BMW prepares updated M5 Touring with Neue Klasse design elements

BMW is preparing a significant facelift for its M5 Touring, less than three years after the current model’s debut. Prototype testing in Arctic conditions has revealed the high-performance estate will receive comprehensive exterior and interior updates, with the revised BMW M5 Touring expected to arrive in showrooms during 2027. The updates will be applied across the entire 5 Series lineup as part of a mid-cycle refresh.

Spy photographs show the prototype wearing heavy camouflage, though the most substantial changes are concentrated at the front of the vehicle. According to reports, the updated model will adopt design language inspired by BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture, representing a departure from the current generation’s styling.

New Design Direction for BMW M5 Touring

The facelifted BMW M5 Touring will feature a revised front fascia incorporating wide, glossy casings that house both headlight units and various driver assistance sensors. This design approach has already been previewed on the new iX3 SUV. However, details remain unclear regarding whether the performance wagon will adopt separate illuminated kidney grilles similar to BMW’s SUV models or opt for a cleaner aesthetic expected on the upcoming i3.

Additionally, the prototype reveals an enlarged and more aggressive lower air intake. This component will be essential for cooling the vehicle’s complex plug-in hybrid powertrain, which generates substantial heat under performance driving conditions.

Updated Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain

Under the revised bodywork, the BMW M5 Touring will retain the plug-in hybrid system recently introduced for the 2026 model year. The powertrain maintains a combined output of 716 horsepower, though the power distribution has been rebalanced. Meanwhile, the updated configuration draws increased power from the electric motor while reducing reliance on the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine.

Power delivery to all four wheels will continue through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission paired with an active all-wheel drive system. This drivetrain configuration allows the high-performance estate to deliver exceptional acceleration while maintaining improved fuel efficiency compared to purely combustion-powered alternatives.

Interior Technology Upgrades

Beyond exterior modifications, sources indicate the facelifted model will receive a completely redesigned interior featuring BMW’s latest infotainment and driver assistance technologies. In contrast to the current cabin layout, the updated interior is expected to incorporate newer display screens and revised control interfaces consistent with the brand’s recent product launches.

However, specific details regarding interior features and technology packages have not been confirmed by BMW. The automaker typically reserves such announcements for official reveal events closer to the vehicle’s market introduction.

Market Context and Competition

The decision to update the BMW M5 Touring so soon after its 2024 introduction reflects the rapidly evolving luxury performance vehicle segment. Competitors including Mercedes-AMG and Audi continue introducing advanced powertrains and technology features, requiring manufacturers to maintain product competitiveness through regular updates.

Additionally, the shift toward increased electrification in the revised plug-in hybrid system aligns with tightening European emissions regulations. This strategy allows BMW to maintain high-performance credentials while meeting increasingly stringent environmental standards across global markets.

BMW has not officially announced timing for the reveal of the updated 5 Series range, though industry observers anticipate a formal introduction sometime in 2027. The exact specification details and market-specific availability information will likely be confirmed closer to the official unveiling date.