The automotive landscape shifted gears when BMW rolled out the G90/G99 M5 generation last year, introducing the M5 Touring to the U.S. market for the first time. Traditionally celebrated as the pinnacle of performance sedans, the M5 has occasionally ventured into wagon territory. Now, this five-door variant is making waves, capturing an unexpected share of the spotlight.
In a recent interview with BMW Blog, Sylvia Neubauer, BMW M’s Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales, revealed a striking trend: production at the G90/G99 assembly line is now evenly divided between the sedan and the M5 Touring. Initially, BMW anticipated a 2:1 sedan-to-wagon production split. However, surging demand for the long-roof model prompted the company to ramp up output, with the Touring now accounting for half of all M5s rolling off the line. This shift highlights a growing appetite for versatile, high-performance wagons among enthusiasts.
A New Era for the M5 Touring
The M5 Touring’s success marks a departure from BMW’s sedan-centric legacy. While the brand last offered a wagon variant with the E60/E61 generation in the late 2000s, it never crossed the Atlantic—leaving American buyers envious of European offerings like the Audi RS6 Avant and past Mercedes-AMG wagons. For 2025, BMW changed course, giving U.S. consumers access to the G99 M5 Touring. Far from a niche gimmick, this move has paid off, with orders reflecting a clear demand for a practical yet exhilarating super-wagon.
Powered by a hybrid 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, the M5 Touring delivers 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, blending family-friendly utility with track-ready performance. Its 0-60 mph sprint of 3.5 seconds proves it’s no compromise, appealing to drivers who crave both speed and space. This balance has evidently resonated, as the Touring’s production surge suggests buyers are embracing its unique proposition.
Chassis and Design That Deliver
Built on the G90/G99 platform, the M5 Touring shares its sedan sibling’s robust engineering. A reinforced chassis, wider tracks, and adaptive suspension ensure sharp handling, while Pininfarina-inspired styling—complete with a sleek roofline and aggressive front fascia—adds visual flair. Inside, a tech-rich cockpit with leather accents and a curved iDrive display keeps comfort front and center, making it as luxurious as it is dynamic.
U.S. Market Embraces the Wagon Revival
The Touring’s warm reception in America is a pleasant surprise for BMW. Historically, wagons have struggled to gain traction stateside, overshadowed by SUVs. Yet, the M5 Touring’s blend of power, prestige, and practicality is flipping the script. With competitors like the Audi RS6 Avant already proving the concept, BMW’s timing couldn’t be better. The company’s decision to boost Touring production reflects confidence in sustained demand, even as the sedan remains a strong contender.
M3 Touring Still Out of Reach
Despite the M5 Touring’s triumph, fans hoping for a smaller M3 Touring in the U.S. will be disappointed. Neubauer confirmed in the same discussion that the G81 M3 Touring won’t make the journey across the pond. For now, American enthusiasts must settle for the M5’s larger footprint—a trade-off that, given its popularity, seems unlikely to dampen spirits.
A Winning Formula
The BMW M5 Touring’s rise to 50% of current G90/G99 production underscores its appeal as a versatile powerhouse. From its muscular hybrid engine to its spacious design, this wagon proves that performance and practicality can coexist. As BMW adapts to this unexpected demand, the M5 Touring is carving out a bold new chapter in the brand’s storied history.
