People love SUVs. They’re seen as the catch-all family motor, offering space, security and a touch of panache.
But we reckon those people are missing out, because the traditional estate car offers almost everything that one of the best SUV cars for towing does, on top of which, the lower centre of gravity means it drives better than an SUV.
And if you’re keen to choose an estate car for towing, there are few better to go for than the BMW 5 Series Touring.
What’s the BMW 5 Series Touring like inside?
If space is important when you’re looking at the various caravan tow cars out there, you will be pleased to hear the BMW 5 Series Touring is definitely one of the roomiest estate cars out there.
Up front, the two occupants get a huge amount of space to stretch out in, and behind them, there’s good legroom and headroom for three.
However, because the BMW is rear-wheel drive, the middle occupant of the rear seat will have to straddle a large central transmission tunnel – it’s just something to bear in mind if you regularly fill the rear seats.
Space behind is also suitably huge, which is perfect for those looking at buying a tow car – there’s a 570-litre area when the rear seats are up, and 1700 litres when they are down. More than enough for family holiday needs.
Entry-level SE trim comes with a substantial amount of standard kit, including climate and cruise controls, parking sensors at both ends, LED headlights and navigation.
M Sport models undeniably look sportier, but make sure you can live with the firm ride.
The interior is exceptional, too – it has an ambience that conveys the ability to stand the test of time, while making you feel rather special every time you get inside the car.
How does a used Series 5 Touring drive?
Whatever your needs, there’s a 5 Series Touring out there for you, from plug-in hybrid power to large petrol engines and diesel. Indeed, it’s the diesels that make best sense, because they offer strong torque and good fuel economy.
The 530d xDrive model blends a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with BMW four-wheel drive, giving you a combination of strong performance and unshakeable traction.
Even after hitching up a heavier caravan, the 530d pulls strongly and never feels remotely fazed. It’s stable at high speeds on blustery motorways, and the four-wheel drive gives plenty of ability on even slippery surfaces.
Hill starts? Never in doubt, and made all the easier by the electric parking brake.
The BMW is an absolute joy to drive solo, too. It handles with an agility that belies its size, it has sharp steering, it’s comfortable on long journeys, and it is easily quick enough.
It also tends to keep itself to itself most of the time.
Add in an official economy figure of 51.3mpg and it really ticks all the boxes.
M Sport models have a ride that’s on the noticeably firm side, but some owners have added the optional adaptive suspension system, which is worth looking out for.
What will it tow?
- Kerbweight: 1875kg
- Towing limit: 2000kg
- Noseweight limit: 90kg
- 85% match: 1594kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 41
- Annual VED: £620*
*For first five years of vehicle’s life, after which annual rate drops to £195
- Average economy 51.3mpg
- Interim/full service £192
Servicing prices supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, servicingstop.co.uk
What to pay
- High: price: £40,995; model: 530d Touring M Sport xDrive; year: 2023; miles: 27,000
- Sweet spot: price: £25,500; model: 530d Touring M Sport; year: 2020; miles: 41,500
- Low: price: £7500; year: 2018; model: 530d Touring SE; year: 2018; miles: 173,000
Trouble spots with the BMW 5 Series Touring
The BMW 5 Series Touring hasn’t had cause to trouble dealerships unduly during its life. However, problems with leaks in the EGR cooler forced more than 700,000 cars back to dealers to avoid the possibility of a “thermal incident”. After that, a very small number of vehicles were recalled because some seats and seatbelts hadn’t been tightened enough during manufacture.
Full details of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
Verdict
The BMW 5 Series Touring is a tow car par excellence. It’s roomy, comfortable, well equipped, brilliant at towing and economical. It simply does everything well. No, it won’t be the cheapest to buy, but it’s worth the expense. Still want that SUV? Thought not.
Planning on embarking on your first tour soon? Then make sure you know how to tow a caravan for the first time to help you stay safe when you’re on the road.
Alternatives to consider
Audi A6 Avant (2018-present)
The A6 Avant is pretty long in the tooth now, but that’s good news for buyers as it means there are loads of examples out there. It is beautifully put together and has a huge amount of cabin and boot space. The diesels offer the ideal mixture of towing strength and economy, but be aware the ride quality can be a bit iffy on cars fitted with the optional large alloy wheels.
Take a look at our review of the 2023 Audi A6 Avant 50 TFSI e Quattro S Line Tiptronic.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (2016-2023)
If the BMW 5 Series Touring is the estate for those who want to enjoy driving to the destination, the Mercedes E-Class Estate is the car for those who just want to get there with minimum fuss. It is even bigger than the BMW, which is great for holidays, and refined at speed. But it can be rather dull to drive, and build quality can be a bit of a let-down.
You could also consider an older version too, by looking at the 2010-2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate.
Volvo V90 (2016-present)
Think estate, think Volvo, synonymous with estate cars forever. The V90 does nothing to let the side down. It’s roomy (albeit smaller than the BMW), and makes the most of the space. It is also wholly unassuming to drive. As we said a while back: “It’s the kind of car in which you finish a journey feeling more relaxed than when you started.” And it does 54.3mpg.
Take a look at our review of the 2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country B5 (P) AWD Plus.
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered to your door or inbox every month? Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.
