The BMW M5 Touring is back! Well, not quite yet, but we’ve been treated to some camouflage and covered images in a tantalising teaser. Due for release in 2024,  the famed performance, long distance comfort and spaciousness in M5 form will be available for the third time in its history. Featuring a “completely newly developed partially electrified drive system”, the new M5 Touring is the first of its kind since the E61 V10 in the mid to late 2000s and whilst full electrification isn’t on the cards yet, this could signal a full plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Following on from the recently released M3 Touring, BMW says that its release “also underscores the high appeal of this special vehicle concept in the premium midrange segment of high-performance cars.”

The next step is testing, and this will start in earnest in the next few days. The prototype will be tested in city traffic, country roads and motorways in and around Munich and at the BMW BmbH headquarter in Garching. Following this, the application of driving and suspension systems will be put through its paces on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife, hoping to balance performance on the racetrack with everyday comfort to ensure this is a car for every demographic.

BMW M5 has been the gold standard for 40 years when it comes to driving dynamics, agility and performance. Development will take place alongside the new M5 saloon, and using knowledge and pioneering innovation from years of racing and improvement in manufacturing should ensure that this latest iteration is the greatest M5 touring yet.

BMW at Goodwood

In further BMW news, the German powerhouse will bring a selection of its latest models to this year’s Festival of Speed. As well as the new 5 Series Saloon, the new M2, M3 CS and 3.0 CSL will be on display, alongside a field of EVs.

Tackling the 1.16-mile hill climb, the M3 CS and new 5 Series Saloon credentials will be showcased alongside two hydrogen cars: the H2R and new BMW iX5 Hydrogen. The carbon fibre-bodied H2R will compete with a 6.0-litre 12-cylinder engine taken from a 760i and look to increase its achievements, having set nine world records in 2004. BMW’s latest fuel cell technology will be put to the test in the iX5.

Colin Turkington, West Surrey Racing driver and four-times BTCC champion, will be joined by teammates Jake Hill, Stephen Jelley and Adam Morgan on the hill, as well as former Britcar driver Charlie Martin.

For more excitement, the BMW stand will host iconic models from BMW’s history, from the 3.0 CSL Batmobile to the BMW 2002 Turbo, in a Festival of Speed already packed with treats.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: BMW (UK) Ltd