The German based automaker, BMW, has finally revealed a series of engine updates for their 2012 5 Series model year, namely the 520i, 525d and 528i. For Singapore buyers, perhaps the 520i is the most interesting model to keep a lookout. Currently, the base BMW 5 series model on sale in the Lion City is the 523i, powered by a 2.5 liter straight 6 unit. It generates 204 bhp and propels the luxury sedan from 0 to 100km/h in 8.2 secs.

Providing propulsion power for the new 520i is the 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo, featuring direction injection and Valvetronic technologies. In this iteration, it generates 184 bhp between 5000 to 6250 rpm and helps the 520i to complete the century sprint in 8.0 sec when mated to an eight speed automatic transmission. Compared to its arch rival, the Mercedes E200 CGI BlueEfficiency, the 520i takes 0.2 sec shorter to reach the 100km/h mark. However, one has to note that the E200 looses about 200cc to the 520i in terms of engine capacity. The E200 also manage to produce the same 184 bhp as the 520i, despite being a 1.8 liter. In terms of gearbox technology, the E200 trails behind the 520i by being equipped with only a 5 speed automatic transmission (Source: http://www.mercedes-benz.com.sg). Although the 520i loses to the 523i in terms of horsepower figure, the new base model reaches 100km/h faster, so there is nothing to be ashamed of. The new 528i uses the same 2.0 litre TwinPower Turbo, albeit in a different state of tune. It produces 245 bhp and 350Nm of torque, which is a whopping 80Nm more than the 520i. These translate to a century sprint figure of 6.3 sec.

Both the 520i and 528i are happy to drink just RON 92 fuel, if potential buyers are concerned about rising pump prices. The detailed specifications can be found below.