Get Ready for the BMW M5 Touring: The Ultimate Performance Wagon is Almost Here
As the automotive world prepares for the much-anticipated debut of the BMW M5 Touring, excitement is reaching a fever pitch. Just one week out from its grand unveiling, BMW has delighted fans with a dramatic teaser video showcasing this powerhouse in all its glory. The G99, as it is officially known, is touted as the 'ultimate touring,' and it's hard to argue against that claim given the excitement surrounding this performance-driven wagon.
Gone is the disguise; the M5 Touring is revealed to the public in what appears to be a stunning matte finish. This marks a departure from previous models showcasing vibrant hues of color, hinting that BMW is keen on elevating the sophistication of its offerings. The M5 Touring aims to stand out even among its own siblings, particularly the smaller and lighter M3 Touring. The family resemblance is clear, but this new model is a different beast ready to conquer the roads across continents.
One exciting aspect of this release is that the M5 Touring will be making its American debut. Next week, it will take the stage at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, sharing the spotlight with a uniquely designed M5 Sedan finished in a gorgeous Frozen Orange. It’s a perfect venue for BMW to showcase its engineering prowess and to generate buzz among automotive enthusiasts.
But what can we expect from the M5 Touring in terms of performance? Pricing likely won't be for the faint-hearted, as the standard M5 Sedan comes with a starting price of $120,675, and the wagon variant is expected to command even more. Competitors like the Audi RS6 Avant Performance, priced at $126,895, and the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon at $122,250, will be the M5's primary rivals. Given the power and capability that the M5 Touring is expected to deliver, it's clear that this performance wagon is designed to be competitive.
Performance enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the new M5 Touring will pack a robust plug-in hybrid powertrain. The impressive specs reveal that this model will produce a staggering 717 horsepower and a torque of 738 lb-ft (or 1,000 Nm). This makes it not just a practical wagon, but one that can hold its own against some of the most exciting sports cars on the market.
However, weight is also a critical factor to consider. The current M5 Sedan already tips the scales at approximately 5,390 pounds (2,445 kilograms), and the touring variant is expected to be a tad heavier. Will this weight deter potential buyers, especially those interested in competitors like the rebranded RS7 Avant or the upcoming E63 Wagon? It’s a valid concern, especially with automakers increasingly leaning towards electrification, which often adds additional weight due to battery systems.
Production of the G99 is scheduled to commence later this year in November at BMW’s Dingolfing factory, where its sibling, the G90, has been rolling off the assembly line since July. With deliveries anticipated by late 2024 or early 2025, depending on region, buyers will not have to wait long to get their hands on this performance juggernaut. If history is any guide, excitement for this model will only continue to build in the run-up to its arrival.
In conclusion, the BMW M5 Touring is shaping up to be a remarkable addition to the high-performance caravan. With its striking aesthetics, blistering power, and capability to merge practicality with performance, this touring model might revolutionize perceptions of what a performance wagon can achieve. As fans eagerly await its unveiling, one thing remains clear: the BMW M5 Touring is poised to leave an indelible mark on the automotive landscape.