BMW5 Series Touring (F11) 2010 - 2013

　　BMW introduced the station wagon version of the sixth generation of the 5 Series 2010, expanding the model’s lineup with a vehicle aimed at families.

　　In September 2010, at the Paris Motor Show, the German automaker unveiled the estate version of the 5 Series, which traditionally received the Touring nameplate. While it didn’t have the largest trunk space in its segment, it impressed with functionality and sportiness. Furthermore, it was available with the latest technologies BMW had in its parts bin and improved the lives of its customers. The automaker said that it could make its trunk larger, but it didn’t want to do that to not spoil the car’s overall look. In addition, dropping some punchy engines under its hood and adding an M-Package on the options list made its buyers forget that this generation of the 5 Series didn’t come with a proper M engine, like its predecessor, the E60.

　　At the front, the automaker installed the same swept-back headlights as those from the F10 5 Series Sedan. It featured a black kidney grille with chromed trim surrounding it. Lower, on the bumper, the car manufacturer placed an apron with a broad air intake that helped cool the engine. The available fog lamps were installed on the outer side, sporting a triangular shape.

　　From its profile, the smooth lines of the bodywork were identical to those from the regular 5 Series. Differences started to appear after the B-post. The F11 5 Series Touring featured a longer roof than its sibling, extended above the rear axle. There, the automaker installed a raked-forward tailgate, creating a dynamic look for the premium executive estate. Unlike its sedan sibling, the Touring was available with a panoramic glass roof that could open. Furthermore, the tailgate featured an independent opening rear window, which eased the loading and unloading of small items from the trunk.

　　Inside, the elegant cabin and dashboard reminded customers that they were in a premium vehicle. Atop the center stack, in an individual cluster, the automaker placed a seven-inch display for the base version, while a 10.2-inch LCD was offered as an option. It was powered by the iDrive 7 system that the driver or their side passenger could control via the rotary dial placed on the center console. In the back, the split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat was wide enough to accommodate up to three passengers. However, the legroom for the one seated in the middle was limited. With the seatback folded, the trunk reached up to 1,670 liters (60 cu-ft.) of space. Unlike its sedan sibling, the Touring came fitted as standard with adaptive rear dampers, which kept the car level regardless of the weight loaded in the back.

　　Under its hood, the 2010 5 Series Touring came with a choice of diesel and gasoline engines. Depending on the trim and options, these could be paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. In addition, depending on the country, all versions were available with an all-wheel drive system.