BMW confirms pricing for new 5 Series Touring range

BMW Australia has announced specification details for its new-generation 5 Series Touring due in showrooms from October, with the local two-tier range kicking off from $99,900 before on-roads for the 520d oil-burner – $6000 pricier than its sedan equivalent.

Alternatively, the petrol-powered 530i will headline the launch line-up and is priced from $115,500, which represents a $6600 increase over its sedan sibling.

Both rear-wheel-drive variants employ 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines, with power sent to the tarmac via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 520d produces 140kW/400Nm from its diesel unit, with the sprint from zero to 100km/h dispatched in 7.8 seconds. Its fuel economy is rated at 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test, while carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were tested at 130 grams per km.

Meanwhile, the 530i punches out 185kW/350Nm for a triple digit run in 6.5s, while drinking 6.5L/100km and emitting 148g/km.

Standard equipment for the entry-level 520d includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system powered by iDrive 6, voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay support, Dakota leather upholstery, interior ambient lighting, keyless entry/start, digital radio, electric front seats, head-up display, 12-speaker sound system, LED headlights and fog lights, satellite navigation, smartphone wireless charging, electric tailgate, roof rails, and roller sunblinds for the rear-side windows.

A suite of safety and driver assistance technologies are also present, such as surround-view cameras, front and rear cross-traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, lane keeping assist, steering and lane control, speed limit assist, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, park assist, and eight airbags.

The step up to the 530i adds more kit including adaptive LED headlights, high beam assist, front heated seats with lumbar support, 16-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

All 520ds are fitted with the Luxury Line package as standard, which extends to 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior highlights, 'Luxury' badging and a leather sports steering wheel.

However, customers can upgrade to the optional M Sport Package that replaces these luxury-focused flourishes with 19-inch rims, sports suspension, high-gloss black exterior highlights, trapezoidal chrome-tipped tailpipes, 'M' badging, leather M steering wheel, front sports seats and an anthracite roofliner.

Conversely, the 530i is sold with the M Sport Package as standard, but with the extra addition of electrically-adjustable dampers and beefier sports brakes.

Nevertheless, the Luxury Line pack is a no-cost option for the range-topper and adds the same features found on the 520d, as well as 19-inch alloys, ventilated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, four-zone climate control and an ambient air package.

Four option packages are available within the Touring line-up, including the 520d-specific Comfort ($2100-2700), Exclusive ($6400) and Precision ($3400), as well as the range-wide Innovations ($1600) – each adding to the equipment list with features such as BMW Display Key, remote parking and gesture control.

Based on the seventh-gen 5 Series sedan, the load-lugging Touring offers 570L of luggage capacity, which can expand to 1700L when its 40:20:40 split-fold rear bench is folded flat.

According to BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner, the 5 Series Touring is steeped in tradition, which will help the new model gain traction in the local prestige wagon segment.

''Since the E34 5 Series first introduced the body style in 1990, BMW 5 Series Tourings have combined the best attributes of the 5 Series Sedans with a distinctive look and impressive load-carrying capability,'' he said.

''We have a dedicated, loyal 5 Series Touring customer base. This latest generation will appeal strongly to these customers, while also providing a compelling option for those seeking a technically-advanced, versatile vehicle in this market space.'' When the 5 Series Touring lobs Down Under it will go toe-to-toe with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain, Audi A6 Avant, Volvo V90 and the just-confirmed Jaguar XF Sportbrake.

2017 BMW 5 Series Touring pricing*

520d (a)	$99,900
530i (a)	$115,500

*Excludes on-road costs