The all-electric i5 is reportedly not destined for America.
BMW unveiled the new 5 Series sedan earlier this year. The G60 generation of the model brought the first all-electric version of the car, the i5, with an available range-topping M60 guise. A wagon variant featuring the same 590-horsepower electric powertrain is on the way next year and it will reportedly become the most powerful member of the 5 Series Touring family. It is not coming to the United States, however, but another high-powered long-roof 5 Series is apparently planned for US launch.
BMW Blog has it on good authority that the Munich-based automaker has plans to sell the M5 Touring at this side of the big pond. In fact, it will be the only 5 Series Touring to land stateside but it will surely be a very attractive option in the wagon segment. The new M5 range is expected to get a version of the XM’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with an electric motor. In the super SUV in range-topping form, it generates 738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. The output should lower in the M5 Touring but nevertheless, the model is going to be one of the fastest family haulers on the planet.
Gallery: BMW M5 Touring Spy Photos
In fact, we might have an idea regarding the electrified V8’s output in the M5 Touring. BMW Blog reports the i5 M60 Touring will be the most powerful member of the 5 Series wagon family and if the numbers are identical with the i5 M60 sedan, the peak power should be 590 hp and 549 lb-ft of torque. The basic logic tells us the M5 in wagon form should have a lower output that these figures. Honestly, this sounds a little weird considering the previous M5 had 591 hp and 553 lb-ft of twist from its twin-turbo V8 (in non Competition form), so take this information with the proverbial grain of salt.
BMW teased the next-generation 5 Series Touring just a few days ago saying the wagon has been designed with Europe, Japan, and Taiwan in mind. The SUV alternative from Bavaria will be offered with a wide range of gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains depending on the market. The design shouldn’t exactly be a surprise considering the recently leaked patent images, which showed black-and-white renderings of the new 5 Series Touring. As a final note, the M5 Touring will mark the return of the mode after thel rare E34 and the V10-powered E61.
Note: BMW M5 Touring rendering courtesy of Kolesa.ru depicted at the top of the page.
Keyword: New BMW 5 Series Touring Coming To The US Only As An M5: Report