The Germans are on the move once again with today’s announcement of the new BMW 5 Series Touring. Although no pricing or specifications have been officially released, we do have the first images and information regarding the all new BMW 5 Series Touring.
Last year BMW sold 1.29 million cars worldwide so whenever it releases a new car we tend to pay a lot of attention. This time around the 5 series touring is the 4th generation of the model and will land in Australia towards the end of 2010 (October to be precise).
Based on the brand new BMW 5 Series, the Touring variant is a logical extension of what is without doubt one of the most recognised models in the world.
From the outside the new look can be admired as it now sports a longer bonnet, shorter overhangs than the previous model and its stretched silhouette and aerodynamic roofline emphasis its modern nature. The new BMW 5 Series Touring will also sit on top of the longest wheelbase in its segment.
Being aimed more towards families and those needing more space, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 560 litres standard, if the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats are engaged the capacity can increase to a maximum of 1,670 litres.
Additionally the backrest angle is variable by 11 degrees and it can also be folded using control levers placed inside the luggage compartment.
As with all BMWs the 5 Series Touring is a sports car at heart. BMW will offer Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering and Optional Dynamic Driving Control to allow drivers to set the suspension individually to their choosing. Pneumatic suspension on the rear axle, including automatic self-levelling is standard on all variants.
Engine wise the BMW 5 Series Touring will initially be offered in only two engine choices, both of which we are familiar with.
Firstly the straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 225 kW and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. It does so by putting its Japanese rivals to shame, coming standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.
Secondly the BMW 520d Touring is powered by a 135 kW four-cylinder diesel power engine featuring an aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection, it makes use of the same eight-speed auto gearbox. The 520d Touring proves hybrids are not needed to deliver fantastic fuel economy figures, managing to use just 5.3 litres/100km and putting out 139g of CO2 emissions per kilometre. Those figures make it the most fuel efficient wagon in its class.
BMW will extend its EfficientDynamics range further with both variants of the new BMW 5 Series qualifying. To save weight some of the part are made from lightweight aluminium, such as the doors, bonnet, front side panels, drivetrain and suspension components. Additionally the new eight-speed auto, Brake Energy Regeneration, demand-dependant ancillary components and active air flap control means the new B-em-vehs are as efficient as they come.
Features available on the new BMW 5 Series and 5 Series Touring are enormous, some highlights include Parking Assistant, Surround View, collision warning with brake activation in conjunction with Active Cruise Control, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High-beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition as well as Head-up Display.
BMW says the 5 Series Touring, the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the BMW 7 Series are made at BMW’s Dingolfing Plant.
However before the 5 Series Touring arrives, the BMW X1 will be officially launched towards the end of the year.
