While we’re still waiting for the arrival of the new G30 5 Series on Malaysian shores, BMW has gone ahead to unveil the G31 5 Series Touring. Sharing the latest tech and the charming good looks of the G30 5 Series Sedan, the G31 5 Series Touring adds more practicality into the mix, particularly at the tail end of the vehicle.
The added bulk round the back means it can carry at least 40 additional litres of cargo in the boot compared to the Sedan (the Sedan’s boot holds 530 litres), and can be expanded up to 1,700 litres by folding the rear seats down. You could fold them down manually, but it can also be done by pressing a button in the boot. The tailgate itself is available with hands-free opening and closing, and the rear window opens separately for a quick access.
From the rear seats forwards it’s the same cabin found in the G30 5 Series Sedan. This means that the top spec car is fitted with 10.25-inch touchscreen display for the iDrive infotainment system that supports voice command and gesture control.
Sharing the same tech as the Sedan, the 5 Series Touring can be specced with the semi-autonomous Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and Lane Keeping Assistant which keeps the car in its lane for speeds up to 210 km/h. Parking Assistant lends a helping hand in steering the car into a parking spot, or you can do it from outside the car by simply using the remote.
At launch, there are two petrol and two diesel variants. The 530i uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 252 hp and 350 Nm, while a 3.0-litre inline-six in the 540i develops 340 hp and 450 Nm. The 2.0-litre four-pot diesel in the 520d generates 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque, while the 530d gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel that’s good for 265 hp and 620 Nm.
Only the 520d can be had with a six-speed manual. Otherwise, an eight-speed ZF automatic is tasked to deliver power to the rear wheels. The xDrive all-wheel drive system is standard on the 540i, but it’s available as an option on the 530d.
Want one? Don’t keep your hopes high. We doubt that the G31 5 Series Touring will ever make it here in Malaysia, but we’re hearing good news about the G30 5 Series Sedan, so watch this space for future updates!
IMAGE GALLERY
