The New BMW 5 Series Touring And High Performance 535d
Published: 19th February 2004
BMW 5 Series Touring
Dimensions
Measuring 4.48 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 3cms more shoulder room, 4.5cms more rear passenger knee room and increased headroom for all occupants. Additionally, load capacity has increased, with up to 535 litres available with the 60:40 split folding rear seats in place and 1,650 litres with them folded down. This is an increase of up to 125 litres more than the previous model.
But a larger car does not mean an increase in weight. The new BMW 5 Series Touring is up to 50 kg 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 Saloon 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 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 its Saloon counterpart, the rear axle arrangement ensures the boot floor remains completely flat and avoids the suspension turrets intruding into the loading space.
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 electronically 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-litre area for the spare wheel and tyre that becomes useable storage space when the car is specified with run-flat tyres.
Safety
Like its Saloon counterpart, the new BMW 5 Series Touring comes as standard with driver safety aids such as Dynamic Stability Control (including Dynamic Traction Control), Corner Brake Control and Brake Force Display.
BMW’s new Brake Force Display system (now fully legal in EU countries) is standard equipment on the new 5 Series Touring range. This new safety aid helps prevent rear end accidents. Under normal braking conditions, the LED brake lights illuminate when the pedal is pressed. However, in emergency braking situations or when the anti-lock brakes cut in, a larger area of LED brake light illuminates to provide a warning to drivers behind of a dangerous situation ahead, giving them the maximum opportunity to react.
BMW 5-Series Touring
Our BMW 5-Series Touring Guide lists the full specification of the current UK 5-Series Touring range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £29,210 - £67,830
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 17
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
