BMW M5 Touring to make a comeback after over a decade

The BMW M5 Touring is set to return in 2024 after around 13 years since the E61 generation model was discontinued in 2010. The new M5 will be available in both sedan and estate body styles, and the Touring version, too, will feature BMW's plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a rear-mounted electric motor. The German manufacturer claims the combined power output is in the region of 800hp.

1. Third Touring variant to be introduced in six generations of the M5
2. Will rival the Audi RS6 Avant and Mercedes E63 S Estate globally

BMW M5 Touring teased

There hasn't been an M5 Touring since the V10-powered E61 version bowed out over a decade ago. From what we can decipher from photos of the camouflaged prototype, the new M5 Touring takes the latest G60-generation 5 Series' bodywork and adds flared fenders, an aggressive-looking rear bumper with quad circular exhaust tips and a prominent spoiler mounted on the roof.

Early prototypes of the new M5 sedan were said to use a lithium-ion battery similar in capacity to the 12kWh unit found in the outgoing BMW 545e that was available globally. It remains to be seen if BMW will carry over this battery pack for the production version of the next-gen M5, although rumours suggest that BMW M is developing its own performance battery with ultra-rapid discharge properties.

That the upcoming 530e and 550e PHEVs receive a 19.4kWh battery hints that the super-saloon and estate may also receive the larger battery pack. Power is set to be delivered through an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, with a rear-biased xDrive four-wheel drive system. The next M5 is also set to adopt a heavily reworked chassis, with distinguishing features including a wider front and rear track.

BMW M5 Touring past generations

The original BMW M5 touring was launched in 1992 as a more practical variant of the second-generation M5 sedan. The third-generation M5 sedan (E39) did not receive its Touring counterpart, reportedly due to financial constraints, although a one-off prototype was built. The Touring came back for the fourth generation of the M5 – the E60 sedan and E61 Touring – but it was exclusive to Europe and just 1,009 units were sold.

Expect BMW to unveil the new M5 Touring globally sometime in 2024 alongside the M5 sedan. It will rival the likes of the Audi RS6 Avant and the Mercedes E63 S Estate in overseas markets.