BMW M5 Touring officially on sale in South Africa

BMW has confirmed its extra-spicy new M5 Touring is available in Mzansi.

The first M5 wagon since the V10-powered E61 bowed out in 2010, the newcomer blends performance with practicality, offering a generous 500l boot that expands to 1,630l when the rear seatbacks are folded flat. Access is via an automatic tailgate for hassle-free loading.

Buyers can also specify an optional trailer coupling which allows for a braked towing capacity of up to 2,000kg.

Load space is expandable to 1,630l. (Supplied)

Practicality aside, the M5 Touring delivers ethereal straight-line performance courtesy of the same M Hybrid drive system found in the M5 Sedan. This combines a 430kW/750Nm 4.4l twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine with a 145kW/450Nm electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. Together they produce a maximum output of 535kW and 1,000Nm of torque.

Power is sent to all four wheels via BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which offers three modes: 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD. The result is a 0–100km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds, while the standard M Driver’s Package raises the governed top speed from 250km/h to 305km/h.

Being a plug-in hybrid, the M5 Touring also has a more frugal side, offering up to 70km of electric-only range at speeds of up to 140km/h, thanks to its 18.6kWh lithium-ion battery mounted low in the underbody.

The Touring's distinctive rear-end design features vertical reflectors and a two-section diffuser housing a pair of double exhaust tailpipes. (Supplied)

Beneath the sculpted exterior lies a chassis shared with the M5 Sedan, including a double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle with model-specific kinematics and elastokinematics. Standard adaptive M suspension features electronically controlled dampers and rear-wheel steering. According to BMW, the M-specific tuning and individually adjustable dampers enhance handling agility and ride comfort.

Further boosting the model's performance are an active M Differential, additional body stiffening and M Compound brakes housed within staggered M light-alloy wheels (20-inch front, 21-inch rear). M Carbon ceramic brakes are available at extra cost.

Inside, the M5 Touring sports a driver-focused cockpit with M multifunction seats, an M leather steering wheel and M-specific readouts on the BMW Curved Display. A BMW head-up display comes standard. The interior features Merino leather upholstery, a BMW Interaction Bar, four-zone climate control, M-specific lighting with Welcome Animation and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.

BMW Curved Display and Interaction Bar are fitted as standard. (Supplied)

The Touring also adds M carbon mirror caps, a panoramic glass roof and rear sunblinds as standard, features not found on the Sedan.

Ten exterior colours are offered, including M5-exclusive Isle of Man Green and Marina Bay Blue, Storm Bay and Frozen Deep Grey from the BMW Individual palette. Six interior upholstery options are available, along with a choice between M Carbon Fibre or BMW Individual Fineline Dark Oak trim.

The recommended retail price for the BMW M5 Touring, including VAT and Motorplan, is R2,795,000.