18 APRIL 1997 ------------------------- _Bigger yet arguably more beautiful than its predecessor, the new BMW 5-Series Touring goes on sale this week. Other than obvious external design

changes – rounding off the cars previously harsh lines – probably the most significant addition is a new air-sprung, compact rear axle which boosts load area by a useful 20%. Initially only

528i petrol (£31,890) and 525tds diesel (£27,150) models are available, with 520i (£25,350) and 523i petrols (£27,290) _ _following in May; the 540i flagship (£44,420) arrives in August. _

_Full report to follow._