BMW 5 Series Touring safety is impressive. It is packed with both active and passive safety systems and has been awarded the top five-star Euro NCAP rating. There are multiple airbags, side impact protection, front anti-whiplash head restraints and crash sensors which cut off the fuel and battery, release the locks and activate the hazard warning lights.

To keep the driver out of trouble there are myriad electronic safety systems including stability and brake controls that help prevent loss of vehicle control in a skid and apply the maximum braking in an emergency stop. The cruise control also comes with brake and speed limiting functions, and there is an optional night vision, four-wheel steering and lane departure warning system to further enhance driver safety.

BMW 5 Series Touring practicality is excellent. The company makes much of the practicality of the Touring. Not only is the boot bigger but thanks to the redesigned seats, bigger, bulkier items can be fitted in. The company claims a boot size of 560 litres – an increase of 60 litres over the old model. With the rear seats folded capacity increases to 1,670 and the boot has four tie-down points, a pop-out hook and both the rear tailgate and rear boot cover can open automatically.

There is a separate glass tailgate (also operates the auto boot cover) and an optional extended storage package that enables the 40/20/40 spilt rear seats to be tilted at varying angles to boost boot storage space. Roof rails and towing hook are also available.