The High-Powered Stealth Beast: BMW M5 Touring Set to Blaze American Roads
Anticipation has been building, and the whispers among auto enthusiasts have finally been confirmed. The BMW M5 Touring is earmarked for an American debut, marking a long-awaited chapter in the saga of high-performance vehicles gracing the U.S. shores. Domagoj Dukec, BMW's head of design, has put to bed all rumors by officially affirming the BMW M5 Touring's entrance to the American market. Alongside its sibling, the M5 sedan, the Touring version is gearing up to redefine power, luxury, and versatility upon its arrival.
America's hungry anticipation for the M5 Touring is no secret. The vision of this sport station wagon, identified as G99, alongside the first-to-market M5 sedan (G90), paints a riveting picture of the future of high-performance drives in the U.S. The revelation came on the heels of the M5 Touring being spotted testing in California, flaunting a local plate—a teaser of its imminent presence on American tarmac.
Design & Power: A Harmony of Aggressiveness and Elegance
Ever faithful to the M lineage, the M5 Touring promises a design that marries aggressive styling with unwavering elegance. Expect a frontal design revolution with a distinct grille, body flares that hint at its untamed power, and a rear spoiler that speaks the language of performance. Inside, the wagon doesn't skimp on the M-series hallmarks—a flat-bottom steering wheel, M1 and M2 programmable buttons, and a suite of characteristic M features, underscored by the curved display housing the iDrive 9 system.Under the hood, both the M5 Sedan and Touring versions boast a lineage of power derived from the XM’s plug-in hybrid system. This set-up integrates the new S68 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with an electric motor, all seamlessly woven together with a ZF 8HP torque-converter automatic transmission. The result? A riveting output of over 700 horsepower, ready to launch the M5 Touring into the stratosphere of performance vehicles.
Based on the XM’s precedent, power enthusiasts can look forward to around 644 horsepower and the torque that speaks volumes—480 pound-feet, to be precise. And for those craving that extra edge, the Label version unleashes up to 738 horsepower, promising a driving experience that borders on the surreal.
The Drive of Tomorrow: Eco-power Meets Raw Performance
The integration of a lithium-ion battery pack isn’t just for show. With a net capacity of 25.7 kWh, the M5 Sedan and Touring are poised to blaze through about 48 miles on electric power alone. This blend of eco-consciousness with unparalleled power sets a new benchmark for what enthusiasts can expect from the high-performance market.However, it’s not just about what’s under the hood or the eco-tech integration. The M5 Touring positions itself uniquely against the backdrop of a changing segment landscape. With competitors like the Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 T-Modell bowing out, and uncertainty shrouding the future of the Audi RS 6 Avant, the M5 Touring emerges as a beacon of what’s possible in the realm of performance wagons.
The Wait is Almost Over
As the hands of time tick unceasingly, the anticipation for the BMW M5 Sedan and Touring’s launch in the American market reaches a fever pitch. The M5 Sedan is set to commence its journey from production lines in July 2024, with the first batch of vehicles expected to grace the driveways of eager customers by fall. Meanwhile, the M5 Touring aficionados will have to simmer a bit longer in their anticipation, with production slated for November 2024.As the wheels of progress continue to turn, the M5 Touring’s awaited arrival in the U.S. sets the stage for an unparalleled driving experience. The blend of BMW’s heritage of luxury, unparalleled power, and a nod to sustainability with its plug-in hybrid system heralds a new era for sport station wagons in America—a saga that is about to unfold in spectacular fashion.