Let’s just put this out there: I have always had a soft spot for wagons. There is something about their long, low silhouette, the balance of sportiness and practicality, and the quiet confidence they carry. The new BMW 520i Touring in M Sport trim is exactly the kind of car that reminds you why wagons still matter.
Wagons: Not for Everyone, and That’s the Point
Wagons are not exactly flying off showroom floors these days. Most buyers have turned to SUVs or crossovers, often driven by the promise of space, height, and status. Yet among car enthusiasts, wagons continue to hold a certain cult status.
They are appreciated by those who value the drive, who care about proportions, and who know how special a well-balanced long-roof car can be. These are cars for the discerning. The 520i Touring fits this mould perfectly. It is not designed to shout. It simply gets everything right, quietly.
Familiar Shape, Fresh Personality
I recently had the opportunity to drive the all-electric i5 Touring eDrive40 M Sport. It impressed with its refinement and tech-laden cabin. The driving experience was smooth and silent, with all the torque you could want. Yet it also felt heavy and somewhat removed from the kind of driver engagement BMW built its reputation on.
The 520i Touring brings back that feeling. It is lighter, more agile, and with a petrol engine up front, it delivers feedback and rhythm that the electric version cannot replicate. You still get the same sleek body, complete with the M Aerodynamics Package and Iconic Glow grille. The 20-inch M 939 Bicolour wheels finish the look with just the right mix of subtle aggression.
On the Road
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a mild hybrid system. The result is 188 bhp and 310 Nm of torque, all sent to the rear wheels through BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
Performance is brisk enough, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds. The car feels responsive and composed, thanks in part to the M Sport suspension. It also manages to stay comfortable even over less-than-perfect roads. With a top speed of 222 km/h and a fuel consumption rating of 14.3 km per litre, it offers a well-balanced package for real-world driving.
Space, Style, and Sound
Inside, the cabin is a showcase of BMW’s latest design direction. A curved display panel stretches across the dash, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. The layout is clean, modern, and intuitive to use.
There is generous space for passengers both front and rear, thanks to a wheelbase of nearly three metres. Boot capacity stands at 570 litres, which is more than enough for weekend trips, grocery runs, or a foldable bike or two.
The Harman Kardon sound system adds a premium touch, with rich audio that makes every drive feel like a private concert.
The Glass Hatch, Gone
If there is one thing I miss, it is the split-opening rear glass hatch. Previous 5 Series Touring models featured this small but incredibly useful function. It allowed quick access to the boot in tight carparks or when the full tailgate could not be opened.
BMW has removed it in favour of a sleeker rear design. It is a compromise in form over function, and while the new look is undeniably stylish, the practicality of that glass hatch will be missed by those who used it often.
Petrol or Electric?
Both the 520i and i5 Touring have their appeal. The i5 is futuristic, quiet, and powerful in its own way. It excels in technology and offers zero tailpipe emissions. The 520i, on the other hand, delivers a more traditional driving experience. It is familiar, usable, and engaging in a way that petrol cars still are.
For those who are not ready to go fully electric or who simply enjoy the feel of a proper engine, the 520i Touring is an easy recommendation.
Final Thoughts
The BMW 520i Touring M Sport is not a car for everyone, but that is exactly the point. It is for drivers who appreciate design, balance, and purpose. It offers the space of an SUV without the bulk, the comfort of a saloon with added utility, and a driving feel that rewards those who still enjoy being behind the wheel.
This is a car chosen not for what it says about you, but for how it makes you feel. A true enthusiast’s choice.
Technical Specifications
BMW 520i Touring M-Sport
Engine: 2-Litre in-line 4 TwinPower, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 190 bhp
Torque: 310 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A) Steptronic
0-100km/h: 8.3 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 222 km/h
Fuel Economy: 14.3 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$382,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)
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