BMW 520i (G60) Launch Edition Review: Softer, Plusher & More Luxurious

What we like:

Unique Launch Edition trim

Comfortable ride

Rear design

Large boot

What we dislike:

Start-stop system

2-spoke steering wheel design

Historically, if you were in the market for a German Executive saloon with equal amounts of brand image (or snob value), there were always two clear choices. One would go for a BMW 5 Series for a sportier and sharper drive or a Mercedes-Benz E-Class for a plusher and more comfortable ride. Yes, there are now also more choices from other marques to consider, but one cannot deny that these two models are the quintessential Executive car choices.

However, that pre-conceived notion of sportiness and comfort across these brands seem to be changing with their respective new models.

How does the new BMW 520i (G60) look?

Let’s get this question out of the way. The latest generation of BMW’s have had polarising designs, and it would be fair to say that you either love it or hate it. For the latest 5 series with the model code G60, I must admit that the design grows on you after a while.

I approached the car with a slight apprehension but found myself appreciating what the designers at BMW have done to make an Executive saloon more unique. The kidney grille at the front is equipped with BMW’s Iconic Glow package which lights up the large grilles at night. Whilst this may sound ostentatious, it is quite a subtle design in the dark.

What the designers have done well to mask the size of the 5 Series would be the rear design. At 5.06 m long, the 5 Series looks sleek from the rear where the roofline slopes down smoothly to a very short tail-end, somehow improving the look of a standard 3-box sedan. The slim tail-lights may receive comments about being too un-Germanic but it actually increases the elegance of the car in my opinion (it did take me a few days to change my mind…)

What comes standard with the Launch Edition package?

There are a few interesting design styling features with the Launch Edition model. Firstly, the usual exterior trim around the grille, bumpers and the window sills come in Titanium Bronze rather than the usual satinised aluminium.

The car also comes with unique two-tone Titanium Bronze 20 inch rims to match the trim on the car.

Interestingly, all these Titanium Bronze trimmings actually complement this shade of dark blue that this car is specified with (BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue Metallic).

Lastly, the Launch Edition model also comes with a different type of wood trim for the interior panels. Instead of the usual dark glossy wood trim, it comes with what BMW terms as Fineline which is a type of open-pored wood that comes with Silver Bronze inlays. This also usually falls under the BMW Individual optional extra option.

Is the BMW 5 Series comfortable?

The sport seats that come in BMW’s latest Veganza material (yes, its Vegan) is extremely plush and supple. It is definitely more breathable than the old SensaTec materials, which would not suffer the hot seat or sweaty back syndrome after sitting for too long.

Rear seat passengers also have sufficient leg and headroom and get an aural treat with the standard-spec Harman Kardon sound system. However, BMW has removed rear seat pockets which may result in less storage space, especially for families or the Towkay who wants to slot his Manila envelope in.

Is the BMW 5 Series well equipped?

The car comes with BMW’s latest Live Cockpit Professional instrument panel with a 12.3-inch display. The iDrive infotainment system is also integrated into a curved screen like the other latest BMW models. Easy to use, but call me an oldie as I still prefer traditional meters, gauges and buttons.

Build and fit quality is good and BMW has tried to streamline the dash design. Aircon vent wind speed controls are now digital and wind direction controls are toggled by a small 4-way rubber knob.

The dashboard and door trims are also back-lit and are reminiscent of the larger 7 Series sedan. The colours also change according to the selected drive mode.

How is the BMW 5 Series like to drive?

The 520i comes equipped with a 2-litre engine (yes, a BMW B48) that produces 190 hp and 310 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h is dispatched in 8.1 seconds and to a top speed of 230 km/h. Whilst the figures are not mind boggling by modern standards and turbocharging, the 5 Series and especially at 520i specification, is not meant for fire breathing performance.

The car is smooth, comfortable and pliant. This seems to be the design mantra for the latest G60 5 series as the steering is light and the suspension is soft with an element of body roll. One may wish to order it with M Sport suspension but my fear is that it would affect the ride quality too harshly.

Compared to earlier iterations of the 5 series, the G60 has gone for a more Executive approach with less of that sharp, sporty focus. This is not necessarily a bad thing as the latest 5 Series is still an excellent choice for its target audience. The car is still fast by local standards and provides a supple and comfortable ride for its occupants.

At S$351,888, the BMW 520i is priced significantly lower than the newest Mercedes-Benz E200 Avantgarde at S$393,888. Again, this is where the competition between the blue propellor and the 3-pointed star lives on. Definitely a case of personal preference and brand loyalty then.

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