BMW 520i Touring M Sport Review

There was a time when BMW models - even the non-M ones - were driver-focused. Performance and handling were the priority and the calling cards. Drivers and fans knew what to expect when they got behind the wheel.

However, that era was when BMW essentially just made sedans. The carmaker's lineup today also includes hatchbacks, MPVs, and a wide spectrum of SUVs. Only a few models, such as the 116, M2, M3 Sedan, and M4 Coupe are considered 'driver-focused'.

Naturally the 520i Touring (even in M Sport guise) doesn't belong in this category. But even if it doesn't breathe fire and liquefy tarmac like the M5 Touring with its 717bhp and 1,000Nm of torque, it has enough 'Bimmerness' to put a smile on the driver's face.

The muscular lines and longer roofline ensure that the Touring model looks cooler than its Sedan sibling

Wagon sensation

If there's one reason why you should pick the 520i Touring over the 520i Sedan, it would be the estate's eye-catching design. The 5 Series Sedan isn't ugly; it's just that the 5 Series Touring is handsomer.

The longer roofline makes it look more graceful than the Sedan. Its taillights, which sweep upwards towards the C-pillars, further distinguish it. The Hofmeister kink, a design feature that BMW fans love, is also present here.

The 20-inch wheels fill the arches nicely, while the upswept taillights add flourish to the design

For an athletic stance, the 520i Touring has 20-inch wheels as standard. The tyre sizes are staggered as well, with 245/40 series tyres in front and 275/35 series tyres in the rear, hinting at the car's handling.

Size-wise, the 520i Touring is as large as the Sedan, measuring 5,060mm long, 1,900mm wide, 1515mm tall, and a wheelbase that stretches 2,995mm. The estate is 75kg heftier as well and weighs in at 1,850kg, which is not unexpected considering these dimensions.

Speaking of which, the Touring has a huge advantage over the Sedan when it comes to practicality thanks to its huge boot. It offers 570 litres with the rear seats up versus 520 litres in the Sedan. When folded, this expands to 1,700 litres, making it easy to transport bulky items.

A wide aperture, square-shaped loadspace and remote backrest release levers add to the car's convenience and flexibility

Sweet surprise

Behind the wheel, you'll find the same 'supercomputer' cockpit with BMW's Curved Display, which houses a 12.3-inch instrument panel and 14.9-inch control display.

The system was a cinch to use, with quick loading times and an intuitive layout. Disabling the stop-start function was easy as well, as it could be found by swiping down from the top. However, the lack of direct and physical climate controls is irksome, as it means having to tap on the screen to access the menu.

The infotainment is relatively easy to use, but the lack of physical buttons takes getting used to

The iDrive knob and volume roller are nice, but the haptic buttons surrounding these don't feel pleasant. And, although the gear selector tab saves space, it is unexciting, especially when compared to the much older joystick-style gearshift lever.

The 520i Touring doesn't look like the type of car you'd like to punt around, but it will surprise you. Propelling it is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that produces 188bhp and 310Nm of torque.

The car feels perkier than expected with a century sprint time of 8.3 seconds. What makes this fun, though, is how smooth and tractable the engine is, willingly letting you pile on the revs to extract more performance. That means you can keep stretching the motor without immediately attracting the attention of the Traffic Police.

The 520i Touring pleases with its smooth manners and linear delivery, and is relatively agile for its size thanks to the 50-50 weight distribution and M Sport suspension

On the other hand, if the Touring had lots more ponies, it would only become frustrating to drive since you can't legally unleash its potential. Unless you plan to embark on regular road trips, this is plenty.

Another surprise is that the 520i Touring is a peach around corners. It's not going to titillate you by scything through them, but with 50-50 weight distribution and wide rear tyres, this estate isn't exactly a klutz.

The only downside is that the rear end seems to 'lag behind' the nose as you push towards the exit. But since this isn't an M5 or anything close to it, you don't expect more.

The obvious option

Practicality and flexibility aside, uniqueness is another reason to pick the Touring over the Sedan. Estates are a rarity, so you get to be different. With a handsome design and well-sorted suspension in the mix, it becomes an even more convincing proposition.

Its handling isn't bad, too. Issues only arise when the 520i Touring is viewed through the lens of a 3 Series. But while nimble for its size, it won't ever feel like a smaller car.

Most drivers can look past the expectations of a badge because this is the sort of car they want. And if cars like these give BMW the moolah to keep making those few driver-focused models we love, I'm all for it.

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