The all-new BMW 5 Series Touring is here at last, introducing latest digital innovations, more space and the first-ever pure electric version in the form of the i5 EV.

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Now in its sixth generation, it joins the 5 Series and i5 saloon launched last year, rounding out the proposition with enhanced practicality and a line-up that will also include petrol and plug-in hybrid models.

First to arrive though will be the pure electric variants, which are priced from £69,040 and deliver up to 348 miles of range, while the range-topping M60 xDrive boasts up to 601hp.

As with the saloon, it’s based on the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, which supports everything from combustion engines to plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles such as the existing iX1, i7 and i4.

Longer, wider and higher than its predecessor, it also has the longest wheelbase in its class, according to BMW, thanks to a 20mm increase to 2,995mm. This delivers more onboard space and “noticeably” more leg, shoulder and elbow room, especially in the rear.

The boot space is wider with a low sill. All variants have boot space rising from 570 up to 1,700 litres. Automatic tail operation is standard, along with remote unlocking of the 40:20:40 split rear seat.

Four trim levels will be offered in the UK, spanning Sport Edition, M Sport, M Sport Pro and the top-end M60. The Sport Edition grade is also being added to the saloon line-up and is seen as a compelling offer for company car drivers.

Like its saloon sibling, the i5 Touring will be available in two variants from launch: the entry-level rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 and the four-wheel-drive M60 xDrive, priced at £69,040 and £99,090 respectively.

The i5 eDrive40 powertrain features a 340hp electric motor, located directly in the rear axle and generating maximum torque of 400Nm or 430Nm with the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. It’s able to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 6.1 seconds.

The range-topping electric model is the i5 M60 xDrive Touring, which delivers up to 601hp. It features the same rear motor as the eDrive40 but adds in a 261hp front-mounted motor. With M Sport Boost or M Launch Control activated, torque rises to 820Nm, giving a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and with a top speed electronically limited to 143mph.

Both i5 models feature an 81.2kWh battery. Range stands at 277-314 miles for the M60 xDrive and 300-348 miles for the eDrive 40 Touring.

The Sport model and the i5 M60 xDrive come with a 22kW onboard charger, available as an option on all other models, which get a 11kW charger as standard. The battery can also be charged with up to 205kW at DC public chargers.

The 530e plug-in hybrid arrives later in the year, delivering 299hp of power, emissions from 16-20g/km and an official WLTP combined fuel economy of 261mpg to 336mpg. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.

Pure petrol versions are expected later, including an M5 Touring version.

As with the saloon, the interior gets the Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch information cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, and the Interaction Bar glass-look light and function bar; both also seen on other models such as the i7.

The standard Live Cockpit Plus includes the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps, while upgrading to the Live Cockpit Professional option adds in head-up display and an augmented view on the Control Display or the instrument cluster.

The interior also comes with new sports seats fitted as standard, along with vegan upholstery.

Safety systems include standard-fit Parking Assistant including start monitoring, Trailer Assistant and Reversing Assist Camera. Options include the Parking Assistant Professional – able to carry out remote parking and manoeuvring from up to 200 metres away using a smartphone.