Achieving a Weight Reduction of Up to 80kg

The BMW "5 Series" has undergone a full model change. The new 7th generation model arrived in Japan on January 12, 2017.

The lineup includes the 3-liter V6 540i (available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive) and the 2-liter 4-cylinder diesel 523d, which were released first, along with the 523i, 530i, and the plug-in hybrid 530e.

The model test-driven this time was the 523d, equipped with a turbodiesel engine. It produces a maximum output of 140kW (190ps) and a maximum torque of 400Nm. BMW claims a class-leading fuel efficiency of 21.5 km per liter.

IInternational Test Drive Event in Lisbonalso participated in, but this was my first time driving the 523d in Japan. There, I only had the chance to drive the 3-liter 6-cylinder diesel 530d, so I was looking forward to the 4-cylinder diesel, which should be a strong seller.

The 5 Series is described by the manufacturer itself as "the world's most successful sedan," and it is particularly popular in Europe, far more so than in Japan.

The body, with a length close to five meters, has well-balanced proportions. It's largely free of ostentatious design elements, presenting a styling that, while classical, skillfully incorporates modern appeal at key points.

True to its philosophy of creating sporty sedans regardless of body size, the new 5 Series relentlessly pursues handling and stability. For instance, lightweight materials are used generously in the body, resulting in a successful weight reduction of up to 80kg.

It turned out to be exactly the car I had hoped for.

A Diesel Engine That Delivers Driving Pleasure

The new BMW 523d is marketed as a "Business Athlete." This is likely related to the European company car system.

In Europe, particularly in Germany and the UK, there's a system where companies provide company cars to employees holding positions of manager or higher for commuting. The 5 Series has always been a highly popular model in this context.

Why is the 5 Series so popular? It's likely related to the "athlete" aspect. It's no exception to BMW's cars that excel as sporty sedans.

The body size, at 4,945mm in length (as mentioned earlier), is not small, yet the handling is agile. When you hear "2-liter diesel," one might think of a car focused on fuel efficiency and not particularly fast, based on older conventions. However, BMW is clearly different.

BMW's diesel engines are remarkably sporty, a fact evidenced by their past sales to other manufacturers. In other words, they offer abundant torque, rev smoothly, and provide a sense of driving enjoyment.

The new 523d accelerates smoothly from idle, with the engine revving freely to higher RPMs without any hesitation. The acceleration is truly exhilarating.

It pulls away effortlessly and then rapidly gains speed. The sensation is breathtaking. It's a superb execution. The well-crafted engine sound likely contributes to this.

There's no hint of diesel knocking. I believe BMW excels at tuning engine sounds, and the 523d is no exception.

It's quiet, with a subtle, pleasing exhaust note. While the redline isn't as high as a gasoline engine at 5,500rpm, the way it revs up to that point, accompanied by the sound, is truly exciting.

Of course, you can push it hard, but typically, like modern engines, 2,000rpm is more than sufficient. Although peak torque is generated at 4,000rpm, the power builds significantly from 1,500rpm, providing ample thrust for practical driving by the time it reaches 2,000rpm.

The car responds nimbly when the steering wheel is turned. Yet, the sharpness characteristic of a sports car is intentionally subdued. It's an "adult" sporty sedan, after all. Within that definition, it corners smoothly, and you can enjoy the satisfying shift in posture as it transitions to acceleration.

The driver assistance systems are also well-executed.

A Truly Human-Centric Car

One of the selling points of the new 5 Series is the enhancement of its driver assistance systems and advanced safety features.

Active Cruise Control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed through acceleration and deceleration, even bringing the car to a stop.

Lane Departure Warning is a response program designed to alert the driver if the vehicle is about to deviate from its lane unintentionally. It provides a warning and, if the car crosses the lane marking, intervenes with steering input to help return it to the lane.

Additionally, the new 5 Series features a newly adopted "Steering & Lane Control Assist," which provides steering support from the vehicle.

Active Side Collision Protection automatically intervenes with steering input if the vehicle determines there's a risk of collision with a vehicle approaching in an adjacent lane.

When moving the car from a parking space or similar situation, the system detects approaching vehicles or pedestrians and displays a warning on the screen.

I actually tried the combination of "Active Cruise Control" and "Steering & Lane Control Assist" on the highway.

It's easy to operate: simply press the switch to activate the system and set the desired speed. You just need to confirm the green indicator on the instrument cluster showing the system is active.

With your foot off the accelerator pedal and a light touch on the steering wheel, the car maintains the set distance from the vehicle ahead, accelerating and decelerating as needed according to traffic conditions.

While the system's lane detection can sometimes falter on city streets, it operates almost consistently on highways. Through automatic steering, the vehicle maintains its position in the center of the lane even through curves.

A significant benefit of the driver assistance systems is that using Active Cruise Control clearly improves fuel efficiency. Furthermore, it is said to reduce fatigue to a considerable extent.

However, there are exceptions. The new 523d is one such case. The core driving elements – steering, handling, and powertrain – are executed with remarkable excellence. It makes you want to engage all your senses and enjoy the drive.

Perhaps it's the same for human "Business Athletes." They likely understand the importance of honing their senses through physical activity, such as marathon running or gym workouts.

While masterfully employing the latest technology, the new 5 Series is a remarkably human-centric car. That's what's truly impressive.

BMW 523d | BMW 523d
Body Dimensions | Length 4,945 x Width 1,870 x Height 1,480 mm
Wheelbase | 2,975 mm
Engine | 1,995cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Diesel Turbo
Maximum Output | 140 kW (190 ps) / 4,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 1,750-2,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | FR
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs / Discs
Suspension Front | Double Wishbone
Suspension Rear | Integral Arm
Tires Front/Rear | (Standard) 225/55R17 (Luxury) 245/45R18 (M Sport) 245/40R19 / 275/35R19
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 21.5 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity | 530 Liters
Price | (Standard) ¥7.13 million (Luxury) ¥7.83 million (M Sport) ¥7.81 million