AFTER the styling controversy that surrounded the launch of the BMW 5 Series saloon some years ago, the Touring (estate) version is something in the way of light relief - a modern BMW that you can judge on its performance and functionality rather than its looks.

Yes, it shares the front-end treatment with the saloon, but this was never as dramatic as Chris Bangle's rear-end outrage - and, of course, with the Touring, this has disappeared to make way for the far more conventional estate hatch.

The stretched body (the latest 5 Touring is bigger all round at 4.48 metres long) actually gives the Touring nicer overall proportions and makes the best of the 5's dimensions, offering up a 1.1 metre wide square hatch and a long load compartment with a useful lockable 35 litre storage compartment under the load floor.

This latest generation model has more space at the business end with 535 litres on offer with the rear seats in place and up to 1,650 litres with them reclined - 125 litres more than previously.

This is accessed via a soft close tailgate with two-piece electric release while the rear seats have a simple fold down action - in the upright position they provide plenty of passenger space with an increase in knee and shoulder room.

Inside the Touring is all very familiar BMW territory, a driver focused cabin with everything angled and handily placed for the right hand seat occupant.

In the basic (as if a BMW was ever basic!) SE trim the cabin is coated in high quality materials mixing leather and wood for their optimum effect.

Specification includes climate control, CD radio, cruise control, electric front seats, rain sensitive wipers, computer read-out, alarm, immobiliser and central locking.

BMW persists with its iDrive controller with display screen for functions such as the climate control, navigation and entertainment. It's still not especially operator friendly and cumbersome to work around.

It all adds up to a highly comfortable environment, one in which you almost feel it is a sacrilege to even contemplate carrying items from the DIY store or those extra canine companions.

Mid ground in the range is provided by the latest version of BMW's 2.5 litre diesel engine which now has 14bhp more than before and is capable of reaching twice the legal speed limit.

For those who have always felt that luxury cars should be powered by nothing other than petrol - you obviously haven't experienced BMW's oil burners.

Ever since it entered the world of large capacity diesels, BMW has been among the market leaders and this straight six cylinder common rail injection is no exception.

Extremely quiet, smooth and near vibration free (actually being quieter than its 3 litre stablemate) it is the best performing of the Touring models when it comes to fuel consumption (over 40mpg should be possible on a regular basis) and emissions - adding appeal to the business user conscious of the tax implications.

The refined running doesn't come at the sacrifice of performance; its high revving responses are near instantaneous and at a fraction over eight seconds to 60mph it's no slouch - keeping very close to the figures from the 192bhp 2.5 litre petrol alternative.

Standard fit is a six-speed manual transmission with the option of a six-speed Steptronic automatic as on this test vehicle.

In the Sport setting the gearbox can inject even more life into the diesel with the semi-automatic function simplicity and the chosen gear ratios designed to easy life along the road.

BMW's reputation as driver's cars extends to its estates, the 5 Touring offering plenty of steering response to the driver with no penalty for the extra length and weight.

Perhaps the only complaint is that the ride (with self-levelling rear aluminium suspension) has been tuned towards a comfort setting which is great on flat road surfaces (how often do you get that in the UK) but which can become a little sensitive on broken surfaces.

Should the driver forget his/her responsibilities and become too enthusiastic, the Touring is laden with electronic wizardry designed to get you out of trouble - this includes, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, ABS with Brake Force Display and Corner Brake Control.

All in all the 525d Touring is a real luxury holdall that you can justify to yourself thanks to the financial benefits of that smooth running diesel engine.

FACTPACK: BMW 5 Series Touring 525d

Price: £30,400

Engine: 2497cc/177bhp

Top speed: 140mph

0-62mph: 8.3 secs

Fuel consumption: Urban - 29.1mpg, Combined - 40.4mpg

C02 emissions: 187g/km

Insurance: Group 15