BMW has introduced its sixth-generation 5 Series Touring, featuring an i5 electric version for the first time.

The new i5 Touring arrives with a claimed range of up to 348 miles in the most-efficient i5 eDrive40 specification, or up to 314 miles in the more powerful i5 M60. Both share the same 81.2kWh battery, but whereas the standard eDrive40 produces 335bhp, the M60 has 593bhp and can go from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds. 

This latest generation of 5 Series Touring - which will also be available as a plug-in hybrid at a later date - is larger than the car it replaces in an effort to improve passenger and luggage space. It’s got more rear-seat legroom than before, while its boot has grown by 10 litres to a total of 570 litres, or 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded flat. That luggage capacity is unaffected by whether it’s an electric or plug-in hybrid version, either. 

However, in a break from a feature seen on multiple previous 5 Series Touring generations, the new estate doesn’t feature a split-style rear tailgate - a move BMW says was down to aerodynamic efficiencies. 

Inside, there’s the same interior that we’ve seen on the i5 and 5 Series saloon, with BMW’s large curved display providing the main access point to media and navigation functions. It uses BMW’s latest Operating System 8.5, too, while both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come fitted as standard. 

The new i5 Touring is available to order now, with prices starting from £69,040. The plug-in hybrid 530e, however, is expected to be launched later this year with prices released closer to that date.

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