With turbo-diesel power available across its range - including the 120d, 320d, 530d, X3 2.0d and 3.0d and the X5 3.0d - BMW is launching another diesel model in Australia.

BMW is planning to release the new 520d turbo-diesel sedan in November.

Joining the recently announced X3 2.0d Sports Activity Vehicle, the 520d uses the same 4 cylinder 2.0-litre engine, adding another turbo-diesel option to the range and supplementing the six-cylinder 530d.

With its common rail fuel injection and variable-geometry turbocharger, the 520d engine produces 125 kW at 4,000 rpm and 340 Nm of torque that is available from 1,750 rpm.

Equipped as standard with BMW’s six-speed automatic transmission, the new 520d takes some 8.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h.

Yet, with a fuel consumption of 6.1 litres/100 km on the combined cycle, the 520d is competitive with the superb Audi and Mercedes-Benz products.

This frugality is augmented by low exhaust emissions, with the CO2 output of 162 g/km made possible with the combination of BMW engine management and the standard exhaust system particle filter.

As well as BMW safety technology that includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control Plus Traction) and eight airbags, the 520d is equipped with 16-inch star spoke alloy wheels, high-gloss wood interior trim in Bamboo grain, Poplar brown or Poplar light, Dakota leather upholstery, Control Display with 6.5" colour monitor and Radio Navigation, Bluetooth preparation, BMW Professional radio with in-dash CD player and CD changer in the glove box, USB/Audio interface, dual automatic climate control, automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, multi-function leather steering wheel, on-board computer with outside temperature display and controller on centre console and power adjustment for front-seat backrest angle and height.

The new BMW 520d Automatic is priced from $79,900 (RRP).

New Sports Automatic Transmission adds zest to BMW 5 Series

Now, the driving dynamics of 530i, 530d and 550i models can be augmented by the optional six-speed Sport automatic transmission that takes the regular transmission to new levels.

At the press of a button, the driver can change not just the shift characteristics of the Sport automatic transmission, but also the accelerator response.

In Sport mode, the shifts are faster and accelerator response more instant, adding to the innate liveliness of the BMW 5 Series.

The driver can also choose to change gears manually, via either the steering wheel paddle shifts, or the lever on the centre console introduced exclusively for the Sport transmission.