After a 14-year break, the M5 Touring from BMW is celebrating its comeback – and how! The Bavarian power station wagon currently has an engine output of 727 PS and a torque of 1.000 Nm, which makes it the most powerful series combustion engine station wagon ever. But it is not only the performance that is huge, unfortunately the weight is too: With about 2,5 tons it weighs far too much. But let's not let the numbers fool us - it is definitely still a real driving machine.
BMW M5 Touring (G99)
After the E34 Touring from 1992 and the E61 Touring from 2007, this is only the third Touring in the 40-year history of the M5. Once again, the versatility of the station wagon meets the performance of a sports car. On the outside, the aggressive look immediately catches the eye, making the M5 Touring an eye-catcher. With a length of 5.096 mm and a width of 1.970 mm it has exactly the same dimensions as the limo.
Compared to the normal 5 Series Touring, however, it is 36mm longer and full 70 mm wider, which underlines the dominant presence. The height remains unchanged at 1.516 mmI think the front section is particularly successful with the powerful central air intake, which makes the M look aggressive and confident. At the rear, a fat roof spoiler and a two-part diffuser provide a sporty finish, while the double tailpipes in black chrome round off the rear.
Power pack with hybrid support
In the heart works the 4,4-litre twin-turbo V8 (S86), which alone 585 PS and 750 Nm torque. But that’s not all: An electric motor controls further 197 PS and 280 Nm which increases the overall performance to a 727 PS and 1.000 Nm torque. The combination enables the Touring to 3,6 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h to accelerate and reach a maximum speed of 305 km/h to achieve – despite the high weight.
The hybrid drive may be controversial at 400 kg, but it is necessary to meet the strict emissions requirements and at the same time maximize performance. The electric motor also enables a purely electric range from up to 67 km, which is practical in everyday life. The 18,6 kWh Lithium-ion battery can be charged in just 2 hours and 15 minutes fully charge.
Chassis and handling: sporty despite weight
The chassis is based on a double wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle, combined with the adaptive M steel spring chassis. The configuration ensures that it achieves decent driving dynamics despite the weight. And to further optimize the handling, BMW The axle kinematics have been revised and stiffer bearings and optimized elastokinematics have been installed. The electric differential lock in the rear axle transmission also ensures that the power is distributed between the rear wheels as required.
And for the first time, the M5 Touring also comes with a rear-wheel steering used, which have a steering angle of up to 1,5 degrees improves manoeuvrability and makes it more agile. It is equipped with the M compound brake which can optionally be replaced by a ceramic version that reduces the vehicle weight by 25 kg.
Interior: Luxury meets functionality
The cabin is a mix of luxury and sporty functionality. The M5 Touring comes with a black interior as standard, but several bicolor variants are available as options. The new metallic leather, which gives the interior a special shimmer, is particularly striking.
And the driving experience is enhanced by the Operating System 8.5 and the familiar Curved display intensified, which consists of a 12,3 inch (approx. 31 cm) Instrument display and a 14,9 inch (approx. 38 cm) infotainment Both are equipped with M graphics that provide all important information at a glance.
And for even more comfort, a 4-zone automatic climate control, a stationary climate and a Bowers&Wilkins sound system with 18 speakers. The neat and tidy Trunk volume from 500 to 1.630 liters as well as the Roof load of 100 kg. Up to 2 tons which also makes the M5 Touring suitable for use as a towing vehicle.
Prices and market launch
The M5 Touring will be available from November With an entry-level price of 146.000 EUR It's not a bargain, but if you're looking for a luxurious and extremely powerful (and heavy) station wagon, you'll hardly find a better choice. The main markets for the M5 Touring are Germany, the USA, Great Britain, Canada and Switzerland. In a world where performance station wagons are becoming increasingly rare, we should be happy that a manufacturer still dares to do something like this, despite the weight! A power station wagon with a V8 and not a 2-liter displacement. I like it!
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