It seems only a few weeks ago we had our
first drive in BMW's new 5 Series, and that car hits the UK market on March 20, but already the estate-bodied version, i.e. the Touring, is ready to go. Here are the first official images and details.
No surprises really. The Touring builds on the four-door's elegant lines and the addition of the extra load space is certainly not at the expense of aesthetic appeal. However, while the 5 Series does not boast the most spacious boot in the class - at 560- to 1,670 litres - there are plenty of features to add to the practicality and flexibility. Niceties such as an automatically lowering luggage cover, swing-up rear window and variable rear seat backrest angle all come as standard.
Powertain options will be as per the saloon, with two six-cylinder petrol units in the turbocharged 535i and the naturally aspirated 523i. Our favourite, the impressive 530d, boasts 241bhp and fulfils EU6 emissions requirements. However, by far the most popular model will be the 520d. The four-cylinder turbodiesel unit puts out 181bhp yet also returns 54.3mpg on the combined cycle and emits 137g/km of CO
2. It comes with stop-start as standard.
BMW's new eight-speed automatic will be available across the range and equipment levels will mirror those of the saloon's. Prices start at £30,380 for the 520d Touring and rise to £39,650 for the 535i Touring. The first cars will be delivered on September 18.
Shane O' Donoghue - 15 Mar 2010