• 190 kW, 3.0-litre, straight-six magnesium alloy engine with VALVETRONIC
• Self-levelling rear air suspension, completely flat rear floor
• 60/40 split fold rear seats with up to 1,650 litres luggage capacity
• Electric tailgate with soft-close function
• Sport model adds M Aerodynamic Package and host of unique features

The arrival of the E61 5 Series Touring marks the return of a familiar nameplate to the BMW line-up.

The 530i Touring joins the widely acclaimed E60 5 Series Sedans and shares many of the innovations first seen on the Sedan – such as standard fit Active Steering and light-weight aluminium suspension and chassis construction.

One Touring model will be available, powered by the new-generation 3.0-litre six-cylinder magnesium alloy engine shared with the 530i Sedan. An optional M Sport Package is also available.

One of the most stylish forms of family transport, the BMW 530i Touring is priced from $114,800, and the Sports package is a $4,000 option.

The M Sport package comprises the M Aerodynamic Package, sport suspension (incorporating self-levelling rear suspension) which is 15mm lower than standard, 18-inch M light alloy wheels on run flat 245/40 R18 tyres, M Sport steering wheel, M door sills, Individual anthracite roof lining, sport seats and interior trim strips in Aluminium cube Pure and satin chrome (black) for exterior windows (replacing chrome).

Under the sweeping bonnet lies the jewel of the BMW six-cylinder crown. The 530i Touring boasts the new-generation straight-six VALVETRONIC engine, producing 190 kW of power, produced at 6,600 rpm. Maximum torque of 300 Nm arrives between 2,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm.

The 530i Touring has spritely performance covering the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h, while delivering frugal fuel consumption of 9.5 litres per 100 km on the European cycle.

Although the specification is in line with the equivalent 530i sedan, the extended body endows the Touring with additional practicality and elegance. It tips the scales at a modest 1,590 kg, underlining the focus on high-performance and dynamic handling.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch light alloy wheels, cruise control, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory, colour monitor with radio navigation, in-dash CD and CD changer and leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel that is adjustable for rake as well as reach.

Key to the versatility of the 5 Series Touring is the luggage area, which features a completely flat rear floor and 60/40 split fold rear seats. Luggage capacity ranges from 500 litres - an increase of 18 per cent over the previous Touring - up to 1,650 litres with both rear seats folded flat.

The ability to configure the load area to suit many needs is provided by the compact and intelligent self-levelling rear air suspension units. These do not intrude into the boot area like conventional suspension turrets.

This allows the widest-possible load space and flat floor. An air compressor maintains the optimum rear ride height under any given load.

In keeping with BMW touring heritage, the tailgate opening is split, allowing easy access to the load area by flipping open the rear window. To load bulkier items, the tailgate lifts up.

Tailgate operation is fully electric with a soft-close function as seen previously in the BMW 7 Series.

Touring specification includes aerodynamic roof rails and Park Distance Control (PDC) all round as standard for added piece of mind.

At 4,843 mm long and 1,846 mm wide (46 mm wider than the previous model), the new 5 Series Touring boasts class-leading accommodation and comfort.

An optional Panorama glass roof, with two glass sections whose trailing edges can be raised (similar to those on the X3 and X5) is also available. The glass roof further enhances the sense of space and brightens the interior.

Other practical optional enhancements available include rear side blinds, storage compartment package, ski bag and 18-inch Star-spoke alloy wheels.

Like its sedan counterpart, the extensive use of aluminium combined with a host of innovative technical features ensures the latest BMW 5 Series Touring is the most involving driver’s car in its segment.

Dynamic Drive and Active Steering elevate ride and handling to a new benchmark for this style of vehicle. Dynamic Drive uses hydraulically controlled anti-roll bars to counteract body sway in corners and eliminate the vibrations generated by poor road surfaces.

The Active Steering uses an electric motor and separate transmission on the steering column to vary the steering ratio depending on road speed. At slow speeds and when parking, just 1.7 turns are required to go from lock-to-lock. At higher speeds, a nominal three turns are needed to perform the same procedure.

With an exceptionally rigid safety cell, eight airbags as standard and seatbelt pre-tensioners, the occupants of the 530i Touring benefit from superb levels of protection.

All BMW 5 Series Touring models sold in Australia will come with Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Brake Control and Tyre Puncture Warning System as standard.

Brake Force Display – the unique BMW variable brake light intensity system - increases illumination in the event of an emergency stop or if the ABS is activated to warn following drivers of a possible incident ahead.

The 2005 BMW 530i Touring is now available from Australian BMW dealers.