The BMW M5 has long been the symbol of high-performance sports sedans, a vehicle that seamlessly blends luxury, speed, and cutting-edge technology. However, for enthusiasts in the United States, there’s always been a notable absence in the lineup- the M5 Touring.
This high-performance wagon variant has been a coveted model among European buyers, offering the same thrilling driving experience as the sedan but with the added practicality and style of a wagon body. According to recent reports, this long-standing omission is set to be corrected, with the M5 Touring finally making its way stateside.
Domagoj Dukec, BMW’s design chief, has been at the forefront of some of the brand’s most talked-about design decisions in recent years, including the M4’s polarizing vertical kidney grilles. However, it’s his latest revelation that’s currently capturing the attention of BMW fans in the U.S. In a conversation with The Car Guide, Dukec hinted at the American debut of the much-anticipated M5 Touring.
This news comes as a beacon of hope for those who have long envied their European counterparts’ access to this exclusive model. BMW’s decision to introduce the M5 Touring to the American market is a significant shift in strategy.
Historically, the U.S. market has been overlooked when it comes to high-performance wagons, with manufacturers often citing low demand as the primary reason. However, the landscape is changing, with a growing appreciation for the versatility and dynamic appeal of wagons among American drivers.
Drivers are increasingly seeking vehicles that offer a blend of performance, practicality, and style. This has led to a resurgence of interest in performance wagons, evident in the success of models like the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon and Audi RS6 Avant. According to J.D. Power’s 2023 Automotive Performance Registration Analysis, the station wagon segment experienced a 7% increase in registrations compared to 2022. This growth, albeit modest, signifies a potential shift in consumer behavior.
This shift is further evidenced by BMW’s own teasers of the wagon variant, including a Christmas video that offered a tantalizing glimpse of the M5 Touring’s design. The potential arrival of the M5 Touring capitalizes on this growing market for performance wagons in the US.
The M5 Touring is not just any wagon; it’s a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess. Since its debut in 1992 with the E34 generation, the M5 Touring has offered a unique proposition of heart pounding performance of the M5 sedan combined with the practicality and elegance of a wagon.
Equipped with a potent inline-six engine, the original M5 Touring could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, all while providing ample space for luggage and gear. It’s a formula that has made the M5 Touring a highly sought-after model in Europe, and one that is now poised to make waves in the U.S.
While we await more details on the specifications, pricing, and availability of the M5 Wagon in the United States, enthusiasts can expect a vehicle that does not compromise on performance, luxury, or practicality. It will likely feature cutting-edge technology, including advanced driver assistance systems, a luxurious interior, and the high-quality craftsmanship that BMW is known for.
