There's an affordable new BMW 5-Series on the block - an entry-level turbodiesel with all the advantages of this refined premium saloon at an attractive price. It's still not cheap, but at £25,925 there's no denying the appeal of this "budget" 5-Series.
The six-speed manual gearbox fitted to my new 520d was slick enough, but it wouldn't be my transmission of choice and that immediately makes the entry-level car nearly £1500 more expensive. Well-spaced ratios and a light action make the manual box easy to use, but if the 520d was on my shopping list I'd spend the extra £1450 and bag myself a six-speed Steptronic automatic. It's one of the smoothest-changing auto systems on the market and makes driving the 5-Series a relaxing affair.
Full review here