BMW has announced the local arrival of the new 520d turbo-diesel sedan.

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

The new 520d’s high-torque, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine boasts spirited performance along with low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

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

Equipped, as standard, with BMW’s six-speed automatic transmission and capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in some 8.6 seconds, the new 520d is endowed with nearly enough sporting performance.

Yet, with a fuel consumption of 6.1 litres/100 km on the combined cycle, the 520d offers reasonable fuel consumption.

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.

Accompanying the efficiency and on-road dynamics of the new BMW 520d are the levels of luxury and passenger comfort that have made the 5 Series a popular choice amongst the BMW range.

As well as advanced 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) and makes the 5 Series accessible to a wider range of Australian luxury car buyers.