2026 BMW 5 Series 540d xDrive Touring Review
The BMW 5 Series Touring has always been one of the reference station wagons in the premium segment, especially against other German rivals. The big question is whether this new generation still feels like a traditional 5 Series or whether BMW has changed its character.
Engine : BMW 520d Mild Hybrid
Engine specifications:
2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel
197 hp
400 Nm torque
48V mild-hybrid system
Longitudinal engine layout
8-speed automatic gearbox
xDrive all-wheel drive
Kerb weight close to 1,900 kg
This is one of the best 4-cylinder diesel engines available today in terms of refinement and real-world usability.
Performance feel:
Strong low-end torque from 1,500 rpm
Smooth and quiet for a diesel
Excellent gearbox tuning
Boost function gives full power for 10 seconds when needed
xDrive and Snow Driving
The xDrive system works exceptionally well:
Rear-biased power delivery
Excellent traction on snow
Very confidence-inspiring
This is a proper longitudinal AWD setup, not a front-wheel-based system.
Real World Fuel Efficiency
Combined: 18.1 km/l
City: 13 to 14 km/l
Highway: 18 to 20 km/l depending on speed
Even at high speeds, fuel consumption remains controlled.
Ride Comfort and Driving Behaviour
Suspension setup:
Double wishbone front
Five-link rear
No air suspension
Despite 20-inch wheels and M Sport Pro setup, ride comfort is exceptional.
Driving impressions:
Very soft and composed over bumps
Excellent absorption of potholes and speed breakers
Car body remains stable even on uneven roads
Steering is lighter and less direct than before
This new 5 Series Touring prioritises comfort far more than previous generations. It feels closer to a 7 Series in character.
What has changed:
Slightly reduced sharpness
Less aggressive steering response
More body movement in corners
Massive improvement in comfort
Rear-wheel steering helps recover agility, but at high speeds it requires some driver sensitivity, especially on low-grip surfaces.
Exterior Overview
Body colour: Fire Red Metallic
Wheels: 20-inch alloys with winter tyres
M Sport Pro package
M Sport braking system
Adaptive electronic suspension
Rear-wheel steering
Tinted rear glass
Laser headlights
Full ADAS with Level 2 assisted driving
Rear-wheel steering is a must-have option on this car. It dramatically improves maneuverability. U-turns and parking feel almost like driving a much smaller car.
Size and Dimensions: Bigger Than Before
The new BMW 5 Series Touring has grown noticeably.
Key dimension highlights:
Length over 5.0 metres (5.06 m approx)
Around 10 cm longer than the previous generation
Wheelbase close to 3.0 metres
Slight increase in height by around 2 cm
This size increase will not be a problem for most users. Modern cameras, sensors and parking assistance systems make daily driving and parking extremely easy. The car can even park itself.
BMW has also increased bonnet length because the range includes engines up to V8 in some markets, even though with the 4-cylinder diesel, the engine bay feels half empty.
Raised Ride Height and Driving Position
BMW rarely increases the height of its cars, so this change is important.
What has changed:
Higher ground clearance
Slightly raised driving position
Easier entry and exit
Less fear of scraping speed breakers
This is clearly a response to SUV demand. BMW is saying you do not need an SUV to have a comfortable, higher seating position. The car still drives far better than an SUV, but without feeling low-slung like older 5 Series models.
This change alone has significantly altered the overall driving character.
Interior Design and Infotainment
The interior uses BMW’s latest curved dual-screen infotainment system.
Highlights:
Extremely high resolution
Very fast and responsive
Highly customisable
Supports apps like YouTube and Alexa
One of the best infotainment systems in the market
Only Mercedes currently competes at this level in terms of interface and electronics.
Other interior observations:
Rotary controller still feels excellent to use
Full black headliner adds a sporty feel
Very few physical buttons
High-quality soft-touch plastics
Carbon-style trim elements
Negatives:
No sunglasses holder
Door pockets are not flock-lined
Piano black surfaces attract fingerprints easily
Seats are fully electric with memory, heating and ventilation. Comfort is outstanding for long-distance driving.
Rear Seat Comfort
Rear passengers get:
Excellent legroom and headroom
Dedicated climate control
Rear AC vents
Charging ports
Rear seat comfort feels closer to a BMW 7 Series than older 5 Series models.
Boot Space and Practicality
BMW quotes:
570 litres with rear seats up
Around 1,700 litres with seats folded
This is not the largest station wagon boot in the segment, but it is more than enough for most users.
Real-world practicality observations:
Easily fits large bags and bulky items
Flat load floor
High-quality carpeting
Metal boot lip protection that resists scratches
What is missing compared to older 5 Series:
Rear window no longer opens separately
No electronic buttons to fold rear seats
Manual boot cover instead of electric
These are small disappointments at this price point, but overall boot quality and usability remain excellent.
BMW 5 Series Touring Price in Europe
Approximate pricing:
520d RWD: €71,000
520d xDrive: €73,400
520d xDrive M Sport Pro: €80,100
540d 266 hp and 303 hp versions start above €81,000
Prices have increased compared to the previous generation.
Key Drawbacks to Know
Main negatives:
Piano black interior attracts dust and fingerprints
Heavy reliance on touchscreen controls
Digital air vents take time to get used to
Rear-wheel steering feels too reactive at high speed initially
520d feels adequate, not exciting, for this car size
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the BMW 5 Series Touring?
What it does best:
Outstanding comfort
Excellent long-distance capability
Premium interior and infotainment
Strong practicality for families
Very refined driving experience
It has lost some traditional BMW sharpness, but gained huge comfort and usability. BMW clearly listened to buyers who wanted a better long-distance family car.
If comfort, space and refinement matter more than aggressive handling, this is one of the best station wagons you can buy today.
BMW 5 Series Touring FAQs
Is the new BMW 5 Series Touring bigger than the previous model?
Yes, the new BMW 5 Series Touring is noticeably larger. It is around 5.06 metres long, which is roughly 10 cm longer than the previous generation. The wheelbase is close to 3 metres, and the car is also slightly taller, which improves comfort and usability.
Does the increased size make the BMW 5 Series Touring difficult to drive?
No, despite its size, the car is very easy to drive. Advanced cameras, parking sensors, assisted parking systems and optional rear-wheel steering make daily driving and parking surprisingly stress free.
Has BMW changed the driving position in the new 5 Series Touring?
Yes, the driving position is slightly higher than before. Entry and exit are easier, ground clearance is improved, and the car no longer feels as low-slung as older 5 Series models, without turning into an SUV.
How practical is the boot of the BMW 5 Series Touring?
The boot offers 570 litres with the rear seats up and around 1,700 litres when folded. While it is not the largest in the segment, it is more than sufficient for family use, long trips and carrying bulky items.
What features are missing in the boot compared to older BMW 5 Series Touring models?
The rear window no longer opens separately, rear seat folding buttons are replaced by manual levers, and the boot cover is manual instead of electric. These changes are noticeable but do not affect overall usability.
How good is the infotainment system in the new BMW 5 Series Touring?
The curved dual-screen BMW infotainment system is among the best in the segment. It offers very high resolution, fast response, deep customisation, and app support like YouTube and Alexa. Only Mercedes currently offers similar system quality.
Is the BMW 520d engine powerful enough for the 5 Series Touring?
The 520d is smooth, refined and fuel efficient, producing 197 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It handles daily driving well, even with passengers and luggage, but it feels adequate rather than exciting for a car that weighs close to 1,900 kg.
Which engine is the best choice for the BMW 5 Series Touring?
The 6-cylinder diesel is the ideal match for this car. The 540d with 266 hp offers better refinement, stronger performance, smoother operation and still maintains good fuel efficiency, making it the most balanced option.
How comfortable is the BMW 5 Series Touring on bad roads?
Ride comfort is outstanding, even with 20-inch wheels and M Sport suspension. The car absorbs potholes, bumps and speed breakers very well, staying stable and composed. It feels closer to a BMW 7 Series in comfort.
What fuel efficiency can you expect from the BMW 520d?
Real-world fuel economy ranges between 15 and 20 km per litre depending on driving conditions. City usage averages around 13 to 14 km per litre, while highway driving can easily deliver 18 to 20 km per litre.
Are there any drawbacks to the new BMW 5 Series Touring?
The piano black interior attracts fingerprints, many functions rely on the touchscreen, digital air vents take time to get used to, and rear-wheel steering feels very reactive at high speeds until you adapt to it.
Is the BMW 5 Series Touring better suited for comfort or sporty driving?
This generation is clearly tuned more for comfort. It has lost some of the sharpness of older BMW models but has gained excellent ride quality, better long-distance comfort and improved daily usability.
