BMW launches the 520i and M5 Touring in Singapore

BMW celebrates the 'Joy of Touring' with the addition of the 520i Touring and the M5 Touring to its lineup of Touring models in Singapore. These two models join the existing M3 Touring and i5 Touring to make up the four stationwagon models currently available from the brand here. The 520i Touring and M5 Touring were showcased during a 'Cars n Kopi' car meet held on Labour Day, at Dempsey Hill’s Da Paolo Dempsey Restaurant & Bar. 

Stationwagons have always had their fair share of a following due to the practicality and sleek design that they offer - unlike MPVs, stationwagons tend to have a lower and sleeker roof line, while they are also low-riding and more dynamically-inclined than SUVs, while still offering more usability than sedans.

The 520i Touring is the internal-combustion engine powered version of the i5 Touring that was launched almost a year ago

The 520i Touring is a rather familiar sight as its electric brethren, the i5 Touring, was launched here almost a year ago. The front-end of the 5 Series Touring is identical to the sedan, featuring BMW's iconic kidney grilles, and a pair of twin head lights with almost vertical LED elements.

However, instead of the three-box design of a sedan, the stationwagon body style means an extended roof line that slopes down slightly, finishing with a rear hatch as opposed to a boot.

Longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, the 520i Touring offers generous cabin space

The 520i Touring has also grown in size - it is now longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Wheelbase has also been increased by 20mm, resulting in increased cabin space. The stationwagon body style results in a wide cargo loading aperture, with a boot space of 570 litres, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1,700 litres.

The 520i Touring is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that puts out 187bhp and 310Nm of torque

Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the 520i Touring produces 187bhp and 310Nm of torque, which brings the car to 100km/h in 8.3 seconds.

The M5 Touring's M HYBRID system produces an earth-shattering 716bhp and 1,000Nm of torque

Meanwhile, the M5 Touring pushes the limits in performance with its M HYBRID drive system. Powered by a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine that is boosted by an electric motor, the M5 Touring puts out a maximum output of 716bhp and 1,000Nm of torque.

With power sent to all four wheels via the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, and the Active M Differential, the M5 Touring accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

Fitted with M-specific body parts and prominently flared wheel arches with muscular shoulders, the M5 Touring has a truly imposing presence

On the exterior, the M5 Touring can easily be differentiated from the standard 5 Series Touring models with its prominently flared wheel arches and muscular shoulders. The front and rear bumpers of the M5 Touring are also decidedly aggressive, creating a truly imposing presence.

While the 520i Touring is equipped with a completely vegan interior that features Veganza seat surfaces, exuding a premium ambience, the M5 Touring has a sports-car cockpit. The driver-focused cockpit of the M5 Touring exudes authentic racing-car aura with a slew of M-specific components including its steering wheel, seats and M-specific displays. Both models also feature BMW Operating System 8.5 with smartphone connectivity.

Both the BMW 520i Touring M Sport and the BMW M5 Touring are now available in Singapore with the former priced at $377,888 and the latter at $775,888.