BMW M5's Electrifying Future: Sedan and Wagon Revival

Last week, a report from The Car Guide claimed that during a press trip to Portugal, BMW’s designer boss, Domagoj Dukec, let it slip to a journalist that the future BMW M5 series generation will be available in North America in both styles: sedan and wagon. 

Of course, we couldn’t just pass by the information, so we contacted Dukec and shattered the rumors in a split of a second. Dukec claims he said no such thing. 

However, it doesn’t mean the M5 Touring won’t make it to North America, BMW simply hasn’t confirmed its availability for this side of the pond officially. 

The future M5 marks a milestone in BMW’s history book by reintroducing the station wagon body style, known as “Touring” in BMW terminology - which is being used for the second time in its four decades of existence. 

Previously, this body style flashed in the E34 series with six cylinders (1992-1995), with approximately 890 produced units, and in the E61 series with a V10 engine (2007-2010), with a mere 1.000 units assembled. 

The grand debut is expected at the end of the current year. Future M5 sedan and Touring models will rock a hybrid plug-in system, paired with BMW’s S63 twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 gasoline engine with an electric motor borrowed from an XM. 

It is expected that the configuration will produce at least 740 hp and eventually increase to 800 hp and beyond for models with special variants such as Label or CS. The power will be transmitted via an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission accompanied by a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive setup. 

To keep the horses in check come beefier brakes and tires, wider tracks on both ends, and a variety of electronic aids. In addition, drivers will have access to a multitude of dynamic adjustment options, along with a variety of steering and braking calibrations. 

Taking into account XM’s capacity of around 55 miles of EV-only driving, it is fair enough for the M5 to reach the same EV range, as it houses the same 25,7 kWh battery pack as the SUV. 

As we’ve seen on prototype versions of both body styles—the G90 sedan and G99 Touring—the next M5 will keep all the familiar design features associated with the performance series. 

These include a subtle roof (Touring) or boot spoiler (sedan), wider wheel arches, and larger air intakes at the front. Inside, M5’s cabin will undergo a complete renovation, featuring elements from the new M5 series. 

The dashboard will be dominated by a massive 14.9-inch touchscreen and a glass panel-integrated 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. You may also find a customized M steering wheel, body-hugging front seats, and other unique accessories. 

BMW teased the new M5, including the Touring, for a few months; therefore, it shouldn’t take long for the official reveal. 

Source of some photos: Carscoops & Carbuzz