The G61-era BMW 5 Series Touring is familiar - yet very different. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Big estate cars have come a long way from their utilitarian roots and the G61-era BMW 5 Series Touring is a good example of just how far. It's the first BMW estate to ever offer a full-electric drivetrain option. And, the brand says, the most versatile station wagon it's ever made. Plus the smartened styling has definite elegance. It may even be sharper than the saloon's.

Background

BMW paints a not unrecognisable picture of the executive estate market before the arrival of its 1991 first generation 5 Series Touring. Before that car, big estates were pared-back workhorses to their sportier and more sophisticated saloon counterparts. After it, they were positioned more equally with equivalent design and driving dynamics. Today, many even see the estate as a more stylish alternative to the straight-laced saloon, with its extra practicality coming as a handy bonus. The G61 model 5 Series Touring is a worthy successor to successful previous generation models and just like most of its predecessors, it has the Audi A6 Avant and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate to contend with. BMW's latest electrified drivetrains may help here, as will the more versatile luggage space on offer. If all of this can shroud a car that cossets its passengers while still rewarding the driver at the wheel, then quite a contender is in prospect.

Driving Experience

It was brave of BMW to ditch diesel with the saloon version of this model. And even braver to do the same with this estate, given the overwhelming emphasis on black pump sales with previous generation models. Instead, this was the first all-electric BMW estate - though you don't have to have it in that form. There's a base 520i variant, which uses a four cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine featuring 48V mild hybrid assistance and offering up to 208hp. Alternatively, there are three PHEV models. Starting with the rear-driven 2.0-litre four cylinder 530e sDrive, which has 299hp and uses a larger 19.4kWh battery than its previous generation counterpart, allowing the 530e to go up to 60 miles on battery power. There's also a six cylinder 550e xDrive 4WD model, using a 3.0-litre unit putting out up to 489hp and making 62mph in just 4.4s. The ultimate PHEV 5 Series Touring is the M5 Touring, which has a 4.4-litre V8 with up to 727hp. That only leaves the all-electric i5, which like the saloon is available in two forms: the rear-driven eDrive40 with 340hp (62mph from rest in 6.1s en route 120mph) giving up to 365 miles of range. Or there's the four-wheel drive M60 xDrive, which mates its stablemate's rear motor with an additional one at the front, creating a combined output of 601hp (so 0-62mph in 3.9s en route to 143mph, with up to 322 miles of range). Firm M suspension is the standard ride set-up with the 'M Sport' trim most will want, which suggests a driver-orientated vibe. You can option that up to 'Adaptive Professional' suspension, which gives you adaptive dampers and rear wheel-turning 'Integral Active Steering'. The top set-up is 'Adaptive M Professional' (standard-fit on the M60), which combines rear-wheel steering with active roll stabilisation.

Design and Build

The edgy design of this G61-era model disguises the fact that this is a significantly bigger car than its predecessor. The 5,060mm length is 97mm longer, the 1,900mm width 32mm wider and the 1,515mm height 17mm taller. The styling changes over the saloon start of course from the B-pillar backwards, with different rear doors, an extended glasshouse, a longer roof and an angled tailgate with a pronounced spoiler to aid aerodynamics around the stiffer body structure. At the wheel of course, it's identical to the saloon with a triple-layered dashboard supporting a single 'Curved Display' panel combining a 12.3-inch instrument screen with a 14.9-inch central monitor. The latter runs the latest 8.5-spec version of BMW's media operating system, which means it gains video and gaming functions. As in the '7', a touch-sensitive back-lit 'Interactive Bar' can be specified, this featuring colour-adaptive functionality. As standard, the cabin comes decked out in vegan leather upholstery; and the lower console now has only a small toggle for a gear selector. Two adults can fit very comfortably in the back but three might be difficult because of the surprisingly high centre transmission tunnel. What about the cargo area? Well the 570-litre capacity (50-litres more than the saloon) is the same as that of the previous model, but a 20mm extension in wheelbase length has allowed the designers to make this a more versatile space. It's accessed via a wider tailgate opening and a cubby beneath the boot floor has been added, which can take charging leads, the boot partition net and the cargo blind when they aren't in use. Push forward the 40:20:40-split rear bench and up to 1,700-litres is available; some way off what you'd get from a rival E-Class Estate but ample for most owners.

Market and Model

At the time of our review in early 2025, prices started from around £54,000 for the base 520i version. You're looking at around £62,000 for the 530e Plug-in Hybrid, which is only offered in 'M Sport' or 'M Sport Pro' levels of trim. The entry-level version of the electric model, the i5 eDrive40, comes with both those two trim levels, but also adds a lesser base 'Sport Edition' trim option - though the asking price for that is still around £70,000, with an i5 eDrive40 'M Sport' costing well over £76,000 as we tested this car. For the twin motor AWD i5 M60 xDrive Touring, you'll need around £100,000. Or £112,500 for the M5 Touring. Overall, the Touring asking prices represent a premium of £2,250 over the equivalent 5 Series saloon. Even the standard spec comes with quite a lot. And the 'M Sport' trim level you'll probably want includes 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors and Adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist. Inside, there's a Harmon Kardon audio system, heated front sports seats, a wireless smartphone charging tray, ambient lighting and automatic air conditioning. If you stretch to 'M Sport Pro' level, you get an illuminated front grille, meaner looking 'Shadowline' headlights, a rear spoiler, larger wheels with red-painted brake calipers and, inside, an upgraded audio system and M Sport seat belts. Most customers will want to add in one of the available optional packs. The 'Comfort Pack' gives you a heated steering wheel and keyless entry. The 'Comfort Pack Plus' includes 4-zone air conditioning, heated rear seats and ventilated front seats. The 'Tech Pack' includes BMW's 'Parking Assist Plus' system that automatically steers you into spaces, plus gesture control and an interior camera. The 'Tech Pack Plus' adds the brand's 'Parking Assistant Pro' set-up that remembers parking spaces, and the pack also includes BMW's suite of 'Driving Assistant Pro' driver assist features.

Cost of Ownership

The 530e sDrive petrol Plug-in Hybrid uses a 19.4kWh battery, giving an EV range of 52-60 miles. We gave you the all-electric i5 eDrive40 Touring model's driving range figure in our driving section - up to 365 miles (17 miles less than the saloon). Or up to 322 miles for the M60 xDrive version (9 miles less than the saloon). These figures come via an extremely slim high-voltage battery located low down in the vehicle floor and providing 81.2kWh of usable energy (quite a lot smaller than the 101.7kWh battery used in the larger i7). The heat pump technology used in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and drive system helps boost efficiency, as does the adaptive or individually adjustable recuperation feature. The high-voltage battery is heated using a dedicated 5.5 kW electric flow heater. The Combined Charging Unit in the i5 eDrive40 Touring allows AC charging at a rate of up to 11kW, while DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 205kW. This allows for a 10-80% charge within 30 minutes. The 'BMW Charging' package comes as standard on the i5, which gives owners attractive kilowatt hour tariffs for AC and DC charging throughout the UK and Europe. The high-power charging network run by the BMW Group's joint venture IONITY also forms part of the BMW Charging network. Almost 16,000 charging points are included in the UK and Ireland, while the monthly fee for BMW Charging and IONITY is waived for the first 12 months for all retail customers.

Summary

Why would you choose the estate version of an executive car over the saloon? A few years back, you'd have wanted the additional boot space and would have been willing to make some compromises to get it. Today, cars like this G61-era BMW 5 Series Touring combine the technology and driving experience of the saloon version with real additional versatility and sharp looks that many will actually find preferable. Whichever way you look at it, the latest 5-Series 5-door has an array of capabilities that few cars of any description can match. True, it's a pity that to really create 'the ultimate driving machine', you've to spend so much on the options list. But even in standard guise, this is a hugely accomplished car, if one requiring familiarity and plenty of mileage over varying roads before its true qualities really begin to shine through.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Electric front and rear windows with fingertip open/close + anti-trap facility and comfort closing function

Heated windscreen washer jets

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

Acoustic glazing

Brakes

Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function

Brake energy regeneration

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Engine drag torque control

Trailer stability control

Front and rear brake discs with interior ventilation

Hill start assist

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake assist

Dynamic brake control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

PC iBrake PostCrash approach control warning with light braking function

Electronic brake force distribution

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floormats

Communication

Personal e-SIM

Driver Aids

Front collision warning with brake intervention

BMW Iconic sounds electric

Power assisted steering

Left turn warning with brake function

Driver Convenience

Driving Assistant Plus Preparation

Stop/start button

Driver Information

Brake pad wear indicator

Oil sensor for level and grade

BMW legal emergency call

On board computer inc. average speed, fuel consumption, liquid crystal Info display, journey computer, outside temperature display, personal profile

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Powered by Operating System 7.0

Service interval indicator

Run flat indicator

Multifunctional instrument panel

BMW Teleservices

On-board diagnosis - OBD

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustable door mirrors

Engine

Launch control

Expert mode

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Exterior Body Features

M rear spoiler

M high gloss shadow line with extended contents - Radiator grille frame, struts and strip in rear light

Body coloured bumpers

Rear side wing doors

Body colour door handles

Exterior Lights

M light shadowline - Dark design of selected elements of the headlight and rear lights

Follow me home headlight function

Automatic cornering lights

BMW selective beam

Light colour close to that of ordinary daylight

Optimum, homogeneous illumination of the road

Dynamic brake lights with LED technology

LED third brake light

Adaptive LED Headlights

LED daytime running lights

Headlight elements in blue

Interior Features

Armrest - front and rear integrated door trim, centre console includes storage compartment, rear centre includes 2 cupholders

M Anthracite headlining

Wireless charging tray

High-gloss black door switch cluster, power window switch and tailgate button on first and second row seat

M Sport pedal covers in stainless steel

3 spoke leather M steering wheel in BMW M specific design with M badge

Packs

M Sport exterior styling pack - 5 Series/I5

M high gloss shadow line pack - 5 Series/ I5

Technology plus pack with Parking Assistant Professional - 5 Series/I5

Expanded exterior mirror package - 5 series/I5

Connected package professional - 5 Series/I5

BMW Iconic glow kidney grille exterior package

Ambient lighting pack - 5 Series/I5

Safety

M seat belts

Side impact protection

Locking of doors after driving off

Airbag deployment is controlled with respect to the intensity and scope

Two tone horn

Driver central airbag

Head airbags for first and second row seats

Front and rear curtain airbags

Driver and front passenger airbags

Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut off and interior lighting

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Active protection

Front head restraints with anti-whiplash

3 rear three point seatbelts

Mechanical child proof lock on rear doors

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Rear headrests

Through loading system with 40/20/40 rear seat backrest split

Child seat ISOFIX attachment with rear outer seats includes top tether

Single front passenger seat

Security

Alarm system

Locking wheel bolts including wheel bolt adapter

Transmission

8 speed automatic steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles

Vehicle Charging

AC charging cable professional (mode 3) for public charging

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 705

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 195

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 135

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 22.1

NEDC Electricity Consumption kWh/100 km: N

NEDC Maximum EV Range Miles: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 23.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 21.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 20.7

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 27

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 22.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 23

WLTP - AER (km) - City: 91

WLTP - AER (km) - Comb: 85

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Low: 83

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Medium: 94

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - High: 97

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Extra High: 74

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 90

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 87

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 88

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 82

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 23

WLTP - EC AC Ch Dep (kWh/100km) - Comb: 24.9

WLTP - AER (miles) - City: 56.5

WLTP - AER (miles) - Comb: 52.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 2.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 2.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 2.6

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 2.9

WLTP - EC AC Ch Dep (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.5

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 55.9

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 54.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 51

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 54.7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Extra High: 46

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - High: 60.3

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Low: 51.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Medium: 58.4

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 19

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 11

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: 0.081

NOx: 0.003

Particles: 0.0001

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low: 276

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium: 181

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High: 155

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High: 172

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb: 182

WLTP - CO2 Charge Depleting (g/km) - Comb: 7

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 21

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 20

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 25

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 2998

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: XB1151U2

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 23.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 35.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 40.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 37.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 35.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 12.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium: 8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 6.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 8

WLTP - FC Ch Dep (l/100km) - Comb: 0.3

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 0.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 0.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1.1

WLTP - FC Ch Dep (mpg) - Comb: 941.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 313.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 313.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 256.8

General

Coin Series: M Sport Pro Tec+Cmf+

Coin Description: e xDrive

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 45E

Badge Power: 489

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: 0

Generation Mark: 8

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.4

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 489

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 360

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 516

Engine Torque - NM: 700

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

Engine Torque - MKG: 71.4

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/40 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 275/35 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: STAR SPOKE STYLE 938 M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5060

Width: 1900

Wheelbase: 2995

Width (including mirrors): 2156

Height: 1515

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2210

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2875

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 60

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 665

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 570

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1700

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Brakes

M Sport brake in dark blue metallic painted brake callipers with M designation

Chassis/Suspension

M Adaptive suspension pro

Embellishment Trims

BMW Individual silver bronze accent combined with fine wood trim Fineline, open pored and silver bronze inlay - dash & door

Dark silver accent combined with open pored fine wood trim grey blue ash - dash & door

Dark silver accent combined with fine wood trim dark oak high gloss - dash & door

BMW Individual Silver Bronze accent combined with fine wood trim Fineline, open pored - dash & door

Dark Silver M accent combined with Carbon fibre and high gloss silver threads - dash & door

Entertainment

Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Panorama glass roof

Additional BMW individual frozen metallic paint work

Special BMW individual frozen metallic paint work

BMW Individual Metallic paint

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Merino leather upholstery

CraftedClarity interior controls

Roller sunblind for rear side windows

BMW Individual merino leather upholstery

Packs

Comfort plus pack with M multifunction seats - 5 Series/I5

M carbon exterior pack - 5 Series/I5 without M Carbon rear spoiler

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Sophisto Grey Brilliant effect

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Phytonic blue

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Cape york green

Metallic - Oxide grey

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual metallic paint - Frozen deep grey

BMW Individual paint - Special request

BMW Individual Metallic paint - Frozen pure grey

BMW Individual metallic paint - Frozen portimao blue

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

Towing

Towbar

Trim - Leather

BMW Individual Merino leather - Copper brown/Atlas grey

BMW Individual Merino leather - Black/Atlas grey

Merino leather - Black

Trim - Part Leather

Perforated and Quilted Veganza leather - Smoke White

Perforated and Quilted Veganza leather - Espresso Brown

Perforated and Quilted Veganza leather - Black

Vehicle Charging

Mode 2 flexible charger

Wheels - Alloy

20" M aerodynamic bicolour black grey alloy wheels - Style 939 M

21" BMW individual aerodynamic bicolour jet black alloy wheels - Style 954