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Published on October 17, 2007

The new touches mainly come at the front, where there are new headlights, fog lights and spoiler.

Glass panels cover the direction indicators and chrome surrounds the headlights, while the design of the fog lights and front air dam is sportier.

The additional light contour along the side sills also gives the profile of the 5-Series a sleeker, more stretched look.

The rear end has also been freshened up with LED turn signals.

Step inside and there's a new door panel as well as eight "favourite" buttons, which allow the driver and front passenger to access important functions quickly, smoothly and easily - which is great, since you won't be needing to use the iDrive controller (what a relief!).

All you have to do is press a single button to activate something like a telephone number dialled frequently, or a preferred radio station saved in advance.

I chose to borrow the 520d (the 190hp 523i and 218hp 525i models are also on offer) for its superb engine - a 2-litre common-rail diesel capable of producing 163hp and a good 340Nm of torque.

Those familiar with automobile specs might notice that the engine of the 520d, despite its small 2-litre displacement, pumps out as much power and torque as the 3-litre D-4D engine of the Toyota Hilux Vigo.

Of course if you consider the prices of the engines, they would surely be worlds apart, but this is a hint of the capability of BMW in designing a superb engine.

There's plenty of pulling power at any engine speed, and I didn't have to refuel at all during the weeklong encounter with the 520d.

Specifications:

BMW 520d

Engine: 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve common-rail diesel

Displacement: 1,995cc

Max power: 163hp/4,000rpm

Max torque: 340Nm/2,000-2,750rpm

Transmission: Six-speed

automatic

0-100kph: 8.6 secs

Top speed: 223kph

Dimensions (L x W x H):

4,841 x 1,846 x 1,468

Kingsley Wijayasinha

 The Nation

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.