BMW M5 Touring makes global debut

Kenneth John Published: August 16, 2024, 04:49 PM IST

Only the third time in the history of the model nameplate - after the E34 and the E61 - is the BMW M5 Touring back in production. The new M5 Touring was unveiled at the Monterey Car Week in California and powering it is the same powerplant we see in the M5 Sedan.

BMW M5 Touring: Powertrain

As mentioned, the Touring uses the same powertrain as its sedan sibling meaning it is a PHEV. This 4.4-litre biturbo V8 petrol engine produces an alleged 585PS between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm and 750Nm of torque between 1,800 and 5,400 rpm. It is coupled with an integrated electric motor that produces 197 PS and 280Nm of torque, for a total output of 727PS and 1,000Nm of torque.

The M5 Touring can operate only on electricity because it is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Using the WLTP cycle, the 18.6 kWh lithium-ion battery has a range of up to 67 kilometres and can accept up to 11 kW of AC charging. All wheel drive is standard, and the 0-100 kph time is 3.5 seconds, a tenth slower than the sedan.

With the help of its 8-speed M steptronic transmission, BMW says top-speed is rated at 250 kph and can be raised to 305 kph by specifying the optional M Driver's Package. Similar to the M5 sedan, the M5 Touring has performance enhancements for the chassis, suspension, steering, and structural parts. It comes equipped with four-wheel steering, adjustable suspension, and a custom M differential.

BMW M5 Touring: Exterior & Interior

The Touring model, which has wider fenders, M-specific bumpers, quad exhaust tips, and staggered 20 and 21-inch rear wheels, has a more aggressive stance than the M5 super saloon. The rear looks well butcher down and the car looks ready to pounce with that squatting rear end but actually has a much more purposeful use.

The G99 M5 Touring is said to weigh 40 kg more than the G90 M5 sedan - 2,475 kg unladen when it comes to the scales. The most recent M5 Touring's interior baggage capacity is 500 litres when the rear seats are in position and up to 1,603 litres when they are folded.

In terms of the cabin, things are similar to the sedan with multifunction seats, the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, ambient interior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a curved infotainment display with Drive 8.5 that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a heads-up display, and plenty on top.