After launching the new G30 5 Series sedan in October last year, BMW has unveiled the estate version, the G31 Touring. It is the second body style addition to the new-gen 5 Series and will make its global premiere at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor show.
Into its fifth generation now, the Touring is based on the same CLAR platform as the sedan. This means there is a weight saving of around 100kg over the outgoing car. On the outside, the car has familiar 5 Series face. But moving onto the side, the station waggon gets a rakish D-Pillar. The taillights seem enlarged though and the overall rear of the car looks subtle and premium in appearance. As with all the BMW Touring, the new-gen 5 Series appears elegant, modern and accentuates the practical air to the premium sedan.
The 5 Series touring is 36mm longer, 8mm wider and 10mm taller than the sedan. The wheelbase is increased to 2,975mm translating into a boot capacity of 570litres, extendable up to 1,700litres by folding the split rear seats. The electric tailgate gets the automatic open/close function. The separately opening rear window is retained from the previous model. To give it more load carrying capacity, BMW has given the Touring a special air suspension for the rear axle as standard along with Dynamic Damper Control, roll stabilisation, Integral Active Steering and optional M Sports suspension.
The cabin is now more spacious, thanks to the extra headroom, extended knee room and shoulder room. The 10.25-inch centre-mounted screen, an adaptive iDrive controller with gesture control, a larger heads-up display, telephone connectivity and massage seats are all standard features inside the cabin. The panoramic sunroof is longer and wider than the one on the sedan. The new 5-Series Touring will also get all the advanced technological features available in the sedan.
Launched in the 530i, 540i, 520d and 530d variants, the Touring comes with two petrol and two diesel engine option. The 540i and 530d are also available with xDrive all-wheel drive system. Additional variants with the trademark rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will join the line-up over the time says the manufacturer.
The car will go on sale in June this year right after the Geneva debut. It will take on the archrival E-Class Estate which was also revealed last year. Indian debut of the new BMW 5 Series Touring is unlikely.
