IT hasn’t taken too long for BMW to finally complete its latest trilogy.
Hard on the heels of the recently-launched 5 Series Gran Turismo and saloon pairing, in heralds the last piece of the jigsaw in the form of the Touring, a truly magnificent estate car that, for me at least, has to be the pick of the range.
Now in its fourth generation of what has become one of the UK’s most popular executive estate cars, the German manufacturer has for the past 20 years, kept improving on what was even back in the early days believed to be perfection, with a succession of high-tech advances and technological innovations.
And today’s car, though more sporty and dynamic looking and more practical, is no different, with a promise of a truly dynamic driving experience, thanks in part to double wishbone front suspension and self-levelling air suspension at the rear, which balances the car and compensates when carrying a heavy load.
The new machine has a choice of three petrol and four diesel engines, while it can then be tailor-made with a wide choice of optional packages and goodies to fulfil almost any requirement.
Even in entry 520d SE diesel guise – the model in which I completed a 1,500-mile run from Munich to Glasgow – buyers can opt for an eight-speed automatic transmission, the first time a four-cylinder oilburning unit has been made available mated to such a gearbox.
And in another first, the new manual version comes fitted with an emissions-bursting and fuel-saving automatic start-stop function, which is also coupled with an optimum gearshift indicator, brake energy regeneration and active aerodynamics.
Pumping out 181bhp from its four-cylinder, direct fuel injection, turbocharged unit, top speed is a much respectable 137mph while the standard zero to 62mph sprint can be completed in just 8.3 seconds.
With CO2 emissions of 139g/km for the automatic version and 53.3mpg on average, it’s little surprise then that the 520d Touring’s fuel economy and emission figures are unrivalled within its sector.
For my long journey from the Bavarian city north, I enjoyed the luxury offered by the automatic version and I have to say it is certainly worth its near £1,500 premium.
When the going gets tough or in periods of heavy congestion, it really does come into its own, helping the driver stay relaxed with its ultra-smooth seemless changes and shorter reaction times.
It also ensures the car is always in the perfect gear for maximum efficiency, another major boon when the car is filled with a heavy load.
Inside, the car is fabulous. Acres of plush leather and lashings of wood veneer are set off by chrome highlights. The electrically-adjustable seats offer fabulous support and the seat height and back rest angle can be adjusted at the touch of a button, making long-distance cruising an absolute joy.
However, I can’t fathom out why the forward and back movement of the seats are not also electrically controlled.
As for equipment, the list seems endless, with Bluetooth, climate control, steering wheel-mounted controls for the CD sound system and cruise control, Isofix mounting, electric mirrors and windows and front and rear park distance control just a sample of the many features fitted as standard.
There have been lots of discussion regarding the pros and cons of BMW’s rotary-controlled iDrive system. However, I had no issues with the one installed on the 520d and after just a quick explanation of its main functions before leaving Munich, found it to be user friendly, simple and easy to understand.
As always, safety issues also play an important part in all BMWs, and a full array of electronic and mechanical aids have helped the Touring to achieve a maximum five-star NCAP rating.
And one option I would certainly recommend is the funky yet brilliant head-up display which projects vital information like speed, cruise control settings and sat nav directional arrows directly onto the windscreen well inside the driver’s field of vision.
Sales are expected to hit 4,000 in the first full year, with estimates of around 1,600 of those being the £31,875 520d.
As a luxurious long-distance cruiser which is equally at home in busy city streets, the BMW 5 Series Touring has always been high on the list for those in the market for a premium quality machine which has it all.
This latest incarnation justs lifts the sector’s bar even higher and could help make a difficult choice between it and it’s two major Teutonic competitors just that little bit easier.
FAST FACTS
BMW 520d SE Touring Automatic
Price: £31,875
Mechanical: 184bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 8.3 seconds
Combined mpg: 53.3
Insurance group: n/a
CO2 emissions: 139g/km
BIK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles