BMW 5 Series Touring verdict and specs
Our reigning Car of the Year is now available as an estate. Does this new BMW...
Should I buy one?
Estate cars are primarily judged by their boots, and if your aim is to squeeze in as much luggage as possible, it's worth noting that a Mercedes E-Class will swallow more. No question.
But in reality there's more to deciding which estate is best than just that; after all, no car in this class is short of space. And given that the 5 Series Touring also offers a class-leading drive and is plusher than the E-Class inside, it's the more rounded car.
And there's no need to go crazy with the options list, because even entry-level SE trim gives you everything from leather seats, and climate control, to sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors and LED headlights. Not to mention a long list of advanced safety aids and the practical touches already mentioned.
Stick with the entry-level 520d diesel, and you'll benefit from smaller, more comfortable 17in alloy wheels, and competitive fuel economy and CO2 figures. Plus, you'll keep the Touring's list price below £40,000 and avoid five years of premium VED road tax payments.
What Car? says...
Rated 5 out of 5
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BMW 520d Touring SE
Engine size 2.0 diesel
Price £38,385
Power 188bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-62mph 7.8sec
Top speed 139mph
Gov't economy (official combined) 62.7mpg
CO2/BIK band 114g/km/24%
Insurance group 30
Airbags 6
Doors 5
Seats 5
On sale May 2017
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