BMW 5 Series Touring 535i (A) Review
17 Nov 2011|16,457 views
Let's get straight to the point. If looks alone don't sell the 5 Series Touring, the increased cargo space and user-friendly features will.
Of course that's not to say that it also faces tough competition from dominant brands too. Of all the wagons emerging from Volvo and Saab in the past few years, the Touring may just be the most widely adored car in its class, and for good reasons. With the 5 Series Touring, the Bavarian marque shows how easy it is for it to be at the top of its game.
Boasting BMW's sixth generation F10 chassis and design cues, 5 Series Touring has always been one of those cars that proves that drivers can really have the best of both worlds. It is the master of combining cargo space and banging high-performance beats all under the same elegant and curvy structure. As a result, the latest gem you see here carries this unbelievable versatile trend forward to an even more elevated peak.
Exterior
This has largely to do with its visual design as well. Like the sedan, the car sports a dreamy mix of sharp lines on the bonnet, bold curves round the sides and the sort of lush psychedelic white Corona daytime running rings that seem to light up even the darkest alleys.
Of course that's not to say that it also faces tough competition from dominant brands too. Of all the wagons emerging from Volvo and Saab in the past few years, the Touring may just be the most widely adored car in its class, and for good reasons. With the 5 Series Touring, the Bavarian marque shows how easy it is for it to be at the top of its game.
Boasting BMW's sixth generation F10 chassis and design cues, 5 Series Touring has always been one of those cars that proves that drivers can really have the best of both worlds. It is the master of combining cargo space and banging high-performance beats all under the same elegant and curvy structure. As a result, the latest gem you see here carries this unbelievable versatile trend forward to an even more elevated peak.
Exterior
This has largely to do with its visual design as well. Like the sedan, the car sports a dreamy mix of sharp lines on the bonnet, bold curves round the sides and the sort of lush psychedelic white Corona daytime running rings that seem to light up even the darkest alleys.
 |
The subtle silhouette enlarges as you walk round the sides. While the 5 Series Sedan is filled to the brim with highlights, the Touring - with the taller roofline merging with the big-butted rear - is at its best making families feel good with the obvious highlight of the irresistibly sexy split tailgate, which can also be operated via the key fob.
Although some may say that the Touring is a predictable look, there's certainly no bad place to start with the car. BMW sets the mood for the car with its matte aluminum finish on window trim and roof rails, situating it apart from being just a mere rip-off wagon of this era of automotive.
 |
Interior
And it's similar with the cabin of the car too. Like its sedan brethren, the Touring is by no means discreet. Instead, its glossy wood trims and sleek styling screams right back at you as you enter the car. Ironically, it's this classy vibe that makes the cabin of the car so irresistibly charming. Coupled with the current wet weather and the interior just adds on to the cosy feel - think white t-shirts, torn blue jeans and drinking coffee from one of those infamous cafes on a grey, drizzly, idle afternoon.
Bad weather aside, the Five Touring has an exemplary attention to fit and finish throughout its cabin while having a myriad of features easily available through its signature iDrive. Similar to its immediate German competitors, we reckon this one-knob interface is either loved by computer jocks or disliked by some. It's no doubt a convenient evolution of tricks, but done flawlessly.
And it's similar with the cabin of the car too. Like its sedan brethren, the Touring is by no means discreet. Instead, its glossy wood trims and sleek styling screams right back at you as you enter the car. Ironically, it's this classy vibe that makes the cabin of the car so irresistibly charming. Coupled with the current wet weather and the interior just adds on to the cosy feel - think white t-shirts, torn blue jeans and drinking coffee from one of those infamous cafes on a grey, drizzly, idle afternoon.
Bad weather aside, the Five Touring has an exemplary attention to fit and finish throughout its cabin while having a myriad of features easily available through its signature iDrive. Similar to its immediate German competitors, we reckon this one-knob interface is either loved by computer jocks or disliked by some. It's no doubt a convenient evolution of tricks, but done flawlessly.
Obviously, where the Touring really rises to the occasion is its vast space. It will certainly serve well as a car for road trips or summer rooftop parties (since there is a panoramic sunroof). The space is so vast that it's hard to ignore. While the Five Sedan had adequate space, the Touring has generous leg and head room for occupants all round.
But that's exactly what it was created for - ample space. But the icing on the cake has to be its user-friendly features such as the knocking down of rear seats by means of just lifting a cache from the boot. When that happens, the car will haul a bicycle, a couple of Callaway golf bags and some grocery bags without any fuss.
But that's exactly what it was created for - ample space. But the icing on the cake has to be its user-friendly features such as the knocking down of rear seats by means of just lifting a cache from the boot. When that happens, the car will haul a bicycle, a couple of Callaway golf bags and some grocery bags without any fuss.
 |
The Drive
Despite the 70kg penalty of weight over the sedan, the latest wagon from the Bavarian marque is an impressive machine. It does the dance moves on the tarmac like no other in its class. For a car weighing over 1.7 tonnes, the car hides its heft really well. There is absolutely no trace of it during the century sprint as the car finishes it in an undramatic 6.1 seconds - noticeably faster than Volvo's V70 flagship wagon of 7.7 seconds. Floor the throttle and the 306 horses will see to it that you overtake a row of cars instead of just one.
Of all the wagons that we've reviewed, there aren't many that go better than the 5 Series Touring round the corners. Excellent body control coupled with the finely honed and communicative steering make this Five a great car to hustle around with. Although low speed tug isn't its specialty, it's smooth and refined as expected and delivers a decent amount of pull in a stable manner when the throttle is forced open.
Another thing that BMW has nailed is the isolation of outside noises. It's such a quiet place to be in, with the exhaust note being the only obvious sound occupants will hear. And thanks to the comfort-biased suspension, when the car tracks over uneven tarmac, it soaks up the ruts well, sending little vibrations to the occupants on board.
Despite the 70kg penalty of weight over the sedan, the latest wagon from the Bavarian marque is an impressive machine. It does the dance moves on the tarmac like no other in its class. For a car weighing over 1.7 tonnes, the car hides its heft really well. There is absolutely no trace of it during the century sprint as the car finishes it in an undramatic 6.1 seconds - noticeably faster than Volvo's V70 flagship wagon of 7.7 seconds. Floor the throttle and the 306 horses will see to it that you overtake a row of cars instead of just one.
Of all the wagons that we've reviewed, there aren't many that go better than the 5 Series Touring round the corners. Excellent body control coupled with the finely honed and communicative steering make this Five a great car to hustle around with. Although low speed tug isn't its specialty, it's smooth and refined as expected and delivers a decent amount of pull in a stable manner when the throttle is forced open.
Another thing that BMW has nailed is the isolation of outside noises. It's such a quiet place to be in, with the exhaust note being the only obvious sound occupants will hear. And thanks to the comfort-biased suspension, when the car tracks over uneven tarmac, it soaks up the ruts well, sending little vibrations to the occupants on board.
Conclusion
This car isn't exactly a trend chaser. Instead, it succeeds well without having to try hard at all. It's almost a standalone vehicle with a delicate feel that grows and unfolds gorgeously, layering on top notch quality materials and soft comfy leather.
The 5 Series Touring is one that will reel in buyers who prefer a car-like driving experience without compromising on the space-practicality of an SUV or MPV for their families.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
This car isn't exactly a trend chaser. Instead, it succeeds well without having to try hard at all. It's almost a standalone vehicle with a delicate feel that grows and unfolds gorgeously, layering on top notch quality materials and soft comfy leather.
The 5 Series Touring is one that will reel in buyers who prefer a car-like driving experience without compromising on the space-practicality of an SUV or MPV for their families.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Let's get straight to the point. If looks alone don't sell the 5 Series Touring, the increased cargo space and user-friendly features will.
Of course that's not to say that it also faces tough competition from dominant brands too. Of all the wagons emerging from Volvo and Saab in the past few years, the Touring may just be the most widely adored car in its class, and for good reasons. With the 5 Series Touring, the Bavarian marque shows how easy it is for it to be at the top of its game.
Boasting BMW's sixth generation F10 chassis and design cues, 5 Series Touring has always been one of those cars that proves that drivers can really have the best of both worlds. It is the master of combining cargo space and banging high-performance beats all under the same elegant and curvy structure. As a result, the latest gem you see here carries this unbelievable versatile trend forward to an even more elevated peak.
Exterior
This has largely to do with its visual design as well. Like the sedan, the car sports a dreamy mix of sharp lines on the bonnet, bold curves round the sides and the sort of lush psychedelic white Corona daytime running rings that seem to light up even the darkest alleys.
Of course that's not to say that it also faces tough competition from dominant brands too. Of all the wagons emerging from Volvo and Saab in the past few years, the Touring may just be the most widely adored car in its class, and for good reasons. With the 5 Series Touring, the Bavarian marque shows how easy it is for it to be at the top of its game.
Boasting BMW's sixth generation F10 chassis and design cues, 5 Series Touring has always been one of those cars that proves that drivers can really have the best of both worlds. It is the master of combining cargo space and banging high-performance beats all under the same elegant and curvy structure. As a result, the latest gem you see here carries this unbelievable versatile trend forward to an even more elevated peak.
Exterior
This has largely to do with its visual design as well. Like the sedan, the car sports a dreamy mix of sharp lines on the bonnet, bold curves round the sides and the sort of lush psychedelic white Corona daytime running rings that seem to light up even the darkest alleys.
|
The subtle silhouette enlarges as you walk round the sides. While the 5 Series Sedan is filled to the brim with highlights, the Touring - with the taller roofline merging with the big-butted rear - is at its best making families feel good with the obvious highlight of the irresistibly sexy split tailgate, which can also be operated via the key fob.
Although some may say that the Touring is a predictable look, there's certainly no bad place to start with the car. BMW sets the mood for the car with its matte aluminum finish on window trim and roof rails, situating it apart from being just a mere rip-off wagon of this era of automotive.
|
Interior
And it's similar with the cabin of the car too. Like its sedan brethren, the Touring is by no means discreet. Instead, its glossy wood trims and sleek styling screams right back at you as you enter the car. Ironically, it's this classy vibe that makes the cabin of the car so irresistibly charming. Coupled with the current wet weather and the interior just adds on to the cosy feel - think white t-shirts, torn blue jeans and drinking coffee from one of those infamous cafes on a grey, drizzly, idle afternoon.
Bad weather aside, the Five Touring has an exemplary attention to fit and finish throughout its cabin while having a myriad of features easily available through its signature iDrive. Similar to its immediate German competitors, we reckon this one-knob interface is either loved by computer jocks or disliked by some. It's no doubt a convenient evolution of tricks, but done flawlessly.
And it's similar with the cabin of the car too. Like its sedan brethren, the Touring is by no means discreet. Instead, its glossy wood trims and sleek styling screams right back at you as you enter the car. Ironically, it's this classy vibe that makes the cabin of the car so irresistibly charming. Coupled with the current wet weather and the interior just adds on to the cosy feel - think white t-shirts, torn blue jeans and drinking coffee from one of those infamous cafes on a grey, drizzly, idle afternoon.
Bad weather aside, the Five Touring has an exemplary attention to fit and finish throughout its cabin while having a myriad of features easily available through its signature iDrive. Similar to its immediate German competitors, we reckon this one-knob interface is either loved by computer jocks or disliked by some. It's no doubt a convenient evolution of tricks, but done flawlessly.
Obviously, where the Touring really rises to the occasion is its vast space. It will certainly serve well as a car for road trips or summer rooftop parties (since there is a panoramic sunroof). The space is so vast that it's hard to ignore. While the Five Sedan had adequate space, the Touring has generous leg and head room for occupants all round.
But that's exactly what it was created for - ample space. But the icing on the cake has to be its user-friendly features such as the knocking down of rear seats by means of just lifting a cache from the boot. When that happens, the car will haul a bicycle, a couple of Callaway golf bags and some grocery bags without any fuss.
But that's exactly what it was created for - ample space. But the icing on the cake has to be its user-friendly features such as the knocking down of rear seats by means of just lifting a cache from the boot. When that happens, the car will haul a bicycle, a couple of Callaway golf bags and some grocery bags without any fuss.
|
The Drive
Despite the 70kg penalty of weight over the sedan, the latest wagon from the Bavarian marque is an impressive machine. It does the dance moves on the tarmac like no other in its class. For a car weighing over 1.7 tonnes, the car hides its heft really well. There is absolutely no trace of it during the century sprint as the car finishes it in an undramatic 6.1 seconds - noticeably faster than Volvo's V70 flagship wagon of 7.7 seconds. Floor the throttle and the 306 horses will see to it that you overtake a row of cars instead of just one.
Of all the wagons that we've reviewed, there aren't many that go better than the 5 Series Touring round the corners. Excellent body control coupled with the finely honed and communicative steering make this Five a great car to hustle around with. Although low speed tug isn't its specialty, it's smooth and refined as expected and delivers a decent amount of pull in a stable manner when the throttle is forced open.
Another thing that BMW has nailed is the isolation of outside noises. It's such a quiet place to be in, with the exhaust note being the only obvious sound occupants will hear. And thanks to the comfort-biased suspension, when the car tracks over uneven tarmac, it soaks up the ruts well, sending little vibrations to the occupants on board.
Despite the 70kg penalty of weight over the sedan, the latest wagon from the Bavarian marque is an impressive machine. It does the dance moves on the tarmac like no other in its class. For a car weighing over 1.7 tonnes, the car hides its heft really well. There is absolutely no trace of it during the century sprint as the car finishes it in an undramatic 6.1 seconds - noticeably faster than Volvo's V70 flagship wagon of 7.7 seconds. Floor the throttle and the 306 horses will see to it that you overtake a row of cars instead of just one.
Of all the wagons that we've reviewed, there aren't many that go better than the 5 Series Touring round the corners. Excellent body control coupled with the finely honed and communicative steering make this Five a great car to hustle around with. Although low speed tug isn't its specialty, it's smooth and refined as expected and delivers a decent amount of pull in a stable manner when the throttle is forced open.
Another thing that BMW has nailed is the isolation of outside noises. It's such a quiet place to be in, with the exhaust note being the only obvious sound occupants will hear. And thanks to the comfort-biased suspension, when the car tracks over uneven tarmac, it soaks up the ruts well, sending little vibrations to the occupants on board.
Conclusion
This car isn't exactly a trend chaser. Instead, it succeeds well without having to try hard at all. It's almost a standalone vehicle with a delicate feel that grows and unfolds gorgeously, layering on top notch quality materials and soft comfy leather.
The 5 Series Touring is one that will reel in buyers who prefer a car-like driving experience without compromising on the space-practicality of an SUV or MPV for their families.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
This car isn't exactly a trend chaser. Instead, it succeeds well without having to try hard at all. It's almost a standalone vehicle with a delicate feel that grows and unfolds gorgeously, layering on top notch quality materials and soft comfy leather.
The 5 Series Touring is one that will reel in buyers who prefer a car-like driving experience without compromising on the space-practicality of an SUV or MPV for their families.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Zachary Lau
Car Information
BMW 5 Series Touring 535i (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.5km/L
Horsepower
228kW (306 bhp)
Torque
400 Nm
Acceleration
6.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW 5 Series Touring
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