BMW is finally introducing an M3 Touring, and it could be resurrecting the M5 Touring, too.
Bimmerpost forum member ynguldyn, who claims to compile future product information from leaks within BMW, says the next M5 will come in both sedan and Touring wagon body styles.
The mooted M5 Touring would once again give BMW a rival to the Audi RS6 and the Mercedes-AMG E63 wagons.
The sedan, codenamed G90, will reportedly enter production in July 2024, with the G99 Touring following in November.
Both will reportedly use the plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain of the upcoming XM crossover, which will produce 480kW of power and 800Nm of torque and boast 80km of range.
The current M5 uses a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 460kW and 750Nm.
The XM has a hybrid-specific M xDrive all-wheel drive system which includes an electronic rear differential lock in the rear axle transmission.
It also features an active anti-roll system, although it’s not clear if the lower-riding M5 will require the same tech.
The new M5 models should launch after the core 5 Series range, which will reportedly enter production in July 2023 in sedan guise and March 2024 in Touring guise.
The Bimmerpost user says the 5 Series will offer a range of combustion-engine, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains, the latter wearing the i5 name, while level 3 autonomous driving technology will reportedly be introduced in 2024.
Intriguingly, the poster notes BMW’s Iconic Glow illuminated grille will be extended “from a simple grille accent into a complete ‘package’”. Get ready for more illuminated things.
BMW has only offered an M5 Touring in two different generations.
It produced 891 examples of the E34 generation wagon between 1992 and 1995, and it was to a large extent hand-finished.
The M5 Touring disappeared until the wild, V10-powered E61 entered production. Just 1009 were produced and sold between 2007 and 2010.
In contrast, BMW has never sold an M3 Touring but is launching the first such model this year, with an Australian launch set for the first quarter of 2023.
MORE: Everything BMW M5
