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 97 mm longer, 32 mm wider and 17 mm taller than its
predecessor. The wheelbase has also grown by 20 mm.
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 570 liters of luggage, but that can be expanded to 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.
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 and 430 Nm of torque. This enables the model to hit 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and travel up to 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 and 820 Nm of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed
of 230 km/h. However, the range falls to 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 and 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 130 km/h. You’ll also be able to impress your friends with
Active Lane Change Assistant with eye activation.
