The BMW 5 Series Touring, a beacon of sporty elegance and cutting-edge functionality in the premium upper mid-range sector, is stepping into an exhilarating new phase. This sixth incarnation is setting benchmarks with its forward-looking approach, embracing a plethora of digital enhancements, avant-garde automated driving and parking technologies, and a commendable commitment to sustainability across its lifecycle.
Marking a first for the series, it introduces an all-electric variant, the BMW i5 Touring, positioning itself as a versatile companion for daily commutes and long-distance explorations alike. Its sophisticated design, exceptional sportiness, and commodious interiors affirm its status as a multifaceted vehicle designed for contemporary needs.
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Innovative Production and Launch Timeline
At the heart of its production, the BMW 5 Series Touring benefits from a flexible architecture that accommodates a range of powertrains: from highly efficient petrol and diesel engines to plug-in hybrids and the all-new electric drive, all assembled on a unified line at BMW Group’s Dingolfing plant.
The vehicle’s rollout will commence in Germany, various European countries, and Japan by May 2024, with additional markets scheduled for June 2024.
Design and Aesthetics: A Harmony of Dynamism and Elegance
The new BMW 5 Series Touring showcases a harmonious blend of dynamically stretched proportions and expansive surfaces. It has grown in size, offering more space and asserting a commanding presence with the longest wheelbase in its category. The front fascia is modernized with signature twin headlights and an assertive BMW grille, enhanced by optional Iconic Glow contour lighting.
The side profile boasts sleek window graphics and a lengthy roof spoiler, underlining the vehicle’s sporty elegance. Rear design features include sculpted wheel arches and distinctive L-shaped chrome bars, integrating seamlessly with the LED taillights.
Interior Innovation: Progressive Design Meets Sustainability
Inside, the BMW 5 Series Touring reveals a driver-centric cockpit, centered around the BMW Curved Display, merging technology with intuitive use. The interior ambiance is elevated with standard sports seats, a uniquely shaped steering wheel, and the innovative BMW Interaction Bar.
Emphasizing sustainability, the interior is furnished with completely vegan materials, with options for enhanced customization.
The BMW 5 Series Touring excels in everyday practicality, offering increased space and improved acoustic comfort. Its luggage compartment is versatile, supporting a wide range of activities and needs, from daily errands to adventurous travels. Standard features like the automatic tailgate and smart compartment solutions underline BMW’s attention to detail and user experience.
Electrification at the Forefront: The Pioneering BMW i5 Touring
In the realm of electric mobility, the BMW 5 Series Touring embarks on an unprecedented journey with the introduction of the BMW i5 Touring, marking a significant milestone as the series’ first venture into all-electric propulsion.
This leap forward not only underscores BMW’s dedication to sustainability and innovation but also places the BMW i5 Touring at the pinnacle of its segment, offering a no-compromise solution for those seeking the thrill of electric driving without sacrificing the luxury and performance synonymous with the brand.
Unveiling a New Electric Era. The BMW i5 Touring is available in two distinct versions from the outset, each designed to cater to different driving preferences and requirements while showcasing BMW’s advanced electric vehicle technology. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring stands as the epitome of electric performance, equipped with dual highly integrated drive units located on both the front and rear axles.
This configuration delivers an electric all-wheel-drive system that produces up to 442 kW (601 hp), translating to a breathtaking acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed is electronically capped at 230 km/h (143 mph), ensuring exhilarating performance within safe limits.
The addition of M Launch Control and M Sport Boost functions further enhances the system’s torque to 820 Nm (605 ft-lb), solidifying its position as a top-tier model in terms of dynamic driving capabilities.
Conversely, the BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring offers a different take on electric driving, with a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle. This setup delivers a robust 250 kW (340 hp) and up to 430 Nm (317 ft-lb) of torque, enabling a swift acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds.
This variant prioritizes efficiency and range, providing a compelling option for those who value the traditional BMW rear-wheel-drive experience combined with the benefits of electric mobility.
Innovative Battery Technology and Efficiency. At the core of the BMW i5 Touring’s exceptional performance and range is its sophisticated high-voltage battery technology. Integrated seamlessly into the vehicle’s underbody, the battery pack offers a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh, providing a substantial foundation for its long-distance capabilities.
The BMW i5 Touring’s efficiency is further amplified by adaptive recuperation systems and heat pump technology, which optimize energy use and thermal management for both the drive system and the high-voltage battery.
These innovations contribute to impressive range figures, with the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring achieving 445 to 506 kilometers (277 to 314 miles) and the BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring extending this to 483 to 560 kilometers (300 to 348 miles) in the WLTP test cycle. Such metrics ensure that the BMW i5 Touring is not only a leader in performance but also in sustainable, efficient electric travel.
Charging: Flexibility and Forward-Thinking. Understanding the critical role of convenient charging solutions in the adoption of electric vehicles, BMW equips the i5 Touring with a versatile charging system. The vehicle supports standard alternating current (AC) charging up to 11 kW, with an option to upgrade to 22 kW for even faster home charging.
For rapid charging needs, the high-voltage battery can accommodate direct current (DC) charging at power levels up to 205 kW, enabling quick energy top-ups during longer journeys. BMW’s anticipatory thermal management system optimizes the battery’s temperature for efficient fast charging, ensuring longevity and performance.
Furthermore, BMW’s Connected Home Charging approach integrates smart charging capabilities that can leverage solar energy, promoting renewable energy use and enhancing the overall sustainability of electric vehicle ownership.
A New Chapter in Diesel Technology: Advancements in the BMW 5 Series Touring
The BMW 5 Series Touring’s latest iteration not only breaks new ground with its all-electric i5 Touring model but also introduces significant advancements in diesel engine technology.
This new chapter in diesel performance emphasizes BMW’s commitment to diversifying its powertrain offerings, ensuring that enthusiasts of traditional combustion engines have access to the most efficient and technologically advanced options. The incorporation of 48-volt mild hybrid technology into the diesel variants exemplifies BMW’s strategy to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without compromising on power or driving pleasure.
Enhanced Diesel Performance with Mild Hybrid Integration. The introduction of 48-volt mild hybrid technology marks a pivotal advancement in the efficiency and responsiveness of the BMW 5 Series Touring’s diesel engines. This system is designed to supplement the combustion engine’s power, enabling more efficient operation and immediate response.
At the heart of the new diesel offerings at market launch are the BMW 520d Touring and BMW 520d xDrive Touring models. These models are equipped with a four-cylinder diesel engine that benefits significantly from the integration of mild hybrid technology.
The mild hybrid system recovers kinetic energy during braking and stores it as electrical energy in a 48-volt battery. This stored energy can then be used to assist the engine during acceleration, reducing the workload on the combustion engine and thereby increasing fuel efficiency.
Additionally, this technology allows for smoother start-stop operations and provides an extra boost of power when needed, ensuring that the driving experience is both exhilarating and efficient.
The BMW 520d Touring models boast a maximum output of 145 kW (197 hp) and a peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), delivering performance that is both dynamic and economical. The integration of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission further enhances the driving experience, offering seamless gear changes and optimized power delivery across a wide range of driving conditions.
Future Expansion of the Diesel Range. Looking ahead, BMW plans to further expand the diesel engine lineup for the 5 Series Touring in the summer of 2024. This expansion will include the introduction of an inline six-cylinder diesel engine, which promises to offer even greater performance and refinement.
The addition of this engine variant underscores BMW’s dedication to providing a comprehensive range of options for diesel enthusiasts, ensuring that there is a suitable model for every preference and requirement.
Additionally, the upcoming models will also feature the latest generation of plug-in hybrid drive systems, further broadening the 5 Series Touring’s appeal to those seeking a blend of traditional and electric driving experiences.
These plug-in hybrid variants will combine the efficiency and torque of electric motors with the range and convenience of combustion engines, offering an optimal balance of performance and sustainability.
Driving Towards a Balanced Future. Through these innovations in diesel technology and the integration of mild hybrid systems, BMW demonstrates its holistic approach to mobility solutions. By enhancing the efficiency and performance of traditional powertrains while simultaneously expanding its electric vehicle offerings, BMW is paving the way for a more sustainable and enjoyable driving future.
The advancements in the BMW 5 Series Touring’s diesel models represent a significant step forward, delivering the ideal balance between sportiness and travel comfort that BMW drivers have come to expect.
Redefining Driving Pleasure: The BMW 5 Series Touring’s Balanced Dynamics
The BMW 5 Series Touring has always been synonymous with driving pleasure, blending dynamic performance with luxurious comfort. In its latest iteration, this hallmark is further enhanced, setting a new benchmark for what drivers can expect from a premium upper mid-range touring car.
The advancements in driving dynamics are a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess, focusing on achieving an ideal balance that elevates the driving experience to new heights.
A Foundation of Superior Engineering. The driving pleasure inherent to the BMW 5 Series Touring stems from its meticulously engineered foundation. It boasts the longest wheelbase in its competitive segment, coupled with wide track widths and an almost perfectly balanced 50:50 axle load distribution.
This engineering feat not only improves the vehicle’s stability and handling but also its agility and responsiveness. The integration of intelligent lightweight construction techniques further enhances these characteristics, reducing the car’s overall weight while increasing its structural rigidity.
Advanced Suspension Technology for Unmatched Comfort and Sportiness. The BMW 5 Series Touring’s suspension technology has been extensively enhanced to cater to both comfort-oriented drivers and those seeking a more dynamic driving experience. Standard across the range is sport steering, which offers a direct and engaging connection between the driver and the vehicle.
This is complemented by a directly controlled wheel slip limitation system and the latest version of the integrated braking system, ensuring precise control under various driving conditions.
For models at the forefront of the lineup, such as the BMW i5 Touring and the plug-in hybrid variants, rear-axle air suspension with automatic self-leveling is included. This feature not only maintains a consistent vehicle posture regardless of load but also contributes to a smoother ride over uneven surfaces.
Optional equipment includes the M Sport Suspension and an M sport braking system for those who prioritize sportiness, along with the Adaptive Chassis Professional package. This package introduces electronically controlled shock absorbers and Integral Active Steering, further refining the car’s dynamic capabilities and providing an adaptive driving experience tailored to the road conditions and driver preferences.
The Ultimate Driving Experience with Adaptive M Chassis Professional
For drivers seeking the pinnacle of performance and comfort, the BMW 5 Series Touring offers the Adaptive M Chassis Professional. This option includes Active Roll Stabilization and Active Roll Comfort, which significantly reduce body roll during cornering and enhance comfort during straight-line driving.
This system works in harmony with the vehicle’s dynamic attributes, ensuring a driving experience that is both exhilarating and supremely comfortable.
Cutting-Edge Automated Driving and Parking Technologies
The new BMW 5 Series Touring represents a significant leap forward in the integration of automated driving and parking technologies, setting a new standard in the premium upper mid-range segment.
These innovations not only enhance the vehicle’s safety and convenience but also provide a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving, embodying BMW’s commitment to technological advancement and user-centric design.
Advanced Semi-Automated Driving Systems. At the forefront of the BMW 5 Series Touring’s technological arsenal is the array of semi-automated driving systems, designed to offer drivers an unparalleled blend of assistance, comfort, and safety. The optional Driving Assistant Professional package stands out, featuring a comprehensive suite of functions that elevate the driving experience.
This includes Steering and Lane Control Assist, which provides gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, and Distance Control with Stop & Go function, which automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-start traffic. These systems work together seamlessly to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys and enhance safety during routine commutes.
The Pinnacle of Highway Autonomy: The Highway Assistant. For drivers in the US, Canada, and Germany, the BMW 5 Series Touring offers the Highway Assistant, a cutting-edge feature that takes semi-automated driving to new heights. This system allows the vehicle to take over steering tasks on highways with structurally separated lanes, enabling speeds of up to 130 km/h (85 mph).
Remarkably, it allows drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel, provided they continue to monitor the traffic situation attentively. This level of autonomy represents a significant step towards fully automated driving, offering drivers a taste of the future while ensuring safety and compliance with current regulations.
Innovative Parking Solutions for Effortless Maneuvering. In addition to its semi-automated driving capabilities, the BMW 5 Series Touring excels in automated parking technologies. Standard features include the Parking Assistant, which now comes with start monitoring, Trailer Assistant, and Reversing Assist Camera, making it easier than ever to maneuver in tight spaces or hitch a trailer.
For even greater convenience, the optional Parking Assistant Professional allows for automated parking and maneuvering up to 200 meters, which can be controlled externally via a smartphone. This feature is particularly useful in challenging parking situations, providing drivers with peace of mind and reducing the risk of parking-related mishaps.
The BMW 5 Series Touring introduces an updated BMW iDrive system, offering enhanced usability and a wealth of digital services. From seamless smartphone integration to the latest in entertainment and gaming, the vehicle ensures connectivity and enjoyment for all occupants.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Premium Mobility
The BMW 5 Series Touring not only advances in terms of technology and design but also sets new standards in sustainability and electric mobility. With its comprehensive enhancements and commitment to innovation, it represents a significant leap forward, offering a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and environmental consciousness.
This new generation promises to redefine expectations, reinforcing BMW’s position at the forefront of automotive excellence.
