N20 Engine Test Drive and Review by BMW Blog

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BMW Blog gets the opportunity to test drive the the 2012 BMW 528i and 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i to review the N20 Engine. This engine is a single turbo four-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower and an impressive 260 lb-ft of torque. Though not all enthusiasts are happy with replacing the well-loved N52 with this engine, BMW Blog cannot say anything but praises to this fuel-efficient engine. Learn why on this excerpt below:

At the end of the day, I came away from the turbocharged Z4 sDrive28i with a sense of satisfaction in terms of a performance power plant. Less so in the 528i but that’s to be expected with the F10 as its clearly aimed at a different demographic. Regardless, the N20 is well-executed in both models. The way in which BMW has made the N20 adjustable based on the chassis and needs of the market is impressive and feels like an entirely different engine in the Z4 compared to the 5 Series. This hints at potentially cautious optimism that a turbocharged four cylinder pushing BMW toward increased fleet efficiency isn’t going to cripple the performance on which BMW has built a reputation over the last few decades.

While the N20 is focused towards improved fuel efficiency, other journalists noted low 30’s MPG figures driving the 528i from Spartanburg to Hilton Head Island on a mix of highway and back roads, I decided to forego what everyone already knows: the N20 is efficient and improves fuel economy as much as  a claimed 20% over the outgoing N52/N53 – but how does it drive? Well, we’re happy to report is drives quite well. While I didn’t come away feeling like Nelson Piquet in his turbocharged 1983 BT52  – I do feel confident that 99.9% of buyers will not be regretting the additional 60 lb-ft of torque when the punch the throttle on the new N20 and leave the big sixes in the dust.