The new 2.5-litre six cylinder diesel engine develops 177 PS and 400 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,750 rpm, 14 PS and 50 Nm more than the previous 525d. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.3s and reaches a top speed of 140 mph. The 525d Touring averages 7.0 L/100 km on the EU combined cycle. The new 2.5 L will be available in European 5-Series sedans from March 2004, offering even better performance and using just 6.7 L/100 km with the 6-speed manual transmission.
The new-generation 3.0-litre diesel engine already featured in the 530d sedan balances near sports car performance with frugality. Producing 218 PS and 500 Nm of torque, the 530d Touring accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.2s and achieves a top speed of 150 mph, while still returning 7.2 L/100 km on the combined cycle. Both the 2.5 and 3.0-litre diesel models have a maintenance-free particulate filter to ensure that they comply with the EU4 emissions standards.
The 5 Series Touring entry-level model is the six-cylinder BMW 525i. A familiar friend from the previous 5 Series range, the 2.5-litre Bi-VANOS petrol engine develops 192 PS and 245 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm while still delivering 9.9 L/100 km. Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 8.2s, the BMW 525i Touring achieves a top speed of 144 mph.
The pinnacle of the new Touring range is the high performance BMW 545i. Powered by the award-winning 4.4-litre V8 engine and featuring BMW's VALVETRONIC induction system and Bi-VANOS camshaft timing, the 545i develops 333 PS and 450 Nm of torque. Completing the 0 to 62 sprint in just 5.9 seconds, it goes on to an electronically-limited 155 mph top speed. BMW 520i and 530i Touring models will be launched in spring 2005.
All models in the BMW 5 Series Touring range feature a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic is available as an option, as is a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles on the BMW 525i and 545i variants.
Measuring 4.84 metres (190.55") in length, 1.85 metres (72.83") in width and 1.49 metres (58.66") in height, the new BMW 5 Series Touring is larger than the car it replaces. Internally the car offers 30 mm more shoulder room, 45 mm more rear passenger knee room and increased headroom for all occupants. Additionally, load capacity has increased, with 500 liters available with the 60:40 split folding rear seats in place and 1,615 liters folded down (VDA standard). This is 90 liters more than the previous model.
The new BMW 5 Series Touring offers greater practicality than its predecessor too. Like the previous model the new car features a split boot lid, with the rear window opening separately from the rest of the tailgate to allow easy loading of small items. For added convenience, customers are able to specify a fully automatic boot lid operation. One press of the button on the key opens the tailgate and simultaneously retracts the boot load cover. Additional storage space is also available below the luggage floor with a lockable floor panel supported by gas struts. Below this is a 35 liter area for the spare wheel and tire that becomes useable storage space when the car is specified with run-flat tires.
The new BMW 5 Series Touring up to 50 kgs or 110 lbs lighter than the car it replaces. This is due to the innovative use of lightweight materials throughout the car. Sharing technology with its sedan counterpart, the new BMW 5 Series Touring features an all-aluminium front end: the bonnet, wings, brake callipers and front suspension are all made from this light metal. The rear chassis is also made from aluminium and includes an integral arm rear axle and automatic self-levelling rear suspension as standard. Differing in design from the sedan, the rear axle arrangement ensures the boot floor remains completely flat and avoids the suspension turrets intruding into the loading space.
Like 5-Series sedan, the new Touring comes as standard with driver safety aids such as Dynamic Stability Control (including Dynamic Traction Control), Corner Brake Control and Brake Force Display. The new BMW 5 Series Touring is fitted as standard with 16" (17" on 545i SE) light alloy wheels fitted with 225 / 55 R16 on 525i, 525d and 530d models (225 / 50 R17 run-flat tyres on the 545i SE). A selection of 17" and 18" alloy wheels are available as options, all featuring run-flat technology. This allows a car with a punctured tyre to be driven fully laden for at least 90 miles at speeds of 50 mph, removing the need for hard shoulder tyre changes. Run-flat tyres also have the added benefit of negating the need for a spare wheel, thereby providing extra storage space and reducing weight.
The new BMW 5 Series Touring is available with a wide range of optional equipment shared with the 5-Series sedan and the new 6-Series Coupé and Cabriolet, including BMW's unique Active Steering, Dynamic Drive active anti-roll bars, color Head-Up Display (from autumn 2004) and bi-xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting. Unique to the Touring are the power tail-gate and a new two-section Panorama sunroof introduced with the BMW X3. Covering a total area of 0.68 square meters, this very special panorama roof also gives the rear seat passengers the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.