BMW AG is using this week’s Geneva Show to showcase a new Touring derivative of, and a two-stage turbocharged diesel engine for, the 5 Series. And there’s also a concept model of the next M5.
BMW AG is using this week’s Geneva Show to showcase a new Touring derivative of, and a two-stage turbocharged diesel engine for, the 5 Series. And there’s also a concept model of the next M5.
Measuring 4,48m in length, 1,85m in width and 1,49m in height, the new BMW 5 Series Touring is noticeably larger than its predecessor. Its styling will probably appeal most to those who find the rear three-quarter styling of the saloon too dramatic and/or angular. But the long boot of the saloon has resulted in increased dimensions and thus load capacity for the Touring, which has 535 litres available with the 60:40 split folding rear seats in place and 1,650 litres with them folded down.
As is the case with its saloon counterpart, the Touring features an all-aluminium front end. The chassis (also made from aluminium) includes an integral arm rear axle and automatic self-levelling rear suspension as standard. The rear axle arrangement has resulted in a completely flat boot floor and avoids the suspension turrets intruding into the loading space.
Additional storage space is also available below the luggage floor with a lockable floor panel supported by gas struts. Below this is a 35-litre area for the spare wheel and tyre that becomes useable storage space when the car is specified with run-flat tyres.
Dynamic Stability Control (including Dynamic Traction Control), Corner Brake Control and Brake Force Display, and 17” and 18” wheels fitted with run-flat technology will be standard features and Active Steering, Dynamic Drive, Head-Up Display and adaptive bi-xenon headlamps will be optional.
The Touring will be powered by engines carried over from the saloon range. All models feature a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic and six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with steering wheel-mounted will be optional.
However, the new BMW 535d Saloon and Touring will be powered by a two-stage turbocharged three litre straight six diesel engine. It delivers a maximum output of 203 kW and 560 N.m of torque at 2 000 r/min (500 N.m available at just 1 500 r/min). BMW claims the 535d will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6,6 seconds. By contrast, the current 530d produces 163 kW and the preview, while the previous M5 offered 500 N.m of torque.
Speaking of which, the aggressive-looking prototype pictured here previews the M5 scheduled to be introduced in the third quarter of the year. The Concept M5 is powered by a five-litre V10 engine, capable of producing about 370 kW and “at least” 500 N.m of torque. BMW claims the engine is mated with the world’s first 7-speed SMG to be fitted in a saloon car.
Will this be the car that will help BMW put the supercharged 5,5-litre V8 powered Mercedes-Benz E55 on the back foot? Note the modified front and rear air dams and side sills, a slightly lower body, side air vents, an exclusive wheel design. Not visible in these pictures are the four M-type tailpipes.
According to sources, the engine will forego the direct-injection technology found on BMW’s V12-engined 760 Li and the Valvetronic intake lift control employed by some of BMW’s other engines. Instead, it will have a third-generation version of the company’s Vanos variable valve timing system and four-valve heads similar to those on the F1 car.
The new V10, fitted with a traverse force-regulated oil supply, is expected to rev to 9 000 r/min. With suitable gearing, it should bolt from zero to 100 km/h in around 4,5 seconds and standstil to 200 km/h in 13 seconds.
Underpinning the new M5 will be a heavily reworked version of the 5-Series’ MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension. It will use aluminium and lightweight wheel bearings aimed at reducing weight, stiff springs, firm dampers and rework-ed bushings.
The M5 is further differentiated from its 5 Series siblings by a specially-tuned Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, a variable M-type limited-slip differential, newly-designed Servotronic steering and reinforced brakes.
