BMW remains confident in the enduring appeal of wagons, as evidenced by their commitment to the development of the upcoming 5 Series Touring, codenamed G61. Set to make its global debut in the spring of 2024, this elongated 5er is anticipated to hit the market later that same year. While it’s no surprise that Europe is expected to be the primary stomping ground for this spacious family car, BMW also has its sights set on customers in Japan and Taiwan.
Presenting a teaser image, BMW keeps its cards close to the chest, revealing just enough to suggest that the taillight design will bear a resemblance to the smaller 3 Series Touring. What’s more, the German automaker intends to offer the new large wagon with the same range of powertrains as the 5 Series Sedan (G60), encompassing a variety of gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and electric options. Notably, the flagship M5 Touring is set to return for a third generation, following in the footsteps of the rare E34 and the V10-powered E61.
However, those hoping for a V8 powerhouse beneath the hood of the regular 5 Series Touring will be left disappointed, as there won’t be another M550i xDrive in the lineup. Instead, the eight-cylinder glory will be exclusive to the top-tier M5, boasting the M division’s new S68 engine. This powerplant, a twin-turbo 4.4-liter unit, will join forces with an electric motor, following a similar hybrid setup seen in the XM. While this arrangement may add some weight compared to the previous M5, it’s a necessary adaptation to adhere to increasingly stringent emissions regulations, all while retaining the large-displacement internal combustion engine.
With all iterations of the 5 Series Touring sharing the same CLAR platform, it’s expected that design differentiations between the combustion engine and electric variants will be minimal. These vehicles are set to maintain a nearly identical appearance both inside and out. However, the M5 will naturally stand out, featuring wider fenders, a quad exhaust setup, and M-specific kidneys with horizontal slats. It’s worth noting that a more assertive grille design could also find its way onto the i5 M60 Touring, a not-quite-M version of the fully electric wagon.
Enthusiasts and prospective buyers can anticipate the world premiere of the 5 Series Touring to unfold in February 2024, marking an exciting addition to BMW’s lineup.
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