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2005 BMW 5-Series Touring Preview

Seriously Stylish Sport Wagon

In North America the 5-Series Touring isnt the most popular luxury wagon on the market, with substantially less takers than Benzs E-Class wagon or Audis A6 Avant.

Despite being offered with a wider variety of engines and transmissions and being considerably sportier than most of its rivals, the 5-Series wagon has always been pricey. Its also up against a best selling crossover SUV across its own showroom floor, the X5. The X5 offers more dynamic styling, similar handling in a more popular vehicle segment, plus more performance for

The 5-Series Touring has never been a big seller for BMW in North America, but that could all change. (Photo: BMW of North America)

less money when available in model year 2003.

Theres a reason no 5 Touring was offered in 2004. The early introduction of an all-new E-60 based 5 wagon is upon us, launched at this weeks Geneva motor show.

The third generation 5-Series sport wagon

An all-new E-60 based 5 wagon is upon us, launched at this weeks Geneva motor show. (Photo: BMW of North America)

has grown slightly over the previous car, now measuring 1.6 inches longer at 190.6 inches from front to rear bumper. The 5 Touring is also marginally wider and taller, inline with the sedan.

As a result, a much larger cargo area can now hold up to 17.7 cubic feet with the rear seats upright, and a commodious 58.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. This is a dramatic

The new larger Touring has an increased cargo capacity, while at the same time weighing less than the outgoing model. (Photo: BMW of North America)

improvement over the old model, which could only manage a carrying capacity of 14.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 53.9 cubic feet with the seats down.

Although the 5-Series Touring is larger, it weighs approximately 110 pounds less than the outgoing model thanks to the hybrid lightweight construction used on the cars front end.

Upon its release, the 5-Series Touring will be powered by four engines globally, two gasoline and two diesel. Entry-level 525i wagons

The top of the line wagon will be the 545i Touring, equipped with a 325 horsepower (333-hp in Europe) V8 engine for serious performance. (Photo: BMW of North America)

will receive a 2.5 liter straight six which generates 192 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The slightly heavier Touring model needs 8.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, before attaining a top speed of 144 mph. Average combined city/hwy consumption is rated by BMW at 24 mpg driven.

The high performance version, the 545i Touring, will be equipped with a 325 horsepower (333-hp in Europe) V8 engine that features Valvetronic engine technology. If driving fun is as important to the driver as being able to haul extra cargo, buyers will appreciate the option of BMWs SMG II 6-speed sequential gearbox,

Until we have low-sulfur fuel in North America, well have to wait for the impressive pair of BMW diesel engines offered in the new Touring. (Photo: BMW of North America)

optional with the 545i Touring.

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