title：BMW i5 Touring Review: Estates vs SUVs & Tech Woes
content：BMW i5 Touring: Performance, Practicality, and Flaws
Ever stood in a dealership torn between an estate and SUV? Or fumbled with a touchscreen while driving, trying to adjust the AC without looking away? You’re not alone. In Autocar’s Middle-Aged Tread podcast, Matt Prior (who lived with the BMW i5 Touring for months) and James Disdale dive into these exact pain points. This article breaks down their insights, plus exclusive analysis on why estates might be due for a comeback.
The BMW i5 Touring M60 xDrive is a powerhouse. With 600hp and all-wheel drive, it hits 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds—faster than some sports cars. But Matt notes it feels more like an i7 limousine than a traditional 5 Series. Its 570L boot is smaller than a Volkswagen Golf Estate’s 611L, and it lacks the iconic separate glass hatch (a BMW touring staple) which many fans find unforgivable. Still, Matt gives it 4 stars: it’s a lovely cruiser, with an 82kWh battery delivering over 250 miles of real-world range.
content：Estates vs SUVs: Rationality vs Marketing Hype
Estates are the unsung heroes of practical driving. They’re more efficient than SUVs (lower frontal area means better aerodynamics), lighter, and often have more usable space. Yet SUVs make up over 60% of sales in some markets—thanks to marketing that sells a “rough-and-tough” lifestyle. But many so-called SUVs (like the Tesla Model Y) are just crossovers with minimal ground clearance. As James puts it: “When everyone’s in an SUV, the height advantage disappears.”
content：Tech Overload: Why Physical Controls Still Matter
Michael Vander Sander (ex-Alpine and Jaguar SVO boss) ranted on LinkedIn about touchscreen chaos: too many apps, unresponsive interfaces, and dangerous distractions. The US Navy even abandoned touchscreens after two accidents (17 deaths) because sailors couldn’t operate them quickly under pressure. The BMW i5 has an iDrive controller (a plus), but it still has 42 apps—way too many for safe driving. Physical controls for critical functions (like seat adjustments) are non-negotiable for safety.
content：Toolbox & Actionable Tips
- Test drive both: Compare an estate and SUV on narrow roads to feel their size and agility.
- Prioritize physical controls: Look for cars with buttons for AC, volume, and seat adjustments.
- Check boot practicality: Ensure split seats (40/20/40) and a glass hatch if you need quick access.
- Verify real-world range: For EVs like the i5, check reviews for actual mileage (not just official figures).
- Follow trusted sources: Autocar’s back catalog (since 1895) is a goldmine for car history and reviews.
content：Final Thoughts & Engagement
The BMW i5 Touring is a solid EV estate, but it’s not perfect. Estates remain the rational choice for practical drivers, and tech should serve drivers—not distract them.
Which do you prefer: estates or SUVs? And have you ever struggled with a car’s touchscreen? Share your stories in the comments.
