2020 BMW 5-Series Touring 540i xDrive 8AT AWD (333 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Just three years after it introduced the 5 Series Touring in February 2017, BMW introduced a refreshed version for the 2020 model year, bringing significant visual enhancements to the vehicle, among other upgrades to the interior and the drivetrain.

The seventh generation of the 5 Series, the G30/G31 lineup, was a massive success for the German automaker, and it tried to continue the winning streak with an enhanced version of it. Unfortunately, the 2020 pandemic that plagued the world, followed by the microchip crisis, hindered the car manufacturer’s intentions. Still, the model’s refresh was already planned, and BMW didn’t want to back down. As a result, the Life Cycle Impulse of the G30/G31 broke covers in May 2020.

One of the most significant upgrades to the car was noticed at the front, where BMW introduced new, slimmer LED headlights. These featured L-shaped daytime running lights, further emphasizing the car’s width. In addition, the kidney grille was slightly broader, creating the illusion of an even lower front fascia. The bumper was also replaced, and besides the standard one featuring a large lower air intake, the automaker also offered an M-package to the 2020 5 Series Touring that sported taller side scoops.

The car shared its body panels with its sedan sibling from its profile up to the B-pillars. Behind those was a completely different vehicle, sporting redesigned rear doors and a longer roof, which extended towards the back of the car, up to the rear axle. In addition, the car manufacturer placed a third row of windows between the C- and D-pillars. At the back, the raked-forward tailgate included the classic independently open rear window, which eased the loading and unloading of smaller items into the trunk.

The cabin was also enhanced, and the automaker provided an option for a 12.3-inch display fronting the driver for the instrument panel. On the other hand, base versions featured analog dials with a lower LCD for additional information provided by the car’s onboard computer. Atop the center stack, the 10.25-inch touchscreen also offered new functions and an updated iDrive infotainment system that allowed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. In the back, the split-folding bench seat provided enough room for three adults and could enlarge the trunk space from a decent 570 liters (20.1 cu-ft) to 1,700 liters (60 cu-ft), smaller for the hybrid versions due to the battery pack. All four seats were provided with heating functions, while those at the front were also provided with ventilation and massaging.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a choice of diesel, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid systems. The 530e iPerformance gained more muscles and slushed the 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) time to an under-six-second time. In addition, a 545e iPerformance plug-in hybrid produced almost 400 ponies, which was a thrill for those looking for a family station wagon able to keep up with some sports cars from that era, thanks to its sub-five seconds acceleration time from naught to a hundred kilometers per hour (0-62 mph).