BMW to bring new 5 series Touring model to UK

BMW fans will be happy to know that the popular 5 Series Touring model will be going on tour itself as the car maker is aiming for it to hit the UK market in September.

Initially available in four derivatives, the new BMW 5 Series Touring, now in its fourth generation, offers a choice of two petrol cars, the 523i and 535i, and two diesel models, the 520d and 530d. All four are said to be packed with innovative technology to ensure class-leading performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring has been designed to reflect its almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution with balanced proportions, short overhangs, a flowing roofline and a long, contoured bonnet.

All models feature 40/20/40 flat-folding rear seat backrests, a luggage load cover that retracts and lowers automatically with the tailgate and a self opening rear window for ease of loading smaller items - a unique feature in the market which, no doubt, will prove to be very useful when you've forgotten to empty the boot. All models also feature self-levelling air suspension at the rear to ensure that the Touring is unaffected when carrying heavy loads. Dakota leather upholstery is now standard for all models as is automatic air conditioning with two-zone control.

There is also Park Distance Control, at the front and rear, and Bluetooth telephone preparation is now standard for all models while a USB audio interface and ambient lighting are standard for six-cylinder cars.

The boot capacity of the new Touring is 560 litres, 60 more than the outgoing model, and a huge 1,670 litres with all rear seats folded. A further option is Extended Storage that includes “cargo” functionality for rear seats. This allows the rear seat backrests to be fixed in a more upright position thereby increasing luggage capacity by 30 litres and minimising wasted space behind rear seats. This feature increases normal load capacity to 590 litres as well as adding lashing rails, storage nets and straps.

The updated model has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,968mm which means an extra 13mm of knee room for rear passengers, compared to the previous 5 Series.

Inside, the cabin features many of the sporting but luxurious quality and comfort features found in the BMW 7 Series. Inclined seven degrees towards the driver, the asymmetrically designed centre console ensures that all controls are comfortably within the reach. The multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all of the function keys in one hand and infotainment in the other.

The 520d Touring is expected to be the biggest seller in the UK. Its 1,995cc four cylinder diesel engine features the latest generation common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry which increases power to 184hp at 4,000rpm. Combined with torque of 380 Nm from only 1,900 rpm this jewel of an engine, BMW have assured us that this vehicle can provide swift and safe overtaking responses at any time. And speaking of speed, it accelerates from zero to 62mph in 8.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 138mph. Sipping fuel at a combined fuel consumption of 54.3mpg and offering a CO2 rating of 137g/km, BMW can boast that it is the most efficient car in the executive estate car segment.

The straight-six turbocharged engine of the 530d Touring ups the diesel ante. It's now equipped with increased power of 245hp at 4,000rpm and with a peak torque of 540Nm from as low as 1,750rpm. With the introduction of upgraded piezo-injectors, the BMW 530d emits just 165g/km (with automatic transmission), while averaging a combined consumption figure of 44.8mpg. It's capable of accelerating from zero to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds and attaining an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

Joining the diesel-powered cars from launch are two straight-six petrol engines - the 523i and the 535i. The 535i is the first engine to combine a single turbocharged engine with High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC – BMW’s own system that controls how much the engine’s valves open for optimum efficiency. These measures allow the engine to meet strict emissions regulations whilst delivering optimum performance with a zero to 62mph time of 6.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption and emissions figures reflect its technological prowess with 33.2mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 197g/km, both values using the more popular automatic transmission.

The naturally-aspirated 523i Touring has also utilises High Precision Direct Injection resulting in high-revving, responsive driving characteristics, combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. The 523i unit delivers maximum output of 204hp at 6,100 rpm and a peak torque of 270Nm from 1,500 all the way through to 4,250 rpm to ensure smooth progression at any speed. Its responsiveness translates into a zero to 62mph speed of 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 155mph. Its economical nature delivers CO2 emissions of 183g/km and a combined consumption of 36.2mpg.

The BMW 520d Touring is the first 5 Series to come with Auto Start-Stop, reducing the engine idle period when coming to a short stop. All BMW 5 Series Touring models come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox which has been optimised compared to previous transmissions for greater efficiency. A redesigned gearshift lever and enhanced internal packaging have resulted in a smoother, sportier gearshift.

There's also the option of BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission if you want a bit of extra luxury and refinement.

The new 5 Series Touring goes on sale on September, 18 this year.

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