BMW is aiming to boost the appeal of its 5 Series range with a new entry-level model which will offer company car drivers lower benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax bills.
The 518d is available now in saloon and Touring guise, in SE or M Sport trim and is powered by a detuned version of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine found in the 520d. Offering 143bhp (184bhp in the 520d), the 518d sacrifices performance for a greater focus on fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
BMW claims CO2 emissions of 119g/km and combined fuel economy of 62.8mpg, which puts the 518d in the 18% BIK banding for this financial year (the 520d emits 125g/km, returns 58.9mpg and sits in the 20% BIK band).
As a result, the 518d will cost a 40% taxpayer £179 per month in company car tax, compared with £203 for the 520d. The net result is that the driver in the 518d will save £288 per year over the 520d in company car tax.
The launch of the 518d coincides with some subtle revisions to the rest of the 5 Series range. Styling-wise, there are additional contour lines around the kidney grille and a re-structured lower air intake, while indicator repeaters are integrated into the door mirrors.
The saloon and Touring models also have new-style rear light clusters with LED light strips and an additional crease in the rear apron.
Standard equipment on all models has also been enhanced to include Business Navigation, Xenon headlights, BMW Emergency Call and Teleservices.
Prices for the 518d saloon start at £29,830 for an SE, while a Touring version costs from £32,155.
