The latest BMW 5-series has a new derivative. The Touring, due here late in May, offers a lot more space and practicality with the same high-powered sportiness of the saloons.
According to BMW, half of all Touring purchasers entering this estate car segment come from another brand. It all started in 1991 and from then until 1996 125,700 were sold. The second generation, from 1997 to 2003, almost doubled this figure to 260,000. So, the Bavarians are expecting much more growth and many more newcomers to the marque.
The new range features lightweight technology with aluminium-steel bodyshell, more space and lower weight. BMW stresses that the Touring doesn't really have estate looks what with a coupé-like window tapering towards the rear and a beefy sporty backside. But estate it is, whatever way you look at it.
The Touring's length is up 38mm to 4.48 metres, width is up 46mm to 1.85 metres and it's 23mm higher at 1.49 metres. The stats add up to more space for shoulders, heads and knees. Weight is down, depending on model and equipment, by up to 50 kilos or 110lb.
The floor of the luggage area goes completely flat. Capacity ranges from 500 (535) litres to 1,615 (1,650)litres, that's with rear seat bench tilted forward and the compartment loaded up to roof level. This is 90 (125) litres more than on the outgoing model. (Figures in brackets refer to models with runflat tyres not needing spare wheels).
With children or adults in place in the back, the driver should still be able to accommodate two large and two medium hard-shell cases - or four 46 inch golf bags.
The floor itself can be raised with the help of gas pressure struts, just like on the engine bonnet. Beneath the floor panel is a variable storage area for small odds and ends. When shod with runflat tyres, even more space is created with a 35-litre luggage box.