If there’s one thing to be agreed upon, it’s that the Europeans are masters of the wagon form factor. Nearly every Euro brand has one in its lineup, with a few creating the desirable “super wagon.” We’ve seen BMW introduce the M3 Touring, but who could forget the one that started it all for the automaker?
The model first made its debut in the extremely rare E34 M5 Touring. Only 891 units were made between 1992 and 1995.
This special wagon had the 3.8-liter in-line-six engine, the S38B38. This was derived from the engine in the M1, but producing 340hp and 400Nm. It also introduced a new compound braking system and a six-speed manual transmission in 1994, which eventually found its way to the rest of the lineup.
Afterward, the M5 Touring fell into a deep slumber, returning nearly a decade later with the E61 generation in 2004.
This had the legendary 5.0-liter V10 (the S85) with 507hp and 520Nm going through a seven-speed sequential transmission. It could carry up to 1,650L of cargo at speeds of up to 305km/h, so this controversial-looking wagon (at the time) was nothing to sneer at.
Now, the vaunted performance wagon is making a return with the G60/G61-generation 5-Series. While clad in camouflage, the vehicle’s flared fender arches, large black wheels, and quad exhaust tips are more than enough to suggest that this isn’t your ordinary estate.
BMW says that the model is scheduled for release next year as it is completing its test drives on public roads, proving grounds, and racetracks around the world. It will also use a “hybrid drive system with typical M performance,” which sounds like the V8 found in the XM super SUV. If anything, we’re happy to see car brands finally realize that the crossover isn’t the be-all and end-all of automotive body styles.
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