This is officially the release of the 5-Series Touring (see our previous post here) and the car's exactly what you think it is in every way: a station wagon version of BMW's 5-Series, and a damn sight prettier than the postmodern 5GT.
That means that just about anything available on the 2011 5-Series saloon (Variable Damper Control, 8-Speed Sport automatic gearbox, EfficientDynaics technology) will also be offered on the wagon.
The four engines at launch will be the 520d (184HP 2.0L diesel), 530d (245HP 3.0L diesel), 523i (204HP 3.0L petrol), and 535i (306HP 3.0L turbo petrol). Being a touring model, it's obviously meant to be a more utilitarian take on the 5-Series.
Taking this into consideration, everything needed to get the kids to the vet or the dog to school is available: split-folding rear seat (40/20/40), luggage cover attached to the rear hatch, unique opening rear hatch window, load-leveling suspension, and roof rails (available in matte aluminum, matte black, or gloss black).
The Touring 5-er's storage space has grown by 60 liters to 560 liters (19.8 cu ft) with the seats up, or 1,670 liters (59 cu ft) with the seats folded down. Also, BMW seems to have fixed the issue of the rear seats' lean-in to the cargo area.
If necessary, the seats can be fixed in a more-upright position, adding 30 liters (1.06 cu ft) of space in the rear, while keeping the rear seats functional and straightening your kids' spines. They call it "Extended Storage"; I call it a free trip to the chiropractor.
Like other upcoming BMW models, EfficientDynamics plays a key role in the car's...efficiency.
That means Start/Stop tech, a gear shift indicator for those people who can drive with two feet, and, "completing the panoply [Noun: a magnificent or impressive array] of BMW's...EfficientDynamics package are Brake Energy Regeneration, Active Aerodynamics, Low rolling resistance tires, Electric Power Steering and lightweight engineering throughout the vehicle."
With the newest generation, BMW debuts a few 5-Series Touring firsts: "The BMW 520d Touring is the first 5 Series to come with Auto Start-Stop, reducing the engine idle period when coming to a short stop". The Touring can also be fitted with "four-wheel Integral Active Steering", which helps cut the turning radius.
If you live in Europe, BMW's latest executive tourer goes on sale in September.
- By Phil Alex
