BMW i5 Touring (carbuzz.com)
The upcoming BMW i5 Touring spotted on a daytime run in the Nurburgring area
The upcoming BMW i5 Touring, an electric wagon, has been captured by spy photographers during a daytime test run in the vicinity of the Nurburgring, providing the latest insights into this electric vehicle ahead of its global debut. In this recent sighting, BMW didn’t conceal the front end of the i5 Touring, revealing its resemblance to the standard i5 Sedan. Key features include a closed-off kidney grille and trapezoidal accents on the bumpers with vertical inlets at the edges, along with LED lighting elements. However, the i5 Touring’s wagon identity is more evident when viewed from the side.
While the i5 Touring prototype remained camouflaged from the B-pillar to the rear, several design elements couldn’t be concealed. Notable features include the wagon’s angled hatch and roof rails. The prototype’s horizontally oriented taillights were hidden, but the presence of reflectors and a spoiler suggests they are likely part of the design. This specific prototype appears to be a higher trim level due to the presence of a sunroof and larger wheels, providing a commanding look despite hidden side skirts. Concealed badges near the front fenders may indicate a top-spec M-sport model, further supported by the horizontal kidney grille slats, which are a signature of M derivatives.
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive, a hotter variant, is a reference point for what to expect from the i5 Touring. It features two electric motors delivering a combined output of 590 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph. This high-performance variant is equipped with an 84.3-kWh battery, offering a range of up to 256 miles. The weight and aerodynamic efficiency of the wagon version are likely to maintain this range.
BMW is anticipated to unveil both the i5 Touring and its non-electric counterpart by the end of the year, with plans for them to arrive in showrooms in 2024. While the availability of the i5 Touring in the US remains uncertain, there is a possibility of it being offered in the American market. BMW M boss Frank van Meel has indicated that demand for high-performance wagons is growing in the US, making it likely for the new BMW M5 Touring to be introduced stateside.