BMW M recently shared a teaser video on Instagram, suggesting the possibility of a new M5 Touring model in the works. The video, accompanied by the message “Never say never,” showcases M engineers working on a mystery model that is eventually revealed to be a wagon.
In the video, the engineers can be seen installing a widened wheel arch at the rear of the vehicle, while a flat roof extending past the C-pillar is also visible. The glimpse of the vehicle’s floor confirms that it is not a tall SUV.
This teaser video comes on the heels of BMW’s launch of its first M3 Touring high-performance wagon last year. The M3 Touring shares a similar widened rear wheel arch design, and Frank van Meel, the head of BMW M, teased the possibility of an M5 wagon joining it eventually.
A redesigned 5-Series sedan was recently unveiled in May and is set to go on sale later this year as a 2024 model. It is expected to pave the way for a new M5 sedan, which is currently undergoing testing and likely to be introduced in about a year’s time. It is possible that an M5 wagon could make its debut alongside the sedan.
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BMW has previously produced two M5 wagons, based on the E34 M5 from the late ’80s/early ’90s and the E60 M5 from the ’00s. These previous models demonstrate that BMW is not opposed to the idea of a more practical M5.
While it remains uncertain whether a modern M5 wagon would be available in the U.S., considering that the M3 Touring is not slated for release in the American market, it is possible that the M5 wagon may follow a similar pattern. Mercedes-Benz no longer offers an AMG E 63 wagon in the U.S., but Audi does provide the RS 6 Avant for American consumers.
Looking ahead, BMW is planning to take a hybrid approach with its next M5. The powertrain is likely to feature a turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine paired with a single electric motor, delivering a combined output of over 700 horsepower. This hybrid setup is similar to what is found in the 2023 XM SUV, where it produces 738 horsepower in the range-topping XM Label Red grade.
For those performance enthusiasts with an affinity for electric power, BMW M has developed an i5 M60 xDrive grade for the new 5-Series. This variant will be offered with a wagon body style starting next spring (although it may not be available in the U.S.). The i5 M60 xDrive will feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, generating a peak 590 horsepower.
In conclusion, BMW M’s teaser video hints at the possibility of a new M5 Touring model, following the successful launch of the M3 Touring. With the upcoming release of the redesigned 5-Series sedan and the next-generation M5 sedan, the timing seems right for an M5 wagon to make its debut. Whether it will be available in the U.S. remains uncertain, but BMW’s commitment to hybrid powertrains and electric options suggests an exciting future for the M5 lineup.
