Coming soon? We hope!
The news is exciting — BMW M5 Touring Wagon could in fact reach America! At least that’s what the rumors hold! The story began leaking in mid-2023 that the U.S. would see a high-performance BMW wagon in. the form of the M5 Touring, a station wagon with M5 strength! Now, in 2024, that same possibility may soon be a reality, with BMW possibly sending an M5 Touring to America where competition like the Mercedes-AMG E63and Audi RS6 Avant await!
The arrival of the M5 Touring, which would come with the M5 sedan, has been confirmed by the head of BMW design Domagoj Dukec, with this tidbit leaking at the same time that a camouflaged M5 Touring prototype was spotted in Los Angeles. And while the timing of this possibility is far from certain, a report from “The Car Guide” suggests it “should take place late this year.”
While BMW has confirmed the M5 Touring’s production and we know it’s prepping it for the next generation, they have also not completely ruled out the future model for American customers. The tease of the high-powered hauler happened just before Christmas, hiding the long-roof design fittingly with colorful wrapping paper.
Under hood will be a new hybrid setup that is sure to pack a powerful punch! The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 and electric assist is expected to make more than 700 horsepower, falling somewhere between the output of the standard XM and the XM Label.
A fresh design in terms of body style is also anticipated, and the best guess is that the M5 Touring will likely be a standout with an aggressive front fascia and quad tailpipes.
What else we know!
Origins of the M5 Touring trace back to the M3 Touring’s successes. BMW Board Member Frank Weber was quoted as saying in the Italian “Quattroruote” magazine that the long-roof M3 sold three times higher than anticipated. This led the company to develop a wagon version of the bigger M5. In addition, Audi’s recent success with the RS6 Avant may have contributed to the decision.
With the reveal of the regular 5 Series sedan and wagon, it is expected that M5 variants should break out before the end of 2024. Six figures will most likely be the cost associated with this model if it makes its way to U.S. shores.
The new M5 shares its PHEV drivetrain with the XMSUV, and it will possess the codename G90.
It is expected to boast an electric range of close to 60 miles and a maximum speed of 87 mph in EV mode, according to sources close to the industry. It also carries a weight penalty of more than 440 pounds compared to the outgoing M5. While this extra weight may cut down the acceleration time, it is uncertain its total effect. Keep in mind the M5 Competition jumped from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds.
The next M5 is also expected to remain true to the classic steel suspension, but introduces rear-wheel steering, bigger brakes and optional 22-inch wheels. Drivers will have the option to choose among three energy regeneration stages, two calibrations for the steering and brakes, and five different drive modes including eControl, which favors the electric motor. Keep in mind that the 644-hp unit fitted to the “base” XM will not be offered in the new M5.
An electric version of the i5 M is likely to be comprised of three models, including the i5 eDrive40 and xDrive40 at 340 hp; the i5 M50 xDrive at 544 hp and i5 M70 xDrive at 650 hp. The M70 is the most potent version, equipped with special high-performance batteries. It also is given active steering, larger 21-inch wheels and suspension tweaks. Add to that the usual M livery inside and out.
With the i5M, codenamed Katharina, a new high-performance electric drivetrain is presented, which features super fast wheel-by-wheel torque vectoring, multi-stage cooling, a supplementary brake-by-motor energy regeneration system and new dynamic features such as piloted drifting and the ability to perform tank turns.
While it may be just a rumor, it is hoped that the M5 Touring will make its name and presence known in America! Its competition awaits as does today’s driver who will fall in love with this high-powered hauler! Coming soon? We hope!
