Just as the new sixth-generation BMW 5 Series sedan goes on sale in Europe, a new station wagon variant has been unveiled. Like the previous generations of the 5 Series Touring, this one is essentially the same as the sedan, only with the roof extending straight back to enclose a substantially larger cargo area.

All the fancy new technologies that we've already witnessed in the 5 Series Gran Turismo and sedan is carried over into the Touring. That includes the surround-view cameras, Variable Damper Control and 8-Speed Sport automatic gearbox etc.

A selection of gas and diesel four- and six cylinder engines will be offered. The range-topping 535i is powered by the new inline 6 3.0L twin-scroll turbo with direct injection, generating 300hp. Single-turbo versions of the 2.0-liter inline-four and 3.0-liter inline-six diesels are also available with 184 hp and 245 hp respectively.

As a Touring model, it is more utilitarian than a normal 5 Series saloon. Its storage space has grown by 60 liters to 560 liters with the seats up, or 1,670 liters with the seats folded down. If necessary, the seats can be fixed in a more-upright position, adding 30 liters of space in the rear.

Like all modern BMWs, efficiency is not forgotten. The BMW 520d Touring is the first 5 Series to come with Auto Start-Stop, reducing the engine idle period when coming to a short stop.