BMW is getting ever closer to revealing its reborn M5 Touring, and we've now gotten a better look at the hot wagon.
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Having been spied multiple times over the past year and teased by BMW itself, we have a good understanding of what the M5 Touring will look like, but these latest spy shots from the model's testing runs in Munich show a production-ready front end for the first time.
While camouflage still prevents us from getting a complete look at the front fascia, trapezoidal lower air intakes and vertical daytime running lights are visible in the images.
As expected, the front grille and air intake design is essentially identical to that of the M5 sedan.
The rear end remains heavily camouflaged but leaked images of the sedan from last month provide a clearer look at the prominent, split rear diffuser and dual circular exhausts expected to also be used on the Touring.
Based on previously spotted prototypes, the M5 Touring will come with 20-inch alloy wheels.
Expect the M5 to differentiate itself from the 5 Series and i5 with sportier trim details and grippier front seats.
This will be the first time since the V10-powered E60 M5, released over 15 years ago, that the M5 range will include a wagon in its line-up.
Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, has previously confirmed that the new M5 and M5 Touring will feature an M Hybrid powertrain – confirming rumours of the first electrified M5 offering plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power.
Exact powertrain specifications haven't been revealed, but the M5 could use the PHEV system of the BMW XM Label Red.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain from the XM crossover teams a 430kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor and 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery for total system outputs of 550kW and 1000Nm.
The high-performance crossover has a claimed 88km of electric range thanks to its 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Also potentially getting carried over from the XM is the hybrid-specific M xDrive all-wheel drive system which includes an electronic rear differential lock in the rear axle transmission.
The M5 Touring will go up against the Mercedes-AMG E63 and Audi RS6 in the performance wagon segment, both of which are also expected to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain in their upcoming generation.
It will slot in above the M3 Touring, launched this year, which was the first-ever M3 wagon from BMW to reach production.
The new M5 and M5 Touring are two of five confirmed launches from BMW M in 2024. The others are mid-life updates for the M3 and M4, plus a hot M4 CS.
MORE: Everything BMW M5
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
