2005 BMW 5-Series Touring Preview

Seriously Stylish Sport Wagon

In North America the 5-Series Touring isn't the most popular luxury wagon on

The 5-Series Touring has never been a big seller for BMW in North America, but that could all change. (Photo: BMW Canada)

the market, with substantially less takers than Benz's E-Class wagon or Audi's A6 Avant.

Despite being offered with a wider variety of engines and transmissions and being considerably sportier than most of its rivals, the 5-Series wagon has always been pricey. It's also up against a best selling crossover SUV across its own showroom floor, the X5. The X5 offers more dynamic styling, similar

An all-new E-60 based 5 wagon is upon us, launched at this week's Geneva motor show. (Photo: BMW Canada)

handling in a more popular vehicle segment, plus more performance for $100 less when available in model year 2003.

There's a reason no 5 Touring was offered in 2004. The early introduction of an all-new E-60 based 5 wagon is upon us, launched at this week's Geneva motor show.

The third generation 5-Series sport wagon has grown slightly over the previous car, now measuring four centimeters (1.6 inches) longer at 4.84 meters (190.6 inches) from front to rear bumper. The 5 Touring is also marginally wider and taller, inline with the sedan.