BMW5 Series Touring (E61) 2007 - 2010

　　While BMW launched the 5 Series Touring in 2004, a year after unveiling the 5 Series Sedan, it launched both versions simultaneously when it introduced the facelifted version of the car’s fifth generation.

　　Three years after unveiling the fifth-generation long-roof 5 Series, the automaker rushed the refreshed version. Sales were low, but the German automaker had to keep that family-oriented vehicle for its customers. While the car’s design still polarized customers, BMW didn’t want to change it. As a result, there were just minor changes on the outside, while the interior and the drivetrain underwent significant upgrades.

　　There were just some subtle details on the front fascia of the 2007 5 Series Touring. But still, a keen eye for detail could notice the clear lenses of the headlights and the redesigned turn signal lamps. These were no longer light-amber but clear with orange bulbs. As a result, the car’s front looked sharper. BMW also redesigned the car’s lower side of the bumper. It incorporated a broad air intake adorned by a mesh grille flanked by new scoops for the fog lamps. Furthermore, the upside-down center piece that adorned the non-facelifted version of the car was deleted.

　　From its profile, the updates were even more subtle. But still, the automaker installed new light alloy wheels. At the same time, the turn signal lamps placed on the front bumpers looked identical to the ones provided on the 2004 model year 5 Series Touring. Out back, the automaker placed new lenses over the taillights that flanked the tailgate’s wide opening.

　　Inside, BMW introduced new trims and upholsteries for the 2007 5 Series Touring. It also created a new design for the center console and the automatic transmission gear selector. While the 2004 model year sported a linear design, for the LCI version, it was a joystick. Its shape was inspired by a set of golf clubs and was featured for the first time on the X5 SUV. Another important upgrade was for the iDrive infotainment system. It was easier to use, and customers started to like it. As expected, the center-mounted screen atop the center stack was too far to be easily reached by the driver, so BMW didn’t install a touchscreen. The system could be controlled via a rotary dial placed between the front bucket seats, which was easy for both front occupants to access. In the back, there was plenty of headroom for three passengers. Surprisingly, BMW found a way to narrow the transmission tunnel so that occupant who sat in the middle could rest their feet left and right. The split-folding bench seat allowed customers to increase the luggage space from a decent 500 liters (17.7 cu-ft) to a respectable 1,650 liters (58.3 cu-ft).

　　Along with the facelifted version of the car, BMW refreshed almost the entire engine lineup. While some of them were already refreshed in 2005, others were introduced only in 2007. The automaker had to do that since two years before the facelift, Europe switched to the Euro 4 emission standards, and in 2009, there were tougher norms to comply with, namely the Euro 5. As a result, the car manufacturer ditched all the M-code engines from its lineup and replaced them with the newer N-Series. Like its predecessor, it was available with a wide choice of gasoline and turbodiesel engines paired with six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, with rear- or all-wheel drive versions.