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BMW 520d, 530d, 540d and M550d: Every New 5 Series Diesel in One Video

It's incredible how fast BMW cranks out all the different powertrains. The G30 5 Series is an excellent example of that, as there are already 15 configurations listed on their website, with more to come. This video gives us an excellent cross-section of the diesel side of things.
BMW 520d, 530d, 540d and M550d: Every new 5 Series Diesel in One Video 2 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
BMW 520d, 530d, 540d and M550d: Every new 5 Series Diesel in One Video
There's only one engine missing, the bi-turbo 525d, but nobody has driven that yet. In any case, the range kicks off with the 520d, which at €46,100 is the cheapest and least powerful model. It's also the only way to get a manual gearbox... not that you'd want one anyway.

The 520d pushes out 190 HP and 400 Nm of torque, even in EfficientDynamics trim. She will do the 100 km/h sprint as fast as 7.6 seconds when equipped with xDrive and the Steptronic gearbox.

All the other 5 Series diesel models in this story are of the 3-liter inline-6 variety, though the number of their turbochargers varies.

The basic configuration is called 530d, and it's quite popular. This single-turbo engine makes 265 HP and 620 Nm of torque, or enough to reach 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds with xDrive.

YOurs from €55,400, the 530d is way cheaper than the 540d, which starts at €64,200, partly because its 320 horsepower is sent out through standard xDrive. With a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds, we figure this version should be fast enough for anybody.

However, BMW also made a flagship diesel version, the M550d. The most powerful six-cylinder diesel engine in the world produces 400 HP and 760 Nm. It's also got as many turbochargers as a Bugatti Veyron - four. Prices start at €85,000, so it's nearly double the cost of a base 520d, which is about a third more frugal.

Dutch magazine AutoTopNL has stepped up its game recently. We don't think we've ever seen a compilation video quite like this one, featuring four identical dials side by side. This makes it easy to see how much performance your money is buying.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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