The next generation BMW 5 Series Touring is getting ready for its official unveiling in early 2010. With a debut set later that year at the Paris Auto Show, 5 Series Touring slightly camouflaged prototypes continue to be seen during test driving sessions in Germany.
The spy photographers over at Auto Motor und Sport spotted a new test mule with the front-end fully uncovered. While the front fascia of the new Touring is no mystery to us anymore, the rear-end still carries some light camouflage tape that hides the final design details.
As seen in the previous generation, the Touring’s taillights are different from the ones found on thesedan, in this case with the light strips across being a bit more obvious.
The new BMW 5 Series Touring, codename F11, has a longer wheelbase and a wider track than the current generation E60 5 Series, offering more interior room and also cargo space. The new 5 Series Touring has grown in size and the rear-end sports a more coupeish like roof.
5 Series Touring is considerably lower and sleeker than the 5 Gran Turismo model, but without sacrificing that sportiness much needed by the BMW buyers. While the new 5 Series Touring will continue to play an important role in Europe, the question remains whether BMW will phase them out in the U.S.
Design wise, the 2011 BMW 5 Series F11 is one the most balanced and elegant looking BMW Touring ever built and it remains a crucial vehicle in BMW’s lineup. The new Touring is unconfirmed for the U.S. market given the recent introduction of the luxurious 5 Series GT. The BMW 5 Series Touring sits considerably lower and it is sleeker than the 5 Gran Turismo model, still keeping that sportiness much needed by the BMW buyers.
While no information have been released on the powerplants available in the Touring model, we expect to see similar engines as in the recent unveiled 5 Series Sedan, including diesel variants.
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/12/24/lates ... s-touring/