BMW 520d xDrive Touring M is the estate car with the spice

It is a station wagon but for fast families, the new BMW 520d xDrive Touring M Sport Pro, which can carry everyone, absolutely everyone, without giving up a sporty look. The key word is always 'premium' but in the case of the car we tested for the Ansa Motori Test, the magic letter M is added, with all that it means for BMW. The recipe is as simple as it is successful and brings together the two worlds of reference of the German brand, namely technology, total comfort and luxury, with a good dose of pepper under the hood. All this, for a driving style that can be sporty, driven by the 2.0 diesel engine with xDrive all-wheel drive, combined with a concentration of latest-generation technology. The exterior design is that of the latest generation of BMW 5 Series Touring, that is, sharper and with generous dimensions. The matt grey color of the car we tested, then, contributes to making the perception of the exterior design even more sculpted, between the long hood that seems to never end and the receding tail. All this, for a visual sensation of power and movement, even if we haven't even started the engine yet.

The BMW 5 Series Touring reaches its peak of sportiness with the MSport Pro trim, which is also the most equipped. As the level increases, the look becomes increasingly 'aggressive', thanks to the more structured bumpers and the use of glossy black details that contrast with the body in the matte Frozen Pure Grey. The background of the headlights is also black and behind the 21-inch double-spoke wheels stand out the red brake calipers. The interior is a triumph of luxury in full BMW style, between premium materials and black vegan leather. Pleasant, to the sight and touch, the inserts on the dashboard and the doors, in carbon fiber. The dimensions speak of a station wagon, with all that that entails. In numbers, they refer to 506 centimeters of maximum length, or 96 mm more than the fifth generation. The wheelbase, then, is almost three meters, adding 20 mm compared to the past. All this translates, for the new BMW 5 Series Touring even in its sporty version, into comfortable spaces for everyone. The central rear seat is affected a little by the hollow shape of the two side seats and the central tunnel, but in the general comfort it is a detail. No problem in the case of large loads, because the large automatic tailgate gives access to a cargo area with a capacity of 560 liters, expandable up to 1700 liters by lowering the rear seats. The rear seat is divided 40:20:40 and even a long object can find space, positioned between the two rear seats. The technology at the service of driving and comfort does not skimp on anything. The BMW Curved Display, or the large double and enveloping screen, is the star of the show. Composed of a 12.3" screen for travel information and a central 14.9" for infotainment, it obviously connects to Android Auto and Apple Car Play wirelessly. Under the long hood beats the mechanical heart eight the long hood beats a slightly noisy 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mild hybrid 48-volt diesel engine, capable of delivering 197 hp and 400 Nm of torque, already from 1,500 rpm up to 2,750 rpm. Prices start at 76,200 euros. Not bad for a family car.