BMW’s 2024 launch of the new 5 Series Touring brought the G61 wagon body to Europe, including the first all-electric i5 Touring. This distinction is important because the 2024 US sedan is not the same practical configuration, and some markets do not sell the Touring body at all. The appeal lies in combining an executive-car interior with a more accessible load compartment; the buyer should start with whether that extra cargo arrangement is needed rather than chasing a sedan specification sheet.
Powertrains, equipment and market specifications
BMW’s February 2024 announcement identified a May 2024 European launch for the i5 Touring. The model belongs to the new 5 Series generation, and the brand also announced combustion-engined Touring choices depending on market. Exact motor, battery, range and tow-rating figures should be taken from the car’s national 2024 specification document, not from a US i5 sedan or a revised later vehicle. Wagon-specific weight, charging and suspension equipment can change those comparisons even within the same generation.
Checking a used example
Buyers evaluating a used Touring should load their actual luggage, check how the rear seats release and examine the condition of the tailgate, luggage cover and cargo-floor hardware. A car used by a business fleet may have accumulated motorway mileage without a complete visible service record; obtain supporting paperwork. On an electric example, verify charging compatibility and battery warranty transfer, then test active online functions. On combustion versions, ensure that the stated engine and emissions equipment match the registration market.
Who should buy it, and alternatives
The Touring is best suited to a household or professional who wants a premium long-distance wagon instead of a tall SUV. Compare its accessible cargo space with the BMW iX or Mercedes E-Class estate in the exact region. There is no reason to assume the electric Touring’s official range matches the sedan’s merely because both use the i5 badge. The appropriate used buy is the documented configuration that fits the owner’s charging, luggage and parking requirements, not simply the most powerful derivative.
Sources and Further Reading
- BMW Group — BMW i5 Touring: A BMW 5 Series like never before (source year 2024; EU context)
- BMW Group — Market launch of new 5 Series and i5 (source year 2023; KR;DE;EU context)