BMW 5 Series Touring Review 2022
BMW 5 Series Touring At A Glance
Insurance Groups are between 37–41
On average it achieves 79% of the official MPG figure
The BMW 5 Series Touring is one of the mainstays of the BMW range as well as the premium estate car sector, alongside key rivals like the Audi A6 Avant, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate and the Jaguar XF Sportbrake. It sticks to the BMW formula too, with rakish, sporty looks, an emphasis on driving pleasure and lots of tech. It’s also helped by a good engine range, and if you choose wisely it need not cost a fortune to run. Ultimately it’s not the best in class in terms of practicality, but it is strong in a range of areas which means it has broad appeal.
If you're after a big premium estate, you've never had it so good. The quality of models from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Audi mean there are really no bad choices. Whatever you choose, you're unlikely to be disappointed. In fact there are such fine margins between them, heralding one as the 'best in class' is nigh on impossible.
But this generation of the BMW 5 Series Touring makes a very good case for itself. It's every inch the upmarket estate it presents itself as, with a beautifully finished interior, excellent refinement and a huge load area. It’s not that the outgoing version was a bad car, but the latest generation 5 Series manages to improve in all the key areas.
Longer than before and with a bigger wheelbase, rear space has improved while the boot is a little larger too. The 5 Series Touring is also incredibly refined and the 520d - which is the most common model - is powered by one of the best 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engines around. Diesel may still be off the menu for some buyers, but the combination of performance, economy and low emissions is hard to ignore.
Seriously, this thing is excellent. It's punchy, eager yet quiet and smooth too. It's also economical to run with claimed economy of more than 65mpg. There's no need to look at this as the 'poor relation' in the range, if anything it suits the BMW to a tee. Say it quietly, but unless you just feel the need to spend a heap more money the 520d should be more than capable enough for everyone.
That said, the top diesel is immense. The 530d is available with xDrive four-wheel drive but at close to £50k it's not cheap. However, it's all the car you'll ever need - quick, capable and comfortable.
Even if you go for an M Sport model, the 5 Series Touring rides exceptionally well, helped in no small part by the automatic self-levelling rear suspension which comes as standard on all models. Also standard fit is an eight-speed automatic gearbox - you'll no longer find a manual transmission on a 5 Series Touring. You can also tow up to 2000kg depending on which engine you go for.
While the steering may lack the weight of the the previous 5 Series, this generation actually handles better with the reworked suspension giving it an agility that belies its size. It's speciality may be covering motorway miles in comfort, but the 5 Series Touring's forte is to be found in tight corners.