The BMW 5-Series lineup is growing as the company has introduced the new Touring variant. It follows in the footsteps of the redesigned sedan and aims to be an alluring alternative to crossovers.
Set to be launched this May, the wagon doesn’t stray far from its counterpart as it eschews soft curves for sharp lines and chiseled surfaces. We can also see a pronounced grille, which will be offered with optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.
Moving further back, there’s a strong shoulder line and a gently sloping roof. They’re joined by a relatively plain rear end that features an angular window and slender taillights.
18- and 19-inch wheels come standard, although 21-inchers will be available as an option. Speaking of which, customers can order M Sport, M Sport Pro, and M Carbon Exterior packages.
In terms of size, the model is 3.8 inches (97 mm) longer, 1.3 inches (32 mm) wider and 0.7 inches (17 mm) taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase has also grown by 0.8 inches (20 mm).
A High Tech And Roomy Cabin
Moving inside, there’s a familiar interior with a Curved Display that consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system. The latter runs BMW Operating System 8.5, which means it supports video streaming as well as AirConsole gaming. Customers will also find Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
We’ll learn full details closer to launch, but BMW noted the wagon comes equipped with sport seats and a new steering wheel that features a flatter bottom. The model is also more ‘responsible’ as it has a “completely vegan interior” as standard equipment.
While that’s all fine and good, the real purpose of the 5-Series Touring is cargo space. The boot holds 20.1 cubic feet (570 liters) of luggage, but that can be expanded to 60 cubic feet (1,700 liters) by folding the rear seats down. BMW also noted there’s storage space beneath the load floor as well as an automatic tailgate to ease loading and unloading.
An assortment of options will be available including a panoramic glass roof and BMW Individual Merino leather. Customers will also be able to get an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system as well as a BMW Interaction Bar.
Electric And Mild-Hybrid Powertrains
The redesigned wagon sees the introduction of an electric i5, which has an 81.2 kWh battery pack. In the i5 eDrive40 Touring it powers a rear-mounted motor developing 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.1 seconds and travel up to 348 miles (560 km) under the WLTP test procedure.
Buyers looking for more performance can opt for the i5 M60 xDrive Touring, which has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 593 hp (442 kW / 601 PS) and 605 lb-ft (820 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h). However, the range falls to 314 miles (506 km) at best.
When it comes time to recharge, customers will find AC capabilities of 11 kW and 22 kW. The wagon also has a DC fast charging capability of up to 205 kW.
For the ICE crowd, there’s a few mild-hybrid options including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel with 194 hp (145 kW / 197 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed transmission, which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.
Additional options will be offered this summer including a six-cylinder diesel and “two model variants with the latest generation of plug-in hybrid drive.”
Last but not least, the 5-Series lineup offers a Driving Assistant Professional system that includes “Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control with [a] Stop & Go function.” There’s also Highway Assistant, which enables customers to drive hands-free at speeds up to 85 mph (130 km/h). You’ll also be able to impress your friends with Active Lane Change Assistant with eye activation.
