BMW Australia has launched the elegant fourth generation 5 Series Touring (wagon).
Starting point in the two model range is the 520d (2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel) priced at $92,800. The range-topper is the 3.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder petrol 535i Touring which is stickered at $138,900.
Both drive through eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The BMW 520d Touring provides 135kWof power at 4000rpm and peak torque of 380Nm from as low as 1750rpm. Zero to 100km/h takes 8.3 seconds and combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 5.3l/100kms.
For the 535i you can chalk-up 225kW at 5800rpm and 400Nm from 1200rpm (the same six-cylinder turbo powers the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo). Zero to 100km/h takes just 6.1 seconds and combined cycle fuel consumption scores 8.5l/100kms.
Both ride on the same all-aluminium double wishbone front suspension and Integral V rear axle as the 5 Series sedan although both Touring models come with standard self-levelling air suspension on the rear. The BMW 535i Touring comes standard with Dynamic Driving Control (optional on the 520d).
BMW 520d Touring features 17-inch alloy wheels while the 535i goes one better with 18-inch alloys.
There’s the usual armada of BMW luxury and technology including – and especially handy for wagons – Rear View Camera and Parking Assistant as standard. Other tremendous technology features like Surround View cameras, Active Cruise Control, BMW Night Vision, Lane Change and lane Departure Warning are on the options list.
Practicality also gets a big green tick with the latest BMW 5 Series Touring – the tailgate is low and the rear window can be opened separately using the remote control (535i tailgate is fully automatic). The rear seat split folds 40/20/40 and luggage space ranges from 560-litres to 1670-litres.
Naturally looks inside and out are stupendous and can be enhanced even further with the optional M Sport package.
Good as the luxury SUVs are, families with a taste for the finer things are spilt for choice with wagon versions of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-benz E Class to contemplate.
