Powered by a variant of BMW's six-cylinder engine, the new BMW 523i has a power output of 130 kW at 5 800 r/min while toruqe is 230 Nm at 3 500 r/min.
BMW claims that the new engine, made extensively from lightweight materials such as magnesium and aluminium, and featuring VALVETRONIC technology, offers buyers the "perfect balance of performance and frugality".
Zero to 100 km/h takes 8.5 seconds (9.3 for the automatic), top speed is 235 km/h (auto: 232 km/h).
All new models come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A six-speed automatic with Steptronic is available as an option. Buyers of the new BMW 525i and 530i can also specify a Sequential Manual Gearbox.
BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC), which includes ABS, ASC, DBC and EBV, is standard. Of course the 523i comes with iDrive and a host of other standard and optional features.
Pricing: