BMW M5 Touring (carbuzz.com)
“BMW’s high-performance wagon coming stateside, while cheaper 5 Series wagon variants continue to be unavailable”.
The BMW M5 Touring is set to make its debut in the United States, entering the high-performance wagon segment to compete with rivals like the Audi RS6 Avant. However, for those hoping for more affordable variants of the 5 Series wagon, there’s some disappointing news. According to reports from BMW Blog, BMW has no intentions of offering other 5 Series wagon versions in the US, despite their availability in other parts of the world. While no specific reasons were provided for this decision, it appears to eliminate the possibility of a 5 Series competitor to models like the A6 Allroad or E-Class All Terrain in the American market.
BMW has ambitious plans for the 5 Series wagon in the US, which include a range of combustion powertrain options and a top-of-the-line electric variant called the i5 M60 Touring. This electric wagon, based on the i5 M60 xDrive sedan, features dual electric motors, one on each axle, delivering a combined output of 590 hp and up to 605 lb-ft of torque. The 5 Series Wagon is expected to arrive in spring 2024.
While the prospect of an electric wagon is undoubtedly enticing for the US market, it’s important to focus on the silver lining – the forthcoming M5 Touring. After decades of seeing this coveted model available only abroad, American enthusiasts will finally have the opportunity to experience it firsthand. The success of models like the RS6 Avant and E63 Wagon has paved the way for the M5 Touring’s entrance into the US market, ushering in a new era of superwagons.
The M5 Touring, seen in spy shots with wide fender flares and a lowered stance, maintains the elegant long sloping roofline characteristic of the 5 Series. While many details about the vehicle remain undisclosed, it’s expected to feature BMW’s powerful twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain that produces 738 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Although some detuning might be applied, BMW’s hint that the next M5 will offer around 700 hp suggests any reduction in power is likely to be minimal. This competitive power output positions the M5 Touring favorably among other high-performance wagons, including the RS6 and E63 models, which deliver approximately 600 hp.
BMW’s forthcoming entry into the superwagon category, with its 700+ hp performance, is poised to make a significant impact in a segment cherished by enthusiasts, especially as the next-generation electrified RS6 Avant is anticipated.