2017 BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) unveiled – Larger Yet Leaner and Meaner

BMW have officially rolled out the Touring version of the recently launched BMW 5 Series sedan – developed specifically for the European markets. This is the second body style to be launched by BMW for the all-new 5 Series range.

The fifth-generation 5 Series Touring’s will make its official debut at the upcoming 2017 at the Geneva International Motor Show – offered with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines; in rear- and all-wheel drive formats.

The range will start off with the 530i Touring, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder which generates maximum output of 252 hp and peak torque of 350 Nm, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The range topping petrol is the 540i xDrive Touring, which draws power from a 3.0-litre inline-six which produces 340 hp and peak torque of 450 Nm, also connected to an eight-speeder auto, chanelling power to all four wheels. 0-100km/h is achieved in just 5.1 seconds in the 540i variant.

The diesel range includes the 520d Touring, which is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto, powered by a 2.0-litre inline-four producing 190 hp and 400 Nm, while the BMW 530d Touring draws power from a turbocharged inline-six producing 265 hp and peak torque of 620 Nm. The 530d is only available as an auto, linked to a rear or all-wheel drive configurations.

Additional variants with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will join the line-up over the course of the year.

For the Touring model, special attention was paid to keep weight down, the suspension side members and tailgate are now made from aluminium, which is also employed alongside high-strength steels in other parts of the construction. Rear air suspension with automatic self-levelling is also part of standard specification now.

BMW claim the reduced weight and efficient power plants contribute to an 11 percent lower emission figures than the outgoing model.

The all-new Touring combines practicality with sportiness – the front end, akin to the sedan, is now fitted LED headlights as standard, stretching towards the sides from the pronounced kidney grille.

Along the flanks, the long roofline flows into heavily raked D-pillars, while the rear window is framed by a roof spoiler with integrated auxiliary brake light. Lower down, horizontal body lines, match up with the L-shaped rear lights to accentuate the body’s width.

On the inside, the ‘Control Display’ now comes in freestanding, flat screen form. All seats benefit from greater head-, shoulder- and legroom, while optimised backrest contours, longer seat surfaces and extended knee-room improves comfort for the rear passengers.

Further upgrades to the soundproofing provided by the windscreen, headliner and load compartment raise the acoustic comfort on board the new BMW 5 Series Touring to sedan levels.

The increase in interior width allows up to three child seats to be fixed securely across the rear.

The boot capacity of the new BMW 5 Series Touring has grown, from 570-litre with the (40:20:40 split/folding) third-row up, to 1700-litres when folded down. The permissible cargo load is also up by 120 kilograms, depending on the model variant to 720 – 730 kgs. A separately opening rear window and automatic tailgate are available as an option – allowing for hands-free operation.

The 5 Series touring also packs the latest suite of active assistance systems – ‘Crossing traffic warning’ and ‘Priority warning’, Lane Change Assist and Lane Keeping Assist with active side collision protection, and evasion aid. The new systems provide steering and lane control assistance from walking speed up to 210 km/h.

And the Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function can now factor in speed restrictions detected by the Speed Limit Info system, by simply pressing a button.

Following the world debut, the (G31) is scheduled to go on sale in Europe, beginning June 2017.