When we sought confirmation from Domagoj Dukec regarding his alleged statement about the M5 Touring coming to the US, he flatly denied it
February 15, 2024 at 10:00
You know the saying, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” And there’s been plenty of smoke swirling around about the possibility of BMW bringing the M5 Touring to the States and Canada as well, even if in limited quantities.
On Wednesday, a report from The Car Guide claimed that during a press trip in Portugal, BMW‘s design boss, Domagoj Dukec, let slip to one of their journalists that the “next-generation M5 will be available in North America in both sedan and wagon body styles”.
Of course, we couldn’t resist reaching out to Dukec to confirm this tidbit. His response? A rather blunt, “No, I did not!” Well, there goes that rumor, up in smoke…
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However, that’s not to say the M5 Touring won’t come to North America; BMW has simply not officially confirmed its availability for this side of the pond.
What do we know about the new M5?
The upcoming M5 marks a significant milestone in BMW’s history by reintroducing the station wagon body style, known as ‘Touring’ in BMW terminology, for just the second time in its four-decade history. Previously, this estate style was seen in the six-cylinder E34 Series (1992-1995), with approximately 890 units produced, and the V10-powered E61 Series (2007-2010), with just over 1,000 units manufactured.
Set to be revealed later this year, the forthcoming M5 sedan and Touring models will employ a plug-in hybrid configuration pairing BMW’s S63 twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 gasoline engine with an electric motor borrowed from the XM. This setup is expected to produce at least 740 horsepower and possibly up to around 800 horses or more for special variants like the Label or CS.
Power will be transmitted through an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission coupled with a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Beefier brakes and tires, alongside a multitude of electronic aids, complement a revised suspension and wider tracks on both ends, to help keep those wild ponies in check. Additionally, drivers will have access to a wide range of steering and braking calibrations, along with various dynamic adjustment options, providing a personalized driving experience.
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Given the XM’s capability of around 55 miles of EV-only driving, it’s plausible that the M5 could achieve a similar electric-only range, contingent upon whether it adopts the same 25.7 kWh battery as the SUV.
As we’ve seen on prototype versions of both body styles of the G90 sedan and G99 Touring models, the next M5 will retain all the familiar design traits associated with the performance series. These include a bespoke body kit with bigger air intakes up front, subtle roof (Touring) or boot spoiler (sedan), quad exhaust tips, and wider wheel arches.
Inside, the M5’s cabin will undergo a complete overhaul, primarily adopting elements from the new 5 Series. The dashboard will be dominated by a massive 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, seamlessly integrated into a single curved glass panel. You will also find a pair of body-hugging front seats, a bespoke M steering wheel, and other unique trimmings.
BMW has been teasing the new M5, including the Touring, for a few months now, so it shouldn’t be long before it’s unveiled to the public.
