2011 BMW 5 Series Touring Specifications and Photos

New details for the 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring has been released by BMW UK. What makes this car unique is the fact that it is the first car in the world to offer a four-cylinder power unit with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The BMW 520d Touring brings back the thrill of more diesel-powered BMWs produced.

Key facts
* This is the fourth generation BMW 5 Series Touring to be sold in the UK.
* Eight-speed automatic transmission and Auto Start-Stop available.
* The BMW 520d Touring is the first car in its class to offer both features.
* Seven engines available from launch.
* Highest ever level of standard specification.
* Largest ever luggage capacity at 560 litres (1,670 litres).

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is an uncompromising synthesis of power, handling, versatility and elegant style, delivering an experience that suits business and pleasure in equal measure. A BMW 5 Series Touring has always existed to be the perfect estate car for a premium car buyer who wants it all. Clearly it is a package that has global appeal as since the first ever car was introduced in 1991, more than 670,000 have been sold.

Now in its fourth generation, the latest BMW 5 Series Touring comes with a choice of three petrol and four diesel engines and a number of innovative packaging solutions for all manner of loads. And to ensure that the dynamic driving experience of all BMWs is offered in this most useful of models, all variants feature double wishbone front suspension while a self-levelling air suspension at the rear ensures that heavy loads do not affect the Touring’s ability to deliver first class agility and composure.

The BMW 5 Series Touring, which comes with Dakota leather upholstery and automatic air conditioning with two-zone control as standard, goes on sale in the UK on 18 September, 2010.

Design
The new BMW 5 Series Touring has been sculptured to be more sporting and dynamic looking than its predecessor. The dramatic styling and sloping rear roof line create an elegant silhouette, but function follows form as the latest Touring is even more practical.

Interior
All models feature innovative storage solutions such as a 40/20/40 near flat-folding rear seat backrests, a luggage load cover that retracts and lowers automatically with the tailgate and an independent self-opening rear window for ease of loading smaller items – a unique feature in the market. Luggage capacity is increased by 60 litres to 560 litres (1,670 litres) from the previous generation.

As an integral part of the optional Extended Storage package, the rear seat backrest can also be adjusted to a more upright position through seven lockable stages. This gives a reduction of the back seat inclination by 11 degrees, which increases the luggage compartment volume by a further 30 litres.

Drivetrain
The BMW 5 Series Touring line-up offers three petrol and four diesel engines, which utilise a range of innovative technologies including turbocharging and High Precision Direct Injection, as well as award-winning EfficientDynamics technologies.

With CO2 emissions of 135g/km for the manual version and 55.4mpg on the combined cycle, the BMW 520d Touring’s fuel economy and emissions are class-leading for the sector. To improve efficiency of the 520d Touring’s drivetrain, manual versions come with an Auto Start-Stop function – a first for the sector – which cuts down the amount of time idling when stopped at road junctions or in traffic congestion.

The BMW 520d marks the entry point into Touring ownership and the 523i is its petrol-powered equivalent. It’s nomenclature might indicate a four-cylinder engine, but this model actually uses a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated powerplant with a High Precision Direct Injection system with a focus on efficiency. Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale the flagship BMW 535i Touring is the first to combine BMW single turbocharger technology, High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC, the variable valve management system, in the same package. Its diesel equivalent, the 535d, offers twin turbocharging and common rail direct injection technology to provide the go.

Sitting between these appealing Touring models are the straight-six engined 3.0-litre all-aluminium powerplants in the BMW 525d and 530d Tourings that now deliver greater performance than the models they replace, both in terms of sporting performance and fuel consumption and emissions. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder powered BMW 528i Touring completes the range.

A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard on all models. All BMW 5 Series Touring models can be fitted with a new eight-speed automatic transmission as an option except the 535d which has an automatic as standard.

The BMW 520d Touring is the first car in the world to offer a four-cylinder power unit with an eight-speed automatic gearbox to create an estate with unparalleled levels of refinement.

EfficientDynamics
The new BMW 5 Series Touring comes with an array of EfficientDynamics technologies. Innovations such as Optimum gearshift indicator, Brake Energy Regeneration and Active Aerodynamics. Auto Start-Stop technology also debuts on the manual transmission BMW 520d Touring – a first for the sector.

Chassis
The wheelbase of the new BMW 5 Touring is now the longest in class, at
2,968 millimetres, and 82mm longer than its predecessor, to provide greater interior comfort.

The new double wishbone front axle and a multi-link rear axle ensure that occupants are provided with a composed ride while the rear air suspension ensure loads are kept level. Models specified with Variable Damper Control or Adaptive Drive incorporate the Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) chassis configurator to enhance ride and handling still further. DDC allows for fine tuning of the chassis with the choice of Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

Market
BMW UK expects to sell circa 4,000 BMW 5 Series Touring models in its first full year with approximately 40 per cent of buyers opting for the BMW 520d Touring. The latest Touring comes with the highest ever level of standard specification to ensure strong residual values and make for the highest specification car compared to rivals. All models come with Dakota leather upholstery, BMW Professional Radio, Bluetooth telephone preparation, Dynamic Stability Control +, front and rear Park Distance Control, Cruise control with speed limiting function, automatic air-conditioning and partial Black Panel technology.

Optional equipment highlights

These include an eight-speed automatic gearbox, Park Assist (a self-parking car feature), Adaptive Drive (active suspension), Integral Active Steering (four-wheel steering), Surround view camera system (an advanced parking aid), Head-up Display, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and Speed Limit display.

Four optional equipment packages are available. The BMW Business Advanced Media and BMW Professional Multimedia packages include BMW Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive – Assist and Online and Voice Control. The Dynamic package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Sports seats, Anthracite headlining, Sport leather steering and High-gloss black exterior trim. Finally, the Visibility package includes Adaptive headlights, Xenon headlights, High-beam Assistant and headlight wash.