheels or the M Sport styling kit for your EfficientDynamics saloon. Nothing to stop you fitting other wheels yourself of course...

Inside there's precious little difference between the EfficientDynamics saloon and any other 520d. The arrival of the former in the UK is marked by the introduction of BMW's new Eco-Pro driving mode and the associated switch. That's standard on all versions of the 5 Series now.

Driving it:

Select Eco-Pro and the 5 Series encourages relaxed, unhurried and hence more efficient driving. Otherwise the EfficientDynamics saloon feels virtually identical to the conventional 520d. Like the 320d EfficientDynamics edition of a couple of years ago BMW has fitted a new sprung dual-mass flywheel and Centrifugal Pendulum Absorbers. These smooth out vibrations at very low engine speeds and should encourage the driver, with the help on in-dash prompts, to select a higher gear more of the time. You won't notice the difference to be honest, though the EfficientDynamics saloon is fitted with a manual gearbox, which is unusual these days. It's slick and satisfying to use.

The rest of the 520d's comfortable demeanour is in tact, with engine, road and wind noise well isolated. Pick up the pace and the EfficientDynamics version remains enjoyable to hustle along.

What you get for your Money:

As mentioned, there are limitations to what you can add to you 520d EfficientDynamics. So larger wheels, an automatic gearbox and the M Sport upgrade are out of the question. Still, it's pretty well equipped as standard, with a leather interior, front and rear Park Distance Control, dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth all included.

Never mind the fact it'll do 62.8mpg on the combined cycle. Company car buyers will be eyeing up the 119g/km CO₂ figure, as it means they pay only 13 per cent Benefit in Kind (BIK), which is class-leading.

Worth Noting

An incredible 80 per cent of the 5 Series sold are the 520d SE. No wonder BMW UK reckons it can shift 4,000 EfficientDynamics saloons. It's only £405 more expensive so makes sense to the private buyer that covers high mileage as much as it does to the company buyer more worried about BIK taxation.

While introducing the 520d EfficientDynamics saloon to the market BMW has revamped much of the line-up. A new 'TwinPower' turbocharged petrol engine in the 520i replaces the old 523i; the six-cylinder 530i is usurped by the 528i (boasting a more powerful version of the 520i's turbocharged engine); and the 525d adopts a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine in place of its straight-six.

Summary

If you're in the market for a BMW 5 Series the stats show that you're very likely to go for the 520d SE. For £405 more you could have the EfficientDynamics version and even lower fuel and road tax bills. It makes a lot of sense if you cover high mileages and it's a no-brainer for company car buyers thanks to the low BIK. Just bear in mind that you can't have an automatic gearbox. We prefer changing gear for ourselves anyway.