BMW has released more information on the forthcoming 2024 BMW M5, ahead of the car entering production later this year.
The seventh generation of BMW’s legendary super saloon is currently being tested on public roads, along with on racetracks and frozen lakes.
However, the new M5 won’t only come in four-door format. BMW has confirmed the latest G60 version will see the return of the cult-favourite Touring estate.
Space and serious pace
Despite being produced as a saloon since 1984, BMW has only offered a production M5 Touring twice.
The E34-generation M5 saw a wagon added to the range in 1992, powered by a 340hp 3.8-litre inline-six. This allowed for 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, plus a top speed limited to 155mph.
Despite building a prototype E39 Touring, however, BMW decided the estate would skip the following generation of M5.
Instead, it reappeared for the E60 model, launched in 2004 as a saloon. Developed alongside BMW’s Formula 1 campaign, the M5 was powered by a 507hp naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10.
During a five-year production run, out of 20,589 examples of the fourth-generation M5 made, only 1,025 were Tourings. This may explain BMW’s reluctance to reintroduce an estate version since then.
North America gets the Touring, too
However, BMW seems confident the time is right to reintroduce the M5 Touring. It’s also expanding sales into markets previously denied the performance wagon, including the United States and Canada.
Powering the new M5 will be a bespoke M Hybrid drivetrain, closely related to the one found in the BMW M Hybrid V8 GTP race car. According to Dirk Häcker, head of development at BMW M, the pursuit of electrification will mean “typical M performance”.
Production of the all-new BMW M5 Touring will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024. Expect more details and prices to be announced closer to the time.
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