What is perhaps the final variation of the all-new G60/G61/G90 BMW 5 Series/M5 has just made its world debut, and it is the G99 BMW M5 Touring. Yes, the already-heavy G90 BMW M5 comes with a wagon counterpart which is about 40 kg heavier at 2,550 kg. It is set to be make an appearance at the Monterey Car Week happening in California soon.
Just like the sedan G90 M5, the G99 M5 Touring gets the same plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system which comprises of a 4.4-litre V8 engine and an electric motor. The system’s maximum output us rated at 727 hp and a whopping 1,000 Nm, allowing for a century sprint time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h (with the optional M Driver’s Package).
If you’re curious about the power breakdown of the PHEV system, the 4.4-litre V8 engine itself can output a maximum power of 585 hp and a maximum torque of 750 Nm. The electric motor, on the other hand, puts out a maximum power of 197 hp and 280 Nm. The transmission in use is an 8-speed M StepTronic transmission, and all four wheels are driven as the M5 Touring comes with the M xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
Not exactly the highlight of the M5, its electric drive system is a rather capable one. It allows for an electric range of 67 km (WLTP), and it can drive the car up to a speed of 140 km/h on electric propulsion alone.
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On the outside, the M5 Touring is identical to the sedan M5 with an exception for its wagon rear end. The front-end design is identical and both cars are virtually indistinguishable, at least up to the B pillars. At the back, the M5 Touring adds a tonne of drama to the G61 5 Series with a dramatic rear diffuser, a quad tailpipe setup,, and a subtle rear spoiler.
Besides the extremely powerful V8 PHEV setup and the dramatic exterior, the M5 Touring also receives enhancements in terms of its underpinnings. The M5 Touring gets improved body rigidity with a tower-to-bulkhead stiffening plate, tower-to-front-end struts and other bracing elements in the front-end structure, the rear end features model-specific underfloor struts, including a cross-bar, a stiffening plate and other bracing elements in the load compartment.
Sitting on a staggered wheel setup (20-inch front, 21-inch rear), the M5 Touring also gets the Adaptive M Suspension setup with M-specific kinematics and elastokinematics (double wishbone front, 5 multi-link rear). As for its brakes, the M5 Touring gets 6-piston caliper brakes at the front and 1-piston caliper brakes at the back.
Despite the added practicality of its wagon body style, the interior of the M5 suggests sportiness as a priority above all. With its newly designed M leather steering wheel, M multifunction seats, M-specific readouts on the BMW Curved Display, and the standard BMW Head-Up Display, the M5’s cockpit exudes an authentic race car aura, at least according to BMW. We think it’s the perfect sportswagon, but the M5 Touring is unlikely to reach our shores.
In Malaysia, the all-new BMW 5 Series and the all-new BMW i5 are available. The 5 Series is available in the 520i guise while the i5 is available as either the i5 eDrive40 or the i5 M60.
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