Car Max: 2011 BMW 5-Series Touring Unveiled

This is the new BMW 5-Series estate, or as the company says Touring, one of the Europe’s most loved station wagons. Based on the 2011 5-series, it’s the fourth generation of this model which will go on sale later this year. This sleek and sporty estate has a 560 liters luggage compartment which is expandable to 1,670 liters thanks to the new 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.

This being a bimmer, means that it has to drive well regardless of its functionality. So it comes with the Optional Dynamic Driving Control system, Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering, as well as pneumatic suspension on the rear axle. So while it’s comfi and relaxing, you may adjust it for sport driving too.

You won’t get a V8 variant with this car at launch, it comes with two straight-six petrol engines as well as a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder diesel. BMW 520d is the entry level model with 135 kW/184 hp and features direct injection, common rail system and Auto Start Stop function as a standard feature. So it averages 5.2 liter per 100 Km (54.3 mpg).

The BMW 535i Touring gets a straight-six twin-turbo with High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC and develops 225 kW/306 bhp. Then there’s the BMW 523i which has 150 kW/204 bhp and the 530d with 180 kW/245 bhp. All of these units complies with EU5 standards. All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Touring are optionally available with BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission.

This new 5-Series Estate features some highly advanced features. Depending on the model, the standard BMW EfficientDynamics measures comprise brake energy regeneration, Auto Start Stop function (BMW 520d), gearshift point indicator, demand-dependant ancillary components and active air flap control. An intelligent lightweight construction is obtained through doors, bonnet, front side panels, drivetrain and suspension components made of aluminium.

It also gets the BMW ConnectedDrive:

The spectrum of features offered by BMW ConnectedDrive comprises, inter alia, a Parking Assistant, Surround View, collision warning with brake activation in conjunction with Active Cruise Control, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, High-beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with detection of persons as well as Head-up Display. Furthermore, innovative office functions can be utilised via Bluetooth.