Will BMW Bring an M5 Touring Wagon to the United States?

The rumors are starting to swirl as a typically reliable source tells us a new BMW M5 Touring model could be in the works.

This new powerful wagon is anticipated for the 2025 model year, but that seems a long way off right now. While many automakers are working toward pure electrification, BMW delivers a healthy dose of every powertrain available, and a wagon with serious M5 power is certainly an interesting idea. The bigger question is whether or not this new wagon will hop across the pond and become part of the American landscape.

A Suggested Powertrain that Would Bring True Insanity

Not long ago, BMW revealed a prototype XM model, which will be on the second M-Division-specific vehicle. This amazing new SUV might be the source of the powertrain for the M5 Touring Wagon. That powertrain is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a hybrid motor boost giving the XM 643 horsepower. We do expect an even more powerful version of this powertrain to make its way under the hood of the XM to bring it 750 horsepower. If so, hopefully, this new power setup could be used in the upcoming midsize wagon as well.

Why Does BMW Think this Car Could Succeed?

The timing seems to be right for something unique and special. BMW doesn’t expect to sell the M5 Touring Wagon in great numbers, but those that do sell will bring a high margin. As more cars disappear from the automotive landscape, EVs become more plentiful, and SUVs continue to dominate, some drives might clamor for something different.

This is where this new car could hit the right mark. If this new model does hit the market, it will only be the third time it’s been offered. The E34 version sold 891 versions, and the E61 model reached 1,025 units sold, all of which were sold in Europe.

A First Time for Something, Even for BMW

One thing BMW has never done is offer two Touring models at the same time. The M3 Touring is already heading to production, and this hot little car took the lap record for wagons at Nürburgring. Unfortunately, because this car was developed late, BMW chose not to make an M3 Touring model for the United States. Had they done so, they could have gauged our desire for a wagon, even one with the performance and fun offered by this BMW.

The Production Markers are Right for this Car to Reach US Soil

Unlike the M3, the BMW M5 Touring is scheduled to arrive a few months after the new sedan reaches global markets. This means there’s time for BMW to create the US model of this midsize-performance wagon. If this car reaches our shores and it’s a hit, BMW will be kicking themselves for not acting on the M3 model, which is extremely popular in America. Success could mean a long production run; failure might cause the M5 to be gone forever.

Specialized Models Are Not New for BMW

The current BMW 5-Series is offered with three versions that wear the M5 name. While these three have the same powertrain, each is tuned for different power levels. These cars use a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine (sound familiar) and are mated to a unique 8-speed automatic transmission tuned for the M5 cars.

The regular M5 model gives you 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This power is increased to 617 horsepower for the M5 Competition model and 627 ponies for the M5 CS version. These three cars exhibit the power levels and performance we admire from this brand, but the new Touring Wagon could be something extremely special.

When You Look at M5 Models, You Get Performance

As you might expect, when you reach the BMW M5 level for the 5-Series, you’ve gotten serious about performance. The M5 delivers more features than any of the lower trims, but those added items aren’t all about performance and speed. This car comes with:

• Soft-closing doors
• Stiffer engine mounts
• M Sport exhaust system
• Firmer sport suspension
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Track mode added to the selectable driving modes
• Eligible for the M5 Competition package

If you move to the M5 CS, a few items make it to this car to give you more driving dynamics and fun. Some of these items are:

• Active M differential
• Carbon-ceramic brakes
• M carbon front bucket seats that are heated
• Two rear bucket seats
• Carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the roof, hood, aerodynamic items
• Ceramic controls

If you intend to drive any of the M5 models on the road, you’ll want the added benefits of the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. These two items add safety and more tech to help you stay out of trouble on the road, especially when pushing your M5 hard.

No Mention of a Wagon for The Current Generation

Notice, that there isn’t a wagon in the mix for the BMW M5. As mentioned, the BMW M5 Touring has only been offered twice before, and both times sold in low numbers. We could speculate on the price, production numbers, and reach of this new wagon, but it’s pretty far off from being part of the market. Until this car becomes a reality, all we can do is hope and guess at what it might become.

What Drivers are Right for the BMW M5 Touring Wagon?

Well, it’s a wagon, which means it should be good for families. Of course, if Mom or Dad has a lead foot, a need to race around on lined roads, and pushes this car hard, the kids might open the doors when the car stops to let out a stream of vomit. While we chew on that thought for a second, this car could be ideal for many drivers.

It could be a great alternative to the performance SUVs we see littering the landscape. All we can do is hope that BMW puts this car into production and they include some vomit bags for the kids subjected to their parents’ desire to relive their youth on public roads.