2024 BMW M5 Touring: A Masterclass in Performance, Luxury, and Practicality

The BMW M5 Touring 2024 marks the triumphant return of BMW’s performance estate, blending the exhilarating dynamics of the M5 sedan with the everyday practicality of a touring model. This latest iteration isn’t just a revival of the M5 Touring line; it’s a reimagined vehicle that pushes the boundaries of what an estate car can achieve. Whether you’re a performance enthusiast, a luxury seeker, or someone who needs a versatile vehicle, the M5 Touring promises to meet all your needs and more.

The Legacy of the BMW M5 Touring

Before diving into the specifics of the 2024 model, it’s important to understand the legacy of the BMW M5 Touring. The M5 Touring has always been a unique offering in the BMW lineup, combining the raw power and precision of the M5 sedan with the additional space and versatility of a station wagon. Previous iterations of the M5 Touring, such as the E34 and E61, garnered a cult following, particularly in Europe, for their ability to deliver sports car performance in a practical package.

Key Points About the Legacy:

• E34 M5 Touring: The first M5 Touring model, introduced in 1992, was hand-built and featured a 3.8-liter inline-six engine, producing 340 horsepower.
• E61 M5 Touring: The second iteration, launched in 2007, was powered by a 5.0-liter V10 engine, delivering 500 horsepower and becoming an icon among performance enthusiasts.
• Rarity: Both previous models were produced in limited numbers, making them highly sought-after in the used car market.

The 2024 BMW M5 Touring not only pays homage to this rich heritage but also pushes the concept forward with cutting-edge technology, electrification, and modern design language.

Exterior Design: Aggression Meets Elegance

The design of the 2024 BMW M5 Touring is a blend of aggressive styling and elegant proportions. BMW’s designers have managed to create a car that looks both menacing and refined, a difficult balance to achieve in the world of performance estates.

Front Fascia:

The front end of the M5 Touring is dominated by BMW’s signature kidney grille, which in this model is slightly larger and illuminated, adding a modern touch to the car’s aggressive stance. The adaptive LED headlights, with blue accent lighting, flank the grille, providing not only a striking visual but also enhanced visibility in all driving conditions. The aggressive bumper design with large air intakes ensures optimal cooling for the powerful engine and brakes, and also contributes to the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency.

Side Profile:

The side profile of the M5 Touring reveals its true estate car proportions. The long roofline, combined with the subtly flared wheel arches, gives the car a muscular appearance while hinting at its practicality. The car sits on a set of mixed-size wheels—20 inches in the front and 21 inches in the rear—further emphasizing its sporty nature. Optional carbon ceramic brakes are available, recognizable by their gold calipers, offering not just improved performance but also a touch of visual drama.

Rear End:

At the rear, the M5 Touring features a sleek design with a prominent rear spoiler and quad exhaust tips, a signature of BMW’s M models. The rear diffuser and the integrated bumper design not only enhance the car’s aerodynamic profile but also add to its sporty aesthetics. The taillights feature BMW’s latest L-shaped design, which has become a hallmark of the brand’s modern vehicles.

Color Options:

BMW offers a range of colors for the M5 Touring, but the Frozen Deep Grey metallic finish showcased during the launch has garnered significant attention. This matte finish not only looks stunning but also enhances the car’s aggressive stance.

Dimensions:

The 2024 BMW M5 Touring is a substantial vehicle, measuring 5 meters and 10 cm (201 inches) in length. This length not only provides ample interior space but also contributes to the car’s road presence, making it an imposing figure on the road.

Table: Exterior Dimensions and Features

Powertrain and Performance: A Hybrid Powerhouse

Under the hood of the 2024 BMW M5 Touring lies a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, a powerplant that has become synonymous with BMW’s M division. However, the 2024 model introduces a significant update—a plug-in hybrid system that not only boosts performance but also enhances efficiency.

Engine Specifications:

The 4.4-liter V8 engine produces an impressive 585 horsepower on its own, but when combined with the hybrid system, the total output jumps to a staggering 727 horsepower. This makes the M5 Touring one of the most powerful estate cars ever produced. The hybrid system includes a 19 kWh battery, allowing the car to travel up to 60 kilometers (30 miles) on pure electric power, ideal for short commutes or city driving.

Performance Figures:

• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): The M5 Touring can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, an astonishing feat for a car of its size and weight.
• Top Speed: The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but with the optional M Driver’s Package, this limit can be raised to 305 km/h (190 mph).
• Weight: Despite the addition of the hybrid system, the M5 Touring weighs in at approximately 2.5 tons. While this weight is significant, BMW’s engineers have ensured that it doesn’t negatively impact the car’s handling or performance.

Hybrid System:

The inclusion of a hybrid system in the M5 Touring is not just about boosting power; it’s also about improving efficiency. The 19 kWh battery can be charged using an 11 kW charger, allowing for relatively quick top-ups. The hybrid system also contributes to reduced CO2 emissions, making the M5 Touring a more environmentally friendly option compared to previous models.

Driving Dynamics:

The 2024 M5 Touring is equipped with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which features a rear-wheel bias for a more dynamic driving experience. The system is fully adjustable, allowing drivers to switch between different modes, including a rear-wheel-drive-only mode for those who prefer a more traditional, sporty feel. The car also features rear axle steering, which enhances maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds.

Table: Powertrain and Performance Specifications

Interior: Luxury Meets Functionality

The interior of the 2024 BMW M5 Touring is a testament to BMW’s commitment to luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an environment that is both driver-focused and passenger-friendly.

Seating and Materials:

The M5 Touring features sports seats with enhanced shoulder support, ensuring that both the driver and passengers remain comfortable even during spirited driving. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather, though BMW has announced plans to introduce more sustainable materials in future models. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, with multiple adjustment options to ensure optimal comfort.

Infotainment and Connectivity:

The M5 Touring’s dashboard is dominated by a dual-screen setup, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. The latest version of BMW’s iDrive system powers the infotainment, offering intuitive controls and seamless connectivity. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easy integration of smartphones. Additionally, the car comes with a premium Harman Kardon sound system, with an option to upgrade to a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System for audiophiles.

Customizable Driving Modes:

The M5 Touring allows drivers to personalize their driving experience with the M1 and M2 buttons located on the steering wheel. These buttons enable drivers to save their preferred driving settings, including suspension stiffness, steering response, and powertrain behavior. This level of customization ensures that the M5 Touring can adapt to various driving conditions, from city commuting to high-speed autobahn cruising.

Cargo Space and Practicality:

One of the main advantages of the Touring model over the sedan is the increased cargo space. The M5 Touring offers 500 liters of cargo capacity, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats flat. This makes the car not only suitable for long road trips but also for everyday tasks like grocery shopping or transporting sports equipment.

Climate Control:

BMW has equipped the M5 Touring with a state-of-the-art climate control system, which includes four-zone automatic climate control, allowing both front and rear passengers to set their preferred temperatures. The system also includes air filtration, ensuring a clean and comfortable cabin environment.

Table: Interior Features and Specifications

Technology and Safety: Cutting-Edge Features

The 2024 BMW M5 Touring is equipped with a host of advanced technology and safety features that ensure both a thrilling and safe driving experience.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):

The M5 Touring is packed with the latest ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These systems work together to enhance driver safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

Autonomous Driving:

BMW has introduced Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities in the M5 Touring, allowing the car to handle certain driving tasks on highways, such as maintaining speed, following the flow of traffic, and even changing lanes. However, the driver is required to remain attentive and ready to take control at any moment.

Parking Assistance:

The M5 Touring also comes with an advanced parking assistant system, which can autonomously park the car in both parallel and perpendicular spaces. The system also includes a 360-degree camera, making it easier to navigate tight parking spaces.

Safety Features:

In addition to the ADAS, the M5 Touring is equipped with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. The car also features a reinforced safety cell, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Connectivity and Updates:

The M5 Touring supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring that the car’s software remains up to date with the latest features and improvements. This capability also allows BMW to introduce new features and enhancements long after the car has been purchased.

Table: Technology and Safety Features

Driving Experience: Versatility Meets Thrill

Driving the 2024 BMW M5 Touring is an experience that blends versatility with excitement. Whether you’re navigating city streets, cruising on the highway, or carving up a mountain road, the M5 Touring delivers a driving experience that is both engaging and refined.

City Driving:

In urban environments, the M5 Touring’s hybrid system comes into its own, allowing for quiet, zero-emissions driving in electric mode. The car’s size is managed well by the rear axle steering, making it surprisingly agile for its dimensions.

Highway Cruising:

On the highway, the M5 Touring excels as a grand tourer. The powerful V8 engine provides effortless acceleration, while the adaptive suspension smooths out imperfections in the road. The car’s advanced driver assistance systems make long-distance travel less tiring, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist ensuring a stress-free journey.

Spirited Driving:

When the road gets twisty, the M5 Touring transforms into a true sports car. The xDrive system, combined with the rear-wheel bias and adaptive suspension, provides sharp handling and excellent traction. The steering is precise and offers plenty of feedback, making it easy to place the car exactly where you want it. The powerful brakes, especially the optional carbon ceramic units, provide strong and consistent stopping power.

Sound and Emotion:

The M5 Touring isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about emotion. The sound of the V8 engine, especially in Sport mode, is a key part of the driving experience. BMW has worked to ensure that the engine note is both aggressive and satisfying, without being overly intrusive during more relaxed driving.

Versatility:

What sets the M5 Touring apart from other high-performance vehicles is its versatility. Few cars can match its ability to deliver sports car performance while also offering the practicality of a family estate. Whether you need to carry passengers, transport bulky items, or simply enjoy a spirited drive, the M5 Touring is up to the task.

Pricing and Availability

The 2024 BMW M5 Touring is expected to be priced in the premium segment, reflecting its blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology. While official pricing has not yet been announced, industry estimates suggest a starting price of around €130,000 in Europe, with higher trims and optional features pushing the price closer to €150,000.

Expected Price:

• Base Model: €130,000
• Fully Loaded Model: €150,000+

BMW plans to launch the M5 Touring in major markets, including Europe and the UK, with availability expected in the second half of 2024. The car will also be available in select markets outside Europe, though its availability in the U.S. is still uncertain.

Competitors:

• Audi RS6 Avant: A direct competitor, offering similar performance with a focus on all-weather capability.
• Mercedes-AMG E63 S Estate: Another key rival, known for its luxurious interior and powerful V8 engine.
• Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo: A more expensive option, offering a unique blend of luxury and performance.

Table: Pricing and Availability

Conclusion: The Ultimate Performance Estate

The 2024 BMW M5 Touring is more than just a high-performance estate; it’s a statement. A statement that you don’t have to compromise on performance to have a practical, versatile car. With its powerful hybrid powertrain, luxurious interior, advanced technology, and iconic design, the M5 Touring offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a driving enthusiast, a family person, or someone who simply appreciates the finer things in life, the M5 Touring delivers.

BMW has managed to create a car that honors the legacy of its predecessors while setting new benchmarks for the future. The 2024 M5 Touring is a car that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greats in BMW’s storied M division.

This is a car that defies categories and expectations, offering a unique blend of thrills and practicality that few vehicles can match. For those lucky enough to own one, the 2024 BMW M5 Touring will be more than just a car—it will be a companion on every journey, a testament to what is possible when performance and practicality meet.