Roughly 40% of all the BMWs sold in the world last year were diesel. Even the skeptical, automobile-loving North Americans are now buying the German luxury über-diesels. No more rattling, or smoking oil burners. Today's diesel sedans are clean, quiet, frugal, and powerful high-tech common rail machines.

I recently tested the first Bavarian Motor Works diesel--the BMW 520d--for the Phuket Post. The metallic badge on the trunk indicates 5 for the model (the 5-series) and 20d for the engine size (2000cc and D for diesel, the engine version named after German inventor Rudolf Diesel).

We collect our demo model from the BMW headquarters, opposite the U.S. ambassador's residence on Wireless Road in Bangkok. My first impression is of the lean, cool styling--definitely not Teutonic: rather a tad Californian, muscular, fit and trim. The Bayerische Motoren Werke brand image is instantly recognizable: an aggressive front with aerodynamic, rounded, white glass headlights and the iconic, chrome-lined BMW twin-kidney grille. There is a touch of predator, which is further accentuated by a short shark-fin-shaped antenna on the roof.

The body is aerodynamically sculpted: a high flowing waistline and bulging wheel arches housing large, no-nonsense, 17-inch aluminium wheels. The 520d is a full-size executive saloon positioned in the BMW line-up between the entry level junior executive 3-series and the long, luxury, chairman-cum-president limousine 7-series.

Driving impressions

In the cockpit I instantly became a pilot, not just a driver. Perfectly fitted into the deliciously scented premium leather upholstery. Surrounded by dials, metres, gauges and a BMW badge in the centre of the firm and perfect steering wheel. A fine marriage of form and function.

The often joked-about iDrive infotainment centre was a piece of cake to operate and user-friendly like an iPod. Just click-press-turn and you have everything on the 6.5-inch screen located on the centre console: CD-tracks, pertinent driving/engine information and the best FM radio dial by far. Our music selection during the test drive: a "disco sucks CD collection" including ABBA's Dancing Queen and Boney M's "Rasputin" and "Hot Stuff" plus Mary Poppins, Pocahontas and The Lion King for our daughter.

On the grey tarmac to the green hinterlands of Khampeng Phet province in the Northwest along the new, smooth, four-lane, high-speed Nakhon Sawan Thai autobahn, the 520d was flying like a racing machine. Glorious raw torque power. This engine is a blast. A tap on the accelerator: swooosshhh! A deep spine-tingling sensation and the crimson speedometre going 100 ... 150 ... 180 ... 200 kilometres per hour. Accompanied by the unmistakable high-pitched BMW mechanical engine note.

This turbocharged, intercooler-powered German wündermachine with 163 horsepower on tap is connected to a seamless, chocolate-latte-smooth 6-speed automatic gearbox. Passing the slow, medium slow and dead slow vehicles was pure exhilaration until my skateboarding daughter said, "Daddy, you're going too fast (185 kph)--again!" Approaching the distant traffic lights. The brakes. A light tap. Yes! Supremely accurate, razor sharp and reassuring. The 520d is a safe car, as the alphabet soup indicates: ABS, DBC, DST, DTC and, of course, EDB Electronic Brake Force Distribution system including stability, traction and anti-lock brake systems. The works.

And now the truly amazing fuel consumption: 14.5 kilometres per litre! A full tank (70 litres) will take you all the way north to Chiang Mai. No refueling!

Verdict: BMW 520d is a superb (diesel) driving machine currently available in Thailand. And the best looking luxury diesel saloon, too. Sticker price? A cool 3.6 million baht.