High performer on its way
BMW New Zealand has announced it will strengthen its high-performance line-up when it introduces the all-new BMW M5 Touring to the local market in the first quarter of next year.
The new offering marks the third time BMW M has offered a Touring variant of the M5 but the first time it has featured an electrified powertrain.
It will also be the third model in the current line-up to feature the M Hybrid system, which is already in its sedan sibling and the BMW XM and delivers power and torque figures of 535kW and 1000Nm.
The 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 produces 430kW and 750Nm while also being capable of 7,200rpm. The maximum output of the electric motor is 145kW with nominal torque of 280Nm, though a pre-gearing stage enables effective torque at the transmission input to be increased to 450Nm.
The combination of the petrol and electric drive units – in addition to power transfer through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, configurable M xDrive all-wheel-drive and electronically controlled Active M Differential – means the M5 Touring can accelerate from 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 305kph.
A sports exhaust system integrates electronically controlled, continuously adjustable flaps to provide a sonorous note chanelled through four tailpipes, each measuring 100mm in diameter.
When driven in electric mode alone, the car has a top speed of 140kph and a driving range of up to 61km.
On the styling front, the M5 Touring has wheel arches, side skirt extensions, a sculptural front apron and aerodynamically shaped M rear spoiler in a high-gloss black finish. It also boasts a panorama glass roof.
At 5,096mm in length and 1,970 in width, it is 36mm longer and 70mm wider than the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring, and luggage capacity ranges from 500 to 1,630 litres.
Highlights of the cabin include a newly designed flat-bottomed steering wheel, merino leather trim, a BMW Interaction Bar and ambient lighting.
Driving modes include Dynamic and Dynamic Plus, which are specifically tailored for the track, while the new Boost mode delivers maximum thrust between the speeds of 30kph and 150kph for sudden bursts of acceleration.
Driver aid systems such as driving assistant professional and parking assistant professional are standard.
Production of the new BMW M5 Touring will commence in January 2025 at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany – where the previous six generations of BMW M5s have been built.
Local customer deliveries are due through the first quarter of the new year and pricing starts from $248,900.
