The BMW M5 Touring is Finally Hitting the US Shores: Here's What You Need to Know
It's been a tantalizing wait for performance wagon enthusiasts in the United States, filled with rumors and anticipation. But the wait is finally over. The ultimate driving machine, the BMW M5 Touring, is officially making its grand entrance into the United States, and it's bringing along a storm of excitement and expectation.
At a recent press event in Portugal, BMW's Head of Design, Domagoj Dukec, dropped the news that automotive aficionados have been longing to hear. Both the BMW M5 Sedan (G90) and the M5 Touring (G99) are slated to cross the Atlantic this year, marking a monumental moment for the brand and its loyal following stateside.
While the precise dates of the unveiling remain shrouded in mystery, Dukec gave us enough to start the countdown. The M5 Sedan will grace the European stage first this summer, followed closely by the M5 Touring, which will make its American debut just a few months later.
What’s Under the Hood?
The excitement doesn't just end with the announcement. The forthcoming BMW M5 models are expected to redefine performance benchmarks, drawing their power from the revolutionary plug-in hybrid system that pairs with the brand-new S68 4.4-liter V8 engine. This formidable combination is projected to deliver no less than 718 horsepower in its standard model. And when it comes to torque, anticipate nothing short of what the BMW XM Label Red offers, with a staggering 738 lb-ft of torque.
Design and Technology: A Sneak Peek
In line with the M5's pedigree, the design cues are expected to be aggressively elegant. Inspired by the i5 M60, both the Sedan and Touring variants will sport the signature M aesthetics – flared fenders, a lower and bold stance, not forgetting the flat-bottom steering wheel adorned with M flair.
The interior will boast the large curved display, powered this time by the iDrive 9, ensuring that the M5’s cabin is as technologically advanced as it is luxurious.
Performance That Dares to Impress
Although we're still on the edge of our seats for the official performance figures, expectations are sky-high. The cutting-edge S68 V8 engine, complemented by the electric motor's instant torque, promises to offset the weight penalty of the battery pack. This means one thing: blistering acceleration. And knowing BMW’s M division, weight-saving engineering marvels are sure to be part of the package, ensuring the M5 continues to wear its performance crown with pride.
Notably, the production of the 2025 BMW M5 will kick off in July 2024 and will extend until 2031, with the M5 Touring joining the lineup in November 2024. Although not limited by production numbers, initial allocations of the M5 Touring are expected to be coveted gems.
In conclusion, the BMW M5 Touring's arrival marks a thrilling chapter for US fans of high-performance wagons. With its unparalleled blend of power, design, and technology, the M5 Touring is not just a car; it's a statement. A statement that says, 'The wait was worth it.'