2024 BMW 5 Series 520i M Sport Review

The competition in the executive sedan market is becoming increasingly fierce. Consumers not only pursue a sense of prestige for business occasions but also value practicality for everyday family use. The 2024 BMW 5 Series 520i M Sport is a model designed to meet this specific demand segment. As a mid-cycle update of the BMW 5 Series family, it not only continues the brand's sporty DNA but also upgrades its intelligent features and comfort. Through a hands-on test drive, we will comprehensively analyze its static experience and dynamic performance to see if it can hold its ground among competitors in the same class.

In terms of appearance, the new car maintains the elegant stance of an executive sedan while adding a sportier vibe with the M Sport package. The front features a larger kidney grille paired with sharp LED headlights. The "angel eyes" outline within the light unit has been simplified but still retains high recognizability. The side profile of the car boasts sleek lines, with a waistline stretching from the front wing to the rear, creating a low-slung feel. The 19-inch multi-spoke wheels add plenty of muscularity to the sides. At the rear, the smoked LED taillights echo the front end, while the dual exhaust layout further enhances its sporty attributes. The overall design balances the steadiness of an executive sedan with a sense of youthful vitality.

Sitting inside the car, a sense of luxury and technology hits you instantly. The dashboard features a 14.9-inch curved dual-screen design integrated with the iDrive 8.5 system, which operates smoothly and supports voice control. Below the center console, some physical buttons are retained for easy blind operation. Regarding materials, the seats and inner door panels are wrapped in genuine leather with a soft touch, while the upper part of the dashboard is covered in soft materials. Detailed stitching enhances the overall texture. In terms of configuration, HUD head-up display, Harman Kardon sound system, and electrically adjustable front seats are all standard. Additionally, the rear seats are equipped with independent air conditioning and sunshades to ensure passenger comfort.

In terms of space, the new car measures 5060mm/1900mm/1515mm in length, width, and height, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2900mm. These dimensions ensure adequate seating space in both the front and rear rows. When the front seats are adjusted to a suitable position, there is still about two fists of legroom left in the rear seats, and the headroom is also sufficient — even passengers 180cm tall won’t feel cramped. The trunk offers a volume of 490L, which can easily accommodate several suitcases, making it more than sufficient for family trips or business use. In terms of storage space, the storage slots in the front and rear door panels, the center armrest console, and the glove box are all relatively spacious, providing practical utility.

For the powertrain, the new car is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system, producing a maximum output of 208PS and a peak torque of 330N·m, matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. In actual driving, pressing lightly on the accelerator during start-up delivers noticeable power output, and the addition of the 48V mild hybrid system ensures smoother launches with no evident turbo lag. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and the transmission downshifts actively during hard acceleration, delivering a strong sense of acceleration and making overtaking easy and confident. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.5 seconds, which ranks in the mid-to-upper range among competitors in this class.

In terms of handling, as a rear-wheel-drive model, the BMW 5 Series has always been known for its superior handling. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds, providing a great sense of control. The suspension system features a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension combination, tuned towards comfort, but it still provides sufficient support during cornering, effectively controlling body roll. When driving over bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations, maintaining some road feel while ensuring comfort. The braking system also performs stably, with a moderately firm brake pedal and linear brake force output. During emergency braking, the vehicle's posture remains stable.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption figure is 5.8L/100km. During our test drive, fuel consumption in urban conditions was around 7.5L/100km, while on highways, it could be reduced to below 6L/100km. Considering its 2.0T engine, this fuel efficiency performance is quite commendable.

In terms of comfort, the new car offers excellent sound insulation, effectively controlling tire noise and wind noise during driving. Only during rapid acceleration does the engine noise become slightly more noticeable, but it doesn't affect the cabin's serenity. The seats provide good support and cushioning, ensuring comfort even during long periods of driving. The energy recovery system has different intensities depending on the driving mode. In Eco mode, the recovery intensity is higher, and releasing the accelerator creates a noticeable drag. In Sport mode, the recovery intensity is lower, offering a driving experience closer to a traditional fuel-powered car.

Overall, the 2024 BMW 5 Series 520i M Sport performs well in terms of design, features, space, and handling. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the same segment, it surpasses in handling; compared to the Audi A6L, it stands out more in technology and luxury. It is well-suited for consumers who pursue driving pleasure while balancing business and family needs. If you're looking for an executive sedan that offers both status and substance, this car is worth considering.