The Return of the BMW M5 Touring: Why This Performance Wagon is a Game Changer
After a long hiatus of more than a decade, the legendary BMW M5 Touring is back in production, and it is stirring excitement among automotive enthusiasts and BMW aficionados. The M5 Touring, also known as the G99, is being manufactured alongside the M5 sedan at BMW’s state-of-the-art Dingolfing plant in Germany. The last M5 wagon, the E61, rolled off the production line in 2010, and since then, fans of the brand have eagerly awaited its return. The anticipation is palpable as the G99 promises to combine practicality with BMW’s hallmark performance.
One of the standout features of the 2025 M5 Touring is that it represents the first BMW M wagon that will be available in North America. This is an enormous milestone for the brand, as the smaller M3 Touring G81 remains elusive for consumers in this market. In essence, the M5 Touring is stepping in as a versatile alternative for performance-loving families who need the additional space without compromising on speed or handling. With a design that rivals competitors like the Audi RS6 Avant, the M5 Touring is expected to capture a significant market share and generate a loyal following.
Global Availability and Future Prospects
The G99 is part of a broader strategy from BMW to enhance its product offerings, allowing for a better lifecycle and lasting appeal. Unlike its V10-powered predecessor, which had a brief production run, the M5 Touring is poised to have a more extended lifecycle, projected to remain in production until 2030 or even beyond. This longevity coupled with global availability means that enthusiasts around the world will have the chance to experience the thrill that only a BMW M vehicle can offer.
As a performance wagon, the M5 Touring is not just about aesthetics; it’s about engineering excellence. Under the hood, you can expect the same potent engine that powers its sedan counterpart, boasting exceptional power and torque while ensuring a thrilling driving experience. It’s a true testament to BMW’s engineering prowess, marrying the utility of a wagon with the adrenaline of an M-powered vehicle.
Production Insights from Dingolfing
Built alongside the M4 Coupe/Convertible and the M8 series, both of which are becoming increasingly rare due to a shift towards electric performance, the M5 Touring is set to become a centerpiece of BMW’s performance lineup. Interestingly, only about six percent of the vehicles produced at Dingolfing are full-fat M models; the plant focuses primarily on the standard 4, 5, 7, and 8 Series models as well as the innovative electric iX. In 2022, the factory churned out over 290,000 vehicles, reflecting its standing as the fourth-largest BMW production facility worldwide.
The factory is home to 18,500 employees, including a robust apprenticeship program with around 900 apprentices learning the intricacies of automotive production. Such a well-established workforce promises that the M5 Touring will be assembled with the same precision and care that BMW prides itself on. However, the facility briefly paused production earlier this year due to fluctuations in demand in China, which underlines the interconnected nature of the global auto industry.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the M Lineup?
Regarding the future of the M lineup, some reports indicate that the next-generation 3 Series, known as the G50, may also find a home at the Dingolfing plant. However, specifics regarding which models will be produced in Germany are still unfolding. What is clear is that BMW is making strategic decisions regarding its production facilities and may be pivoting towards more electric models with the advent of the Neue Klasse-based vehicles, such as the new i3 sedan expected to launch in 2026.
The M5 Touring not only embodies the spirit of performance BMW has cultivated over the years but also highlights the brand's adaptability to market needs and future challenges. As performance SUVs and electric vehicles become commonplace, there will always be a place for a versatile high-performance wagon that can carry the whole family while delivering an exhilarating ride. The M5 Touring is here to fill that role, and its return is undoubtedly a sign of exciting times ahead for the brand.
In conclusion, the 2025 BMW M5 Touring is set to reignite passion in the performance wagon segment with its unmatched combination of speed, reliability, and practicality. While enthusiasts have had to wait for its return, the excitement surrounding the G99 suggests that it might well be worth every moment. Whether you're looking to take a family road trip at high speeds or simply want the quintessential BMW driving experience, the M5 Touring is the perfect solution.