2024 BMW M5 Touring spied

The new BMW M5 Touring has been spotted undergoing testing on the iconic Nurburgring race track in Germany, preparing to join the M3 Touring on showroom floors.

It will be the return of BMW's iconic super wagon after a 16-year hiatus – now with plug-in hybrid V8 power – and this sighting provides a preview of what's in store.

At the front, the M5 Touring is set to sport an M-specific kidney grille that incorporates a pair of forward-facing radar sensors. A sportier front bumper over the regular 5 Series sits underneath with new air intakes for improved cooling and a lower lip spoiler.

At the rear, the design of the new M5 Touring features a discreet rear roof spoiler, flared wheel arches to accommodate large allow wheels, a new rear light design and quad exhaust tips underneath the rear bumper.

The M5 Touring is slated to borrow the 4.4-litre V8 turbocharged engine and electric motor from the XM super SUV, which reports suggest in M5 trim will develop 535kW – sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

MORE: 2024 BMW M5 – Everything we know so far about the hybrid performance car

In the XM, the hybrid drivetrain uses a 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery for a claimed electric driving range close to 90km.

Stepping inside, the M5’s cabin is expected to be derived from the new 5 Series, including the iDrive 8 infotainment system on a 14.9-inch touchscreen with 5G connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and augmented-reality satellite navigation technology. 

It is expected there will be the usual M Division design highlights, including a steering wheel with M shortcuts for quickly accessing custom driving modes.

Reports claim the 2024 BMW M5 Touring is due to go into production late next year – so an official unveiling is likely at least 12 months away.