Hot on the heels of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon that goes on sale in March,
BMW’s popular Touring model will reach the UK market in September 2010. It
will be the fourth generation of Touring models in the 5 Series range and
brings traditional BMW driving qualities and elegance to those seeking
flexibility, adaptability and versatility from their car.

Initially available in four
derivatives, the new BMW 5 Series Touring offers a choice of two petrol
cars, the 523i and 535i, and two diesel models, the 520d and 530d. All four
are packed with innovative technology that ensures class-leading
performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions, while providing an elegant,
comfortable and driver-oriented estate car.

*Electronically limited

Tim Abbott, Managing Director
of BMW UK, said: “BMW can fairly claim to have created the idea to turn
executive saloon cars into practical yet still fun to drive estates with its
first 5 Series Touring in the UK back in 1991. Up until then most large
estates were utilitarian load-luggers that eschewed both the driving
capabilities of their saloon cousins as well as the style. The 5 Series
Touring changed all that and its success has led to the new fourth
generation being unveiled today.

“Since the UK is the third
largest market for the 5 Series Touring, this new model is an important and
exciting one for us. Offering best in class performance, fuel efficiency and
emissions, I have high hopes for the new 5 Series Touring here.”

The new BMW 5 Series Touring
is an uncompromising synthesis of power, handling, versatility and elegant
style. It has been designed to reflect its almost perfect 50:50 weight
distribution with beautifully balanced proportions, short overhangs, a
flowing roofline and a long, contoured bonnet. It is at once a sporting,
dynamic and attractive car with intelligent versatility built in.

For example, 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.
All models also feature self-levelling air suspension at the rear to ensure
that the Touring is unaffected when carrying heavy loads. For the comfort of
driver and passengers alike Dakota leather upholstery is now standard for
all models as is automatic air conditioning with two-zone control.

Outside, the roof rails are
now finished in matt aluminium, although black high gloss or matt black can
be specified at no cost and chromeline exterior window surrounds are now
standard. Matt aluminium or high gloss shadowline can be specified
optionally. Park Distance Control, front and rear, and Bluetooth telephone
preparation are also now standard for all models while a USB audio interface
and ambient lighting are standard for six-cylinder cars.

Space and comfort

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. Naturally, a ski bag is available as
an option.

The new Touring has the
longest wheelbase in its class at 2,968mm, creating a greater feeling of
interior space. This translates into 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 use of partial Black
Panel technology on the instrument panel and centre console adds an extra
touch of luxury to the cabin. A signature piece of BMW design, Black Panel
technology integrates the centre console into the trim of the car.
High-resolution electronic displays are visible when needed, but when not in
use they discreetly blend in to form an elegant black band across the
interior.

High performance in every aspect

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 ensures that it can provide swift and safe overtaking responses
at any time.

The 520d Touring 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, the BMW 520d Touring is the most efficient car in the executive
estate car segment.

The silky smooth straight-six
turbocharged engine of the 530d Touring ups the diesel ante. Now equipped
with increased power of 245hp at 4,000rpm and with a peak torque of 540Nm
from as low as 1,750rpm, the 530d Touring provides more of what enthusiastic
customers love. 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. The BMW 530d is 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.

Efficient and Dynamic at no extra cost

The new BMW 5 Series Touring comes with a dazzling array of
EfficientDynamics technologies. 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 manual gearbox models come with an Optimum gearshift
indicator to help drivers decide when to change gear to optimise the car’s
efficiency.

Completing the panoply of
BMW’s pioneering EfficientDynamics package are Brake Energy Regeneration,
Active Aerodynamics, Low rolling resistance tyres, Electric Power Steering
and lightweight engineering throughout the vehicle. High-precision direct
fuel injection is also fitted on both petrol models.

Transmission

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.

The option of BMW’s new
eight-speed automatic transmission brings the luxury and refinement of the 7
Series to the new Touring range. While being six per cent more fuel
efficient, the weight and size of the gearbox remain unchanged. Buyers of
all variants can specify the eight-speed automatic gearbox or an eight-speed
Sport automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddles for those
that prefer more enthusiastic style of driving.

For those BMW 5 Series
Touring models specified with Variable Damper Control or Adaptive Drive
packages, the Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) chassis configurator is fitted to
enhance ride and handling still further. DDC allows for fine tuning of the
chassis with the choice of Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Each mode
changes the levels of steering assistance, throttle response, gear change
characteristics, degree of Dynamic Stability Control interaction and,
courtesy of adjustable dampers, the ride and handling characteristics.

Innovative new optional equipment

The BMW 5 Series Touring can be specified with Park Assist to enhance driver
convenience. Once a button on the centre console is pressed ultrasound
sensors located in the side indicator surrounds scan the road either side of
the vehicle for an appropriate parking space. On location of a suitable free
bay the driver then only need operate the accelerator and brake pedals while
the Park Assist system swiftly slots the car into the space with ease.

Four-wheel Integral Active
Steering can also be specified for the first time on a 5 Series Touring and
a car equipped with it benefits from a turning circle reduced by half a
metre. Meanwhile, the Surround View system uses cameras in the side mirrors
and the front wheel arches in conjunction with Park Distance Control and the
optional Reversing Assist camera to provide a 360 degree view on the iDrive
display for perfect parking.

The BMW 5 Series Touring is
offered with a wealth of optional equipment to enhance driver safety,
comfort and enjoyment. Head-up Display, Night Vision with pedestrian
recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info
and two rear entertainment packages are all available.

In the UK the BMW 5 Series
Touring will be offered with four optional equipment packages. BMW Business
Advanced Media and BMW Professional Multimedia packages include BMW
Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive – Assist and Online and Voice control. The
Dynamic package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Sport seats, Anthracite
headlining, Sport leather steering wheel and High-gloss exterior trim. The
Visibility package includes Adaptive headlights, Xenon headlights, High-beam
Assist and headlight wash.

The new 5 Series Touring goes on sale on 18 September, 2010.