The Reason for the "Touring" Designation

The seventh-generation 5 Series was launched in January of this year. The first derivative model, the Touring, which marks the fifth generation of the 5 Series wagon, went on sale in late June.

The Touring is, in essence, the wagon version of the 5 Series. A wagon is a car where the roofline of a sedan is extended to the rear, with a cargo area and a tailgate added to increase luggage capacity.

In BMW's case, the reason for specifically naming it "Touring" is to suggest a more sophisticated use than simply hauling goods for business, such as birdcages, cardboard boxes, or toothpaste. Instead, it's intended for stylish journeys with two to five people and their luggage for long-distance travel.

A characteristic of the Touring is that its cargo space is somewhat smaller than typical wagons. However, the steeply raked tailgate contributes to a stylish profile, prioritizing aesthetics and embodying a hedonistic approach to life where style is paramount.

Indeed, even the latest 5 Series Touring, while having a nearly identical overall length to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, offers a luggage capacity of 570-1700 liters, which is no match for the E-Class station wagon's 640-1820 liters.

Nevertheless, the 5 Series Touring boasts a 25-year legacy, a quarter-century of tradition, and its significance is far from minor. The addition of an extra door brings considerable convenience. Compared to the sedan, the luggage capacity increases to 1700 liters when the 40:20:40 split rear seats are folded down, featuring an electric mechanism.

Priced Approximately 500,000 Yen Higher Than the Sedan

The rear is equipped with air suspension and an automatic self-leveling function as standard. The aluminum tailgate can be opened partially, allowing only the glass section to lift, and the cargo cover inside moves in conjunction. By moving your foot under the rear bumper, a sensor detects the motion, enabling hands-free opening.

The powertrain options are the same as the sedan: three gasoline models—the 2-liter 4-cylinder 523i, the same engine with different tuning in the 530i, and the 3-liter inline-6 540i—along with one diesel model, the 2-liter 4-cylinder 523d, making a total of four variants. The all-wheel-drive xDrive is exclusively available for the 540i; all others are rear-wheel drive. Unlike the sedan, the 540i is only offered with xDrive.

Prices range from 6.5 million yen for the 523i Touring to 10.69 million yen for the 540i xDrive Touring M Sport. Compared to the sedan, the Touring models are generally about 500,000 yen more expensive, reflecting the cost of the added tailgate, air suspension, and the symbolic statement of being an active, adventurous individual.

At the test drive event held in Odaiba, only the 523d Touring was available for testing. This is the diesel model. Priced at 7.46 million yen, it is nearly 1 million yen more expensive than the gasoline 523i Touring at 6.5 million yen. Even considering the lower cost and better fuel efficiency of diesel, recouping a price difference of 1 million yen (or precisely 960,000 yen) would require considerable driving. However, the idea of driving extensively solely to recover the price difference is misguided. The diesel model, too, is imbued with a symbolism beyond mere fuel efficiency and high torque.

Furthermore, the test car was the luxurious "Luxury" trim, featuring chrome accents around the windows and "Dakota leather" upholstery. With a price difference of only 670,000 yen over the standard model, those who appreciate a lavish leather interior and have the financial means can truly experience a luxurious ambiance.

While one might expect a diesel engine to produce rattling noises at idle, vibrations when stopped at traffic lights, sluggish acceleration, and black smoke from the exhaust, such notions are entirely outdated. In reality, this 2-liter 4-cylinder BMW diesel turbo is truly remarkable.

According to the specifications, it produces a maximum output of 190 ps at 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 40.8 kgm between 1750 and 2500 rpm. The surge of low-end torque is particularly characteristic of a diesel, effortlessly propelling the car's 1840 kg body—which, despite being 100 kg lighter than the previous generation, is still substantial.

It makes you want to shout, "Are you feeling good? Go, two, three, GO!"

It's that good. However, being a diesel, there's no point in revving it beyond 4000 rpm; the torque plateaus, leading to a disappointing drop in acceleration. Those who enjoy high-revving engines might want to avoid this model. For everyday usability, prioritizing low to mid-range performance, we highly recommend that those with a comfortable budget give it a try.

A Supple, Dignified, and Gentle Ride Despite Run-Flat Tires

The 523d Touring also surprises with its excellent ride quality. Perhaps due to the air suspension in the rear, as mentioned earlier, it offers a more comfortable experience than the sedan. The tires, both front and rear, are Michelin 245/45R18, and the fact that they are run-flat tires is almost unbelievable, even after confirmation. They are indeed run-flat. Is it the advancement of tire technology or BMW's engineering prowess? It's likely a combination of both, but the ride is supple, dignified, and gentle. The ride comfort is so serene that one might wish it were a Mercedes-Benz.

However, this was merely a brief drive around Odaiba, and its true capabilities, as the "Touring" name suggests, are best experienced on a proper tour. Despite the diesel engine's inherent weight, this car boasts a rear-biased weight distribution. It is also equipped with "Integrated Active Steering," a four-wheel steering system that turns the rear wheels in the opposite phase to the front wheels below 60 km/h and in the same phase above 60 km/h, similar to the sedan. This system operates remarkably naturally, a far cry from Japanese cars of the 80s (which is understandable, given the 30-year difference).

With Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, the "Driving Assistant Plus" system provides smooth acceleration and deceleration in city traffic, including stop-and-go situations, by locking onto the vehicle ahead and maintaining a set distance, ensuring a comfortable experience for occupants without inducing anxiety.

I really like the 523d Touring. I would love to cherish it for a year, or perhaps for a lifetime.

BMW 523d Touring | BMW 523d Touring
Body Dimensions | Length 4,950 x Width 1,870 x Height 1,500 mm
Wheelbase | 2,975 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,800 kg
Engine | 1,995cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Diesel Turbo
Maximum Output | 140 kW (190 ps) / 4,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 1,750-2,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | FR
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs / Discs
Suspension Front | Double Wishbone
Suspension Rear | Integral Arm
Tires Front/Rear | (Standard) 225/55R17 (Luxury) 245/45R18 (M Sport) 245/40R19 / 275/35R19
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 19.4 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity | 570-1,700 Liters
Price | (Standard) 7.46 million yen (Luxury) 8.13 million yen (M Sport) 8.14 million yen