BMW 5 Series Touring Review 2024

BMW 5 Series Touring At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
It's hard to find fault with the 5 Series Touring - it does everything you ask of it impeccably. The ultimate estate car? We'd find it hard to argue with that.

+Rides superbly thanks to standard fit self-levelling air suspension. xDrive available on more expensive models. Impeccable quality interior. All have 2000kg towing capacity.

-Steering lacks the weight of previous 5 Series.

Insurance Group 37
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. Read on for our full review of the BMW 5 Series Touring. 

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, Volvo, 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 last 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 55mpg. 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.

Of course, some will prefer the plug-in hybrid appeal of the 530e model, or the downright rapid pace of the 540i. Both of these models can be had with xDrive all-wheel drive either as standard or an option.

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.

Looking for a second opinion? Check out heycar's review of the BMW 5 Series Touring.

BMW 5 Series Touring handling and engines

BMW 5 Series Touring 2024: Handling and ride quality

It's further aided by the fact the body of this 5 Series Touring is not only stiffer than before but around 100kg lighter. That hefty weight loss has other advantages - namely fuel economy and handling. True, the steering no longer has the nice weight it did before, but that's the only real criticism here.

Because, while the 5 Series Touring weighs less than before, at around 1800kg it's not exactly a lightweight - this is still a big car. Yet get it onto a nice quiet country lane and you'll see where your money goes. It's agile and surprisingly lithe through corners, with huge reserves of grip and impressive traction. Go for an xDrive model and it feels even more reassuring when accelerating away from a slow corner.

Yet the 5 Series Touring manages to blend this with that excellent ride quality, and it feels incredibly stable at high speeds. This is, after all, a car designed for the Autobahn.

BMW 5 Series Touring 2024: Engines

The 2.0-litre diesel is a great fit for the 5 Series Touring, with plenty of in-gear pace and low down pulling power, meaning you'll rarely be wanting for performance. It's quiet too (from in the cabin at least) and works well with the eight-speed automatic which is now standard on all 5 Series Touring models.

But diesel needn't be the default here. Indeed, if you're not covering long distances or do lots of shorter journeys, a petrol will be a far better bet - and will work out cheaper to buy. Plus you'll have no issues with DPFs.

The 520i is, according to BMW, a 'new-generation' four-cylinder petrol engine. Like its predecessor it produces 184PS but has more torque with 290Nm.

The 540i is set to be a rare bird in the UK due to its cost, consumption and, if you want to go blisteringly fast in a 5 Series, you'd choose the M5. So, this leaves the 530e plug-in hybrid as the other option and it's a good one as it has a generous EV driving range of up to 57 miles. It's also plenty quick, covering 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and it feels more than brisk and refined enough to cut the mustard on your bratwurst.

BMW 5 Series Touring 2024: Safety

Euro NCAP tested the 5 Series in 2017 and it achieved the full five stars. It achieved a very impressive 91 per cent for adult protection, and 85 per cent for child protection. It also scored well for pedestrian mitigation at 81 per cent, although the safety assist score of 59 per cent is less impressive.

You can add the Lane Departure Warning as part of the Driving Assistant package that comes with cross-traffic warning, rear collision prevention, lane change warning, and speed limit information. You could also upgrade this to Driving Assistant Profesional for even greater safety.

All 5 Series have twin front, side and curtain airbags, and Isofix child seat mounts fitted to the outer rear seats. BMW also includes autonomous emergency braking and a deployable bonnet that pops up to create a bigger cushion for a pedestrian if the come into contact with the car.

 

BMW 5 Series Touring 2024: Towing

As you would expect for a large estate car, the BMW 5 Series Touring is a capable towing machine. All versions can manage 750kg unbraked, while the braked capacity varies between 1800kg and 2000kg depending on the engine and transmission. xDrive models do not have any additional towing capacity but do offer improved traction in difficult conditions.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
520d Automatic 59–60 mpg 7.8 s 114–119 g/km
520d MHEV Automatic - - 116 g/km
520d MHEV xDrive Automatic - - 120 g/km
520d xDrive Automatic 55–56 mpg 7.9 s 129–134 g/km
520i Automatic 46 mpg 8.2 s 132–136 g/km
525d Automatic 54–60 mpg 6.8 s 124–129 g/km
530d Automatic 51 mpg 5.8 s 131 g/km
530d xDrive Automatic 48 mpg 5.6 s 144 g/km
530e - 6.1 s 35–36 g/km
530e xDrive - 6.1 s 41–45 g/km
530i Automatic 46 mpg 6.5 s 139 g/km
540i xDrive Automatic 36 mpg 5.1 s 172 g/km

Real MPG average for the BMW 5 Series Touring

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

79%

Real MPG

23–58 mpg

MPGs submitted

177

BMW 5 Series Touring interior

Interior Rating
You don’t pay premium money and expect average quality inside, but part of BMW’s strong reputation in the sector is down to the quality of its cabins. True, it can’t quite match the very high standard set by the Audi A6 Avant, but this is still an interior you can enjoy.
Dimensions
Length 4942–4963 mm
Width 2126 mm
Height 1498 mm
Wheelbase 2975 mm

Full specifications

BMW 5 Series Touring 2024: Practicality

Most people won't struggle for space and thanks to a wide opening tailgate and vertical sides, you can pack plenty in for a day out with the kids. If you do want to drop the seats, they fold 40/20/40 giving you extra flexibility if you want to carry something longer but still need space for someone in the back.

The back seats fold down flat via a button in the boot, although unlike a Land Rover Discovery, you have to manually lift them back up afterwards - but it's little hardship. One very neat feature is the fact you can stow the luggage cover and net away in a dedicated space under the boot floor. Drop all the seats and you've got a huge load space of 1700 litres.

Like the previous 5 Series, this one also features the handy separate opening window in the tailgate, which is really useful if you're parked close up to a wall and need to get something out of the boot.

BMW 5 Series Touring 2024: Quality and finish

You get leather as standard and can opt for a higher quality leather too, but even the standard plastics and textures are appealing. It also feels well put together, with a reassuring solidity to the controls and switches. There may be the occasionally element of cheap-feeling plastic, but they are pretty well hidden.

BMW 5 Series Touring 2024: Infotainment

BMW has updated its 12.3-inch multimedia system with better graphics and nicer looking menus, although anyone familiar with the old system will find the new one very similar. It has the same rotary control dial by the gear lever but the main display is now also a touchscreen and even includes gesture control.

That’s of limited use, but the reality is that the i-Drive system has been so well-honed over the years that it is now very intuitive to use. Particularly on the move it is far easier to use the i-Drive controller rather than the touchscreen, while the graphical display and menus are easy to read and to navigate.

Rear seat passengers can also have their own screens if you tick the option for the 10.2-inch touchscreens.

BMW 5 Series Touring value for money

Value for Money Rating
It might be a big car but BMW has a good line in efficient engines, so if you choose wisely you can keep your costs down.

BMW 5 Series Touring 2024: Prices

It’s no surprise that the 5 Series Touring is on sale as a new car given its popularity and that the current version was only introduced in 2017. Prices start at £45,955 for the 520i SE, while the 520d SE is just a few pounds more at £46,800. The 530e SE goes from £56,100.

It’s worth noting that SE trim goes all the way up to £59,700 for the 540i xDrive model.

M Sport trim starts at £49,455 for the 520i model rising to £63,200 for the top petrol 540i xDrive, with the diesel model coming in at £50,300. A 530e in this trim will cost you from £59,600.

If a new 5 Series Touring is a bit out of budget, the good news is that there are plenty of used examples on the market; it’s one of BMW’s most popular models and regular sales means lots of used examples to choose from.

At the newer end of the scale there are plenty of examples that are still only wearing their delivery mileage. A search of the classified ads turned up a three-year old 520d M Sport with average miles for £29,000.

BMW 5 Series Touring 2024: Running Costs

The 520d offers a claimed 55.4mpg combined, which should mean that 40mpg-plus is attainable with ease. The 430e plug-in hybrid offers a combined economy of up to 188.3mpg, but this means maximising that EV driving range maximum of 57 miles.

Of the petrol options, the 520i declares an official combined figure of 42.2mpg. Finally the most powerful 540i claims 35.8mpg combined, so you may have to face the horror of regularly getting under 30mpg.

Insurance costs are less avoidable, as you’re paying significant money for a desirable brand. Depending on which trim and engine you choose, you're looking at paying a premium based on anything from Group 30 for a 520i SE to Group 50 for the all-singing 540i M Sport xDrive.

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BMW 5 Series Touring models and specs

Even if you’ve decided the Touring is the car for you, you still need to make some crucial decisions. With a sensible head on, the SE offer all you'll ever need from a car.

The SE comes on 17-inch alloy wheels, has roof rails and a powered tailgate, as well as the Touring's trademark rear screen that opens separately from the rest of the hatch. INside, there's leather upholstery, the 12.3-inch infotainment and dash screens, part-electric front seat adjustment, and cruise and climate controls.

The M Sport upgrades with its sporty body kit and 19-inch alloy wheels. This model also comes with sports suspension as standard, though this can be swapped back to the softer SE set-up as a no-cost option and we' recommend this course of action. The M Sport also has front seats with a more hugging shape and a sports steering wheel.

Dimensions
Length 4942–4963 mm
Width 2126 mm
Height 1498 mm
Wheelbase 2975 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1630–2035 kg
Boot Space 430–1560 L
Warranty 3 years / Unlimited miles
Servicing 15000–18000 miles
Costs
List Price £45,190–£57,620
Insurance Groups 37
Road Tax Bands A–H
Official MPG 35.7–60.1 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

On sale until February 2024

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
530e M Sport 530e eDrive 12kWh 292 109hp/80kw Auto Start/Stop 5dr £55,620 - 6.1 s
530e SE 530e eDrive 12kWh 292 109hp/80kw Auto Start/Stop 5dr £52,120 - 6.1 s
530e xDrive M Sport 530e xDrive 12kWh 292 109hp/80kw Auto Start/Stop 5dr £57,620 - 6.1 s
530e xDrive SE 530e xDrive 12kWh 292 109hp/80kw Auto Start/Stop 5dr £54,120 - 6.1 s

On sale until November 2020

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
520d 2.0 48V Mht M Sport Auto 5dr - - -
520d 2.0 48V Mht SE Auto 5dr - - -
520d 2.0 xDrive 48V Mht M Sport Auto 5dr - - -
520d 2.0 xDrive 48V Mht SE Auto 5dr - - -
520i 2.0 M Sport Plus Pack Auto 5dr - - -
520i 2.0 SE Auto 5dr - 46.3 mpg 8.2 s
525d 2.0 M Sport Auto 5dr £48,490 54.3 mpg 6.8 s
525d 2.0 SE Auto 5dr £45,190 60.1 mpg 6.8 s
530d 3.0 M Sport Plus Pack Auto 5dr - - -
530d 3.0 SE Auto 5dr - 51.4 mpg 5.8 s
530d xDrive 3.0 M Sport Plus Pack Auto 5dr - - -
530d xDrive 3.0 SE Auto 5dr - 47.9 mpg 5.6 s
530i 2.0 M Sport Plus Pack Auto 5dr - - -
530i 2.0 SE Auto 5dr - 45.5 mpg 6.5 s
540i xDrive 3.0 M Sport Plus Pack Auto 5dr - - -
540i xDrive 3.0 SE Auto 5dr - 35.7 mpg 5.1 s

On sale until January 2020

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
520D 2.0 M Sport Auto 5dr - 58.8 mpg 7.8 s
520D 2.0 SE Auto 5dr - 60.1 mpg 7.8 s
520D 2.0 Xdrive M Sport Auto 5dr - 55.3 mpg 7.9 s
520D 2.0 Xdrive SE Auto 5dr - 56.4 mpg 7.9 s

Model History

June 2017

BMW 5 Series Touring launched

Now in its fifth generation, the latest BMW 5 Series Touring comes with a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines from BMW Group’s latest generation of power units, while the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system will be fitted in two models.

The new 5 Series Touring is 36mm longer than the outgoing model (at 4,943mm), eight millimetres wider (1,868mm) and 10mm taller (1,498mm). The wheelbase has been extended by seven millimetres to 2,975mm.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring will be powered by new-generation EfficientDynamics engines, equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. From July production, a new entry level car in the guise of 520i will be available. The petrol 520i is a four-cylinder 1,998cc engine.

It produces 184PS and 290Nm, enabling a zero to 62mph time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 146mph. Official fuel consumption is 52.3mpg, while CO2 emissions are 124g/km.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol in the 530i Touring delivers 252PS and peak torque of 350Nm with a zero to 62mph time of 6.5 seconds. Combined fuel consumption of 46.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km are an improvement of almost ten per cent over the outgoing model.

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine powering the BMW 540i xDrive develops 340PS with peak torque of 450Nm and it completes the zero to 62mph sprint in just 5.1 seconds. Again, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are almost ten per cent better than on the outgoing model, at 37.6mpg and 172g/km.

The 2.0-litre diesel unit in the 520d Touring develops 190PS and 400Nm. It does zero to 62mph in 7.8 seconds, and has combined fuel consumption of 65.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 114g/km. The launch line-up is topped off by a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel developing 265PS and 620Nm of torque. This engine can be combined with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The zero to 62mph times are 5.8 seconds for the former and 5.6 seconds for the latter. Combined fuel consumption is 56.4mpg for the rear-wheel drive model and 51.3mpg for the all-wheel drive version, with CO2 emissions of 131g/km and 144g/km respectively. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard on all models.

The four-cylinder BMW 525d diesel engine has an output of 231PS and maximum torque of 500Nm, resulting in a 6.6 second zero to 62mph time and a 155mph top speed. Fuel consumption comes in at 64.2mpg, resulting in CO2 emissions of just 116g/km.

Model

Power

January 0001

(PS

)

Torque (Nm)

0 – 62mph (secs)

Top Speed (mph)

Combined mpg

CO2 (g/km)

BIK tax rate (%)

VED band

From

January 0001

(OTR)

520d

190

400

7.8

139

65.6

114

24

G

£38,385

525d

231

500

6.6

155

64.2

116

26

TBC

£43,780

530d

265

620

5.8

155

56.4

131

28

G

£46,235

530d xDrive

265

620

5.6

155

51.3

144

30

H

£48,235

520i

184

290

7.8

155

52.3

124

25

TBC

£38,075

530i

252

350

6.5

155

46.3

139

26

H

£42,390

540i xDrive

340

450

5.1

155

37.6

172

33

J

£49,460

BMW xDrive is available for two 5 Series Touring models and benefits from a more efficient transfer case design. The electronically controlled xDrive system continuously varies the power split between the front and rear wheels as conditions require, providing effortless traction and optimised stability across all driving situations. BMW xDrive can now be combined with Integral Active Steering and lowered M Sport suspension as well.

The optional Dynamic Damper Control system allows drivers to optimally adjust the driving characteristics to match their individual preferences. Three different modes can be selected: COMFORT is for normal, comfortable driving (on longer trips, for example), SPORT is the right choice when seeking maximum driving pleasure and ADAPTIVE mode adapts the vehicle’s responses precisely to the driver’s wishes and the driving situation.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring offers more luggage space, 570 litres with the seats up (an increase of 10 litres) and a maximum of 1700 litres, 30 litres more than in its predecessor. Standard specification includes operation with an independently opening tailgate window.

The standard 10.25-inch Control Display takes the form of a free-standing touchscreen. This means that, along with the Touch Controller and the direct access/favourites keys, it is now possible to employ smartphone and tablet-style selection and activation techniques.

The latest generation of the Professional Navigation System is faster and has optimised 3D graphics for city maps. Thanks to automatic updates, which are free for the first three years, the data is updated regularly “over the air” using a mobile phone connection.

June 2018

The The BMW 520d xDrive Touring was voted ‘overall winner’ in the Tow Car Awards 2018, by a panel from What Car? and Practical Caravan magazines and The Camping and Caravanning Club.

July 2018

Eight-speed Steptronic for 520d

The BMW 520d will now be fitted with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard.

June 2019

Tow Car Award for BMW 5 Series Touring

BMW 520d Touring xDrive M Sport named best in 1700-1899kg category of the 2019 Tow Car Awards.

What does the BMW 5 Series Touring cost?