BMW has reintroduced the 5-series Touring (wagon) as the all-wheel-drive 530xi. All-wheel drive is a first for the 5-series, where it is offered on the sedan as well as the wagon. The system is the same xDrive all-wheel drive used in the X3 and the X5. It features a continuously variable torque split and is bundled with BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), but cannot be combined with active steering or active roll stabilization.
The wagon makes its debut with BMW's new 3.0-liter six under the hood, the larger of two new sixes offered in the 5-series sedan. The 3.0-liter is again a straight six, as BMW continues to resist the temptation to move to V-6s. It makes 258 hp at 6600 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque from 2500 rpm. BMW is quoting performance figures of 0-to-62 mph in 7.0 seconds. The Touring can reach 152 mph.
The new wagon, which is a bit larger than the previous-generation 5-series Touring, should reach dealerships in May.