There’s a simple reason why car companies aren’t releasing more estate cars, or station wagons as it’s known in other parts of the world: they’re just not popular. In Malaysia, for example, if you mention estate cars, people might say they’re only used for hearses. Talk about an unwanted reputation.
So, when BMW launched the wagon version of the next-generation M5, dubbed the BMW M5 Touring (G99), the executives in Munich assumed that demand for the wagon would only account for a third of all M5 orders during its lifecycle, with the rest being for the sedan variant (G90). Well, as it turns out, they are wrong in the best way possible.
Speaking to BMWBlog, Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales at BMW M, Sylvia Neubauer, said that the company has increased production of the M5 G99 (M5 Touring) beyond the company’s original intentions. Although BMW has not revealed any sales or order figures for the performance wagon, this increase likely means BMW is ramping up production to satisfy demand.
How much more, you’re wondering? A 50:50 split between the wagon and the sedan. This unexpected high demand for the M5 Touring could be because it was actually launched in the US, marking the first time an M-series station wagon has been sold stateside.
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This has made BMW confident that it can sell more wagons in the US, despite the M5 Touring’s price of USD125,275 (approx. RM554k) before options. Furthermore, due to the demand for the M5 Touring, US dealers are reportedly asking BMW to bring the more affordable 5 Series wagon to the states as well.
Another reason for the M5 Touring’s demand could be that there aren’t that many station wagons on the market equipped with a 4.4-litre V8 engine, plus an electric motor producing a combined output of 727 hp and a whopping 1,000 Nm, ideal for carrying the entire family and their luggage from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, onward to a top speed of 305 km/h (with the optional M Driver’s Package).
The unexpected popularity of the BMW M5 Touring raises an interesting question: Is it the V8 that’s driving this wagon resurgence, or are we seeing a broader shift in preference away from SUVs?
Only time will tell if other manufacturers will follow BMW’s lead, but the M5 Touring, for now, proves that high-performance family cars don’t have to always be SUVs. We also just really want it here in Malaysia, please.
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