We compared BMW 5 Series engines, and the efficiency crown goes to…
The BMW 5 Series does not settle for average and is the champion in its class in terms of acceleration and CO2 emissions. The Intelligent Start Stop function is included for the first time, which also assists in keeping these figures down.
Petrol Engines
| BMW 5 Series | 520i | 530i | 540i |
| Engine | |||
| Max output (kW/rpm) | 135/5000 - 6500 | 185/5200 - 6500 | 250/5500 - 6500 |
| Max torque (Nm/rpm) | 290/1350 - 4250 | 350/1450 - 4800 | 450/1380 - 5200 |
| Performance | |||
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h (seconds) | 7.7 | 6.2 | 5.1 |
| Top speed | 235 | 250 | 250 |
| Fuel consumption | |||
| Combined (l) | 6.2 | 6.2 | 7.2 |
| CO2 emissions, combined (g/km) | 141 | 141 | 164 |
The innovative 3-cylinder petrol engine with its exceptional smoothness, the 4-cylinder petrol engine and the BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder petrol engine, multiple winner of the “Engine of the Year Award” – all set new standards. In the latest generation, they prove to be more economical, lower on emissions and more powerful than their predecessors. In order to increase efficiency and dynamics, this innovative package, which is a milestone in the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, combines the latest injection technology and Valvetronic fully variable valve control including double-VANOS with innovative turbocharger technology. The result is an especially efficient drive system that impressively illustrates the engine expertise of BMW.
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Diesel Engines
| BMW 5 Series | 520d | 530d |
| Engine | ||
| Max output (kW/rpm) | 140/4000 | 195/4000 |
| Max torque (Nm/rpm) | 400/1750 - 2500 | 620/2000 - 2500 |
| Performance | ||
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h (seconds) | 7.5-7.7 | 5.7 |
| Top speed | 235 | 250 |
| Fuel consumption | ||
| Combined (l) | 4.8 | 5.1 |
| CO2 emissions, combined (g/km) | 125 | 134 |
| Tank capacity (approx.) (litres) | 66 | 66 |
Reflected in the BMW Twin Power Turbo diesel engines is the systematic implementation of the BMW EfficientDynamics principle. They combine top values in economy, power yield and running characteristics with low fuel consumption. There is no doubt about their efficiency and dynamics. Yet at the same time, the innovative BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder diesel engines and the especially powerful BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder diesel engines perform their work with remarkably low emissions and little friction. Maximum driving fun is therefore guaranteed. The diesel power units with the aluminium lightweight construction of the BMW EfficientDynamics engine family have turbocharging with variable turbine geometry. Fuel injection is the responsibility of the latest-generation CommonRail direct injection.
Related reading: BMW 5 Series: Which is better, petrol or diesel?
Verdict
BMW TwinPower Turbo engines offer supreme dynamics at maximum efficiency thanks to the latest fuel injection systems, variable output control and innovative turbocharging technology. No matter if it’s diesel or petrol with any number of cylinders: the engines in the BMW EfficientDynamics range deliver ebullient power to the road and are spontaneously responsive even at low rpms while keeping consumption and emissions low.
In addition, BMW EfficientDynamics is a technology package that goes beyond engines to encompass the entire vehicle concept and intelligent energy management. A whole range of innovative technologies come as standard in the 5 Series, continuously increasing vehicle efficiency. By improving aerodynamics and engine efficiency as well as using lightweight construction design and hybrid technology, BMW has succeeded in reducing CO2 emissions by 33% across its fleet.
These lightweight materials such as aluminium and ultra-modern aluminium alloys used in the seventh generation BMW 5 Series has made the car weigh 100 kilograms less than its predecessor. The intelligent lightweight construction also ensures a balanced weight distribution between front and rear axle as well as a lower centre of gravity. The result is highly dynamic driving characteristics.