BMW’s new 5-Series Sedan is already winning accolades around the world for its excellent handling, powerful engines and stylish good looks, and soon the car will be more practical thanks to the addition of the Touring wagon to the lineup. The fourth generation of the 5-Series Touring is scheduled to be unveiled for the first time at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show (a.k.a. the Auto Mobil International) this April before going on sale in Europe by the middle of the year.

The vehicle is still unconfirmed for the U.S. market given the introduction of the 2010 5-Series GT but with the new E-Class Estate on its way BMW may be tempted to bring its new 5-Series Touring as well.

Apart from more storage--thanks in part to a longer wheelbase--the 5-Series Touring will be almost identical to the 5-Series Sedan. That means lots of space, good handling and plenty of appealing style, inside and out.

Powertrain options will include a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, a single turbo 3.0-liter inline six and a range of turbodiesel mills consisting of four- and six-cylinder units. Customers will be able to select either a six-speed manual transmission or a new eight-speed automatic. Unlike the previous model, BMW won’t be offering its latest 5-Series Touring in M5 trim.

These computer generated renderings and spy shots give a good indication as to how the 2011 BMW 5-Series Touring will be styled. To see how it will drive, check out Bengt Halvorson’s extensive first drive report of the 5-Series Sedan over at TheCarConnection.com.