This is the next big step in properly filling out the new BMW 5 Series range. We had the arrival of the i5 and 5 Series saloons in 2023, and now we have the long-awaited introduction of the 5 Series Touring and i5 Touring. The range kicks off with the plug-in hybrid 530e and the electric i5 with more variants to follow.
The 530e Touring gets the same powertrain as the saloon, with a four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 184PS (135kW) electric motor, with a total of 299PS (220kW) and 450Nm (332lb ft) of torque at the driver’s disposal. Being heavier and less aero efficient, it doesn’t quite match the saloon’s performance, taking 6.4 seconds to get to 62mph on the way to a 137mph top speed.
Battery and motor specs match those of the i5 Saloon models, though obviously with the added weight and drag, performance and range are a little bit down. The rear-driven i5 Touring eDrive40 does the 0-62 dash in 6.1 seconds on the way to a top speed of 120mph. The i5 M60 meanwhile is BMW’s most powerful and accelerative estate yet, getting to 62mph in 3.9 seconds on the way to a 143mph top speed. Yes, as a reminder, the M60 has a healthy 601PS (442kW) from its two electric motors. Range for the eDrive40 is between 300 and 348 miles, while range of the M60 is between 277 and 314 miles.
The 530e saloon also has more electric range with up to 62 miles available, versus the Touring’s maximum of 60 miles. Like the saloon, it has a 19.4kWh battery that can be charged at speeds of up to 7.4kW for a 0-100 per cent charge in three hours 15 minutes using a home wall charger.
Of course while the i5 M60 is BMW’s most powerful Touring to date for now, we know a new M5 Touring is coming, with a hybrid twin-turbo V8 and over 700PS. More on that as we have it.
On the inside it’s all very familiar new 5 Series, which is to say clean, smooth, few-of-button, much-of-screen, thanks to the implementation of BMW’s latest curved display. That comprises a 12.3-inch driver’s screen and 14.9-inch infotainment display, powered by BMW OS 8.5 with a new ‘Quick Select’ quick access utility.
The BMW 5 Series Touring is larger than its predecessors, being around 100mm longer than the car it replaces. Now over five metres long, it’s also 32mm wider at 1,900mm wide, 17mm taller at 1,515mm high and has a 20mm longer 2,995mm wheelbase.
That makes for what BMW calls a 5 Series Touring with ‘noticeably more’ space for occupants. If you’re looking to fill your 5 Series Touring up with stuff rather than people, up to 1,700 litres is there to be had with the seats down. It’s certainly refreshing how much of a traditional load-lugging wagon it is with a rear that’s a bit easier on the eye than that of the saloon.
Of course BMW only completed the 5 Series saloon line-up in September last year, adding to the 520s and the i5 with the £59,445 530e and £76,605 550e xDrive plug-in hybrids.
In the case of the estate, it launches with the i5 variants – the RWD eDrive40 and i5 M60 – at £69,950 and £99,040 respectively. The 530e will shortly follow with prices to be confirmed, along with the 550e.
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