BMW India appoints 520i as the new entry-level 5 Series variant

As this image shot in a parking lot reveals, BMW India has developed a new variant for the 5 Series range in India. BMW is introducing a new four-pot two-liter petrol engine on the next generation 3 Series expected to launch in a month or two. The engine under the 520i's bonnet is suspected to be the same motor calibrated and modified suitably to fit the new application.

BMW India is introducing the 520i as the doorway to the 5 Series range in India, replacing the 523i with this more spirited performer.

The company has confirmed this development on its website by updating the technical specifications. The website fails to show anything on the 523i. The 520i features instead, motored by a 2-liter engine that outputs 184hp/270Nm.

Sources confirm to IndianAutosBlog.com that BMW dealerships in some part of India are takings bookings for 520i. The ex-showroom price is pipped to be around 40 lakh rupees.

BMW's bread and butter variant in the 5 Series lineup continues to remain as the entry-level diesel (520d) without a doubt. BMW assembles most variants of the 5 Series at its CKD plant in Chennai alongside the X1, 3 Series, X3 and 7 Series.