BMW has peeled the wraps off their wagon version of the G30 5 Series. Called the Touring, it will make its first official appearance at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show next month, after which it will, like its predecessors, head into fray against Audi’s A6 Avant and Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class Estate.
The new 5 Series Touring has grown in dimension over the outgoing F10 generation, being 10mm taller, 8mm wider, and a substantial 36mm longer overall with a 7mm extension in wheelbase. But thanks to its ‘carbon core’ part CFRP and aluminium construction, each example is an average 100kg lighter than its equivalent predecessor.
Obviously, the main draw of a wagon body style over the standard sedan is the extra space and practicality it affords. With the standard power-operated tailgate opened, BMW says that 570-litres are available as-is, but can be expanded to 1,700-litres with the rear seats collapsed.
Speaking of which, they fold in a 40/20/40 split and when upright, are wide enough to accommodate up to three child seats at once. Those kiddies will be pretty comfortable too, as air suspension is also included as standard on the Touring’s rear suspension. This not only makes for a more pliant ride, but helps the car stay level should it be loaded with heavy cargo (up to 730kg, according to BMW).
Soon after its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, the 5 Series Touring will sold initially with four engine choices (2 petrol, 2 diesel), kicking off with 530i and its 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder turbo that dishes out 184kW. Above that we have the 540i xDrive that’s equipped with a turbocharged N55 3.0-litre straight-six with 250kW - the familiar engine we’ve seen in the M140i as well - which can enables it to dispatch 100km/h from rest in 5.1 seconds.
On to the diesels, the 520d that uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mill with 140kW. Above that we have the 3.0-litre turbodiesel straight-six that chucks out 195kW to the 530d which will come with an option to be fitted with the xDrive all-wheel system.
Only the 520d will come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard while all other variants get the superb ZF 8-speed automatic. Range-wide options include the M Sport suspension for xDrive models, dynamic damper control, and active steering.
Inside, it’s all very familiar as it mirrors the G30 5 Series sedan. The new touch-enabled iDrive 5 system sits atop the centre stack with an 10.2-inch high resolution display. Apple CarPlay support is can now be included, as well as an inductive phone charging pad.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is standard, which is part of an active safety suite that features front and rear collision warning, pedestrian avoidance, cross traffic warning, active side collision protection, and lane keep assist at highway speeds of up to 209km/h.
For more on BMW vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
