The BMW 5 Series has been in production since 1972, and they’ve just made the biggest changes in the history of the car. You can now buy the full-electric i5. So what does that mean for performance vehicles? Well, it’s actually good news, because the 2024 BMW M5 will make two premieres: the first plug-in hybrid powertrain and the first M5 wagon body since 2010.
Car spotter Automotive Mike has captured this interesting new test prototype on a crowded section of the Autobahn. The 2024 BMW M5 Touring is expected to debut within a few months, and it will also be sold in the United States. An autobahn-tested wagon in America?! How often do you see those?
BMW hasn’t even presented the new 5 Series Touring, but it’s been so excited about the M5 Touring that it released teasers. Compared to the photos from a few months ago, this prototype is less camouflaged and more production-ready.
Specifically, small sections of the front and rear bumper are left uncovered, allowing us to see the Isle of Man Green paint underneath. It is a new, high-impact color that made its debut with the G8x M3 and M4 models. Aside from that, the prototype has black wheels, 20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the rear, backed by yellow brake calipers. Perhaps it’s even got an optional Akrapovic exhaust system.
Compared to a regular 5 Series, the M5 Touring will be lower and wider. It will also feature a bespoke body kit with much larger air intakes at the front. The flared-out fenders allow this new wagon version to compete against the Audi RS6 in terms of looks.
When it debuts, the G99 M5 Touring will outgun every other rival. In place of the current engine, BMW is expected to use a plug-in hybrid version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, the same as the big XM flagship SUV. In that model, it produces 738 hp and 737 pound-feet (1,000 Nm), but in the wagon, some reports say it will be tuned down to 718 hp.
The closest rival will be the new Panamera Turbo S, but it’s about 20 hp down. Of course, EVs are also going to invade the wagon segment, and we know Audi will launch an RS6 e-tron Avant later this decade.
But perhaps the best news of all is that BMW might sell this car in limited numbers to American buyers, just like Audi does with the RS6. BMW M boss Frank van Meel said the Germans are “taking that into consideration,” during the early development stages of the vehicle.
