BMW 5-Series Touring G61 & i5 Touring

The G60 BMW 5-Series. Despite its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology made the new model a serious premium executive midsize saloon. Those who are asking for more space should consider the Touring version of the all-new BMW 5-Series as well as the first-ever, all-electric, BMW i5.

2024 BMW 5-Series Touring

2024 BMW i5 Touring

The all-new 5-Series Touring G61, starting at 61,750 Euros plus additional costs, and the first-ever BMW i5 Touring, starting at 72,200 Euros plus additional costs offer the same stuff as their sedan equivalents but with the added boot space to store the goods. After all, the goods must be crazy for these wagons.

The new BMW 5-Series Touring has a clean, minimalist look, which I like. It's a departure from the "new normal" Bimmers with their monster grilles. While the front view is pleasant, the rear lamps look like they belong on a facelifted fifth-generation Camaro.

Inside, the new model showcases the business-end behind the wheel, such as the available HUD and augmented view, a 12.3-inch info display and 14.9-inch control display, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Drive with "QuickSelect" and BMW OS 8.5. 

Because of the new model's minimalist approach, which resorts to the reduced number of buttons and controls, it's going to be difficult to figure out where the volume controls and the climate controls are. That's the new normal for you, but still, the added in-car gaming is a flashy gimmick for this one.

Space-wise, both the ICE-powered G61 5-Series Touring and the fully electric i5 Touring can accommodate up to 1700 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down. Ideal if you're in the business of delivering the goods or while in the middle of a hiking trip.

The normal G61 5-Series Touring is offered with two diesel variants, the 520d and the 540d, and a sole PHEV variant, the 530e. The 540d's 3.0L diesel engine bolted with mild-hybrid tech produces 316PS of power and 650Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph. That's all you need to about the most powerful in the range.

The i5 Touring, meanwhile, features a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 variant with 340PS of power output and the all-wheel-drive M60 variant with 601PS of power output, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph, the same as the 520i. The i5 eDrive40 is good for 582km while the i5 M60 does 510km in one full charge.

The BMW 5-Series Touring is a familiar ride. It handles like a proper BMW, thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution, front double wishbones, and rear five-link suspension. You can get the most out of it by adding electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering, and new vertical dynamics management. And don't forget the Adaptive M Suspension Professional.

As for safety, the G61 5-Series Touring comes with the available Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go, Highway Assistant, the world's first Active Lane Change Assistant, and the available Parking Assist Professional.

Like the sedan equivalents, the all-new BMW 5-Series Touring G61 and the first-ever i5 Touring are still textbook BMW business-end courtesy of its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology.

Photo: BMW AG