BMW 5 Series Wagon Returns to Australia as Electric i5 M60 Touring

In a notable shift, BMW has announced the return of the 5 Series wagon to the Australian market, this time in an electric avatar named the 2024 i5 M60 Touring. Set to arrive in showrooms between July and September 2024, this model marks a surprising reversal from BMW Australia's previous stance, having discontinued the Touring variant for private sales in 2020 due to low demand.

The new electric wagon will be available at a starting price of $219,900 plus on-road costs, positioning it $4,000 above its sedan counterpart.

The decision to reintroduce the 5 Series wagon in an electric form follows the success of the M3 Touring, which has captured about a quarter of M3 sales in Australia. The i5 M60 Touring will be the sole variant of the 5 Series wagon offered in Australia, equipped with dual electric motors generating up to 442kW and 820Nm.

This allows for a 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.9 seconds, slightly slower than the sedan, with a top speed limited to 230km/h.

BMW has equipped the i5 M60 Touring with an 81.2kWh (net capacity) battery pack, promising up to 506km of WLTP range. The wagon can support up to 205kW DC fast charging, and comes with a five-year subscription to the Chargefox public charging network.

Its practicality is highlighted by a generous boot capacity of 570 liters, expandable to 1700 liters with the rear seats down.

Despite the focus on electric mobility, BMW has opted not to bring the less powerful i5 Touring variants or the range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid wagons available in Europe to the Australian market.

The i5 M60 Touring mirrors its sedan counterpart in dimensions, technology, and luxury appointments, offering features like adaptive M suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems.

This model's introduction is part of BMW's broader strategy to electrify its lineup, providing Australian consumers with high-performance, environmentally friendly transportation options.

The i5 M60 Touring is positioned as both the most expensive 5 Series and the priciest wagon in BMW Australia's portfolio, reflecting the premium nature of its offerings and the growing market appetite for electric vehicles.

The wagon comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with the high-voltage battery covered for eight years or 160,000km. Safety and standard equipment levels are high, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of connectivity and luxury features.

This move by BMW signifies a strong commitment to electric mobility and the revival of the wagon body style in Australia

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2024 BMW i5 M60 Touring: Specs, Features, and Pricing

Pricing

• i5 M60 Touring Wagon: $219,900 AUD (excluding on-road costs)

Powertrain and Performance

• Engine: Dual electric motors
• Power: 442 kW
• Torque: 820 Nm
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 3.9 seconds
• Top Speed: 230 km/h (electronically limited)
• Drive Type: All-wheel drive (xDrive)

Battery and Charging

• Battery Capacity: 81.2 kWh (net), 84 kWh (gross)
• Estimated Range: Up to 506 km (WLTP)
• AC Charging Rate: Up to 22 kW
• DC Fast Charging Rate: Up to 205 kW
• Charging Subscription: 5-year subscription to Chargefox public charging network

Dimensions

• Length: 5060 mm
• Width: 1900 mm
• Height: 1515 mm
• Wheelbase: 2995 mm
• Boot Capacity: 570 litres (seats up), 1700 litres (seats down)

Standard Equipment

• Wheels: 20-inch alloy wheels (21-inch as a no-cost option)
• Suspension: Adaptive M suspension with 48-volt anti-roll stabilisation, rear-axle air suspension
• Steering: Rear-wheel steering
• Lighting: Adaptive LED headlights with dusk sensing and auto high-beam
• Exterior: BMW Iconic Glow illuminated front grilles
• Interior Display: 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, digital radio, voice control, over-the-air updates
• Seats: Sport front seats with heating, ventilation, and lumbar support in Merino 'Individual' leather upholstery
• Climate Control: Four-zone automatic air conditioning
• Additional Features: Head-up display, panoramic fixed glass roof, keyless entry and start, wireless phone charging, BMW Digital Key functionality

Safety and Assistance Systems

• Driving Assistance: Autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane centring assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic parking
• Parking Assistance: Front and rear parking sensors, Automated Manoeuvre Assistant
• Additional Safety: Tyre pressure monitoring

Optional Packages

• Comfort Package ($2700): Steering wheel heating, roller sunblinds, front comfort seats, rear heated seats
• M Sport Plus package ($3000): 21-inch alloy wheels (no-cost option included), M Sport Pro pack (black headlight accents, red or blue brake calipers, M tri-colour seatbelts), black grille frame, carbon-fibre mirror caps

Warranty and Servicing

• Vehicle Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kilometres
• Battery Warranty: 8 years or 160,000 km
• Servicing: BMW Australia has yet to announce specific servicing costs for the i5 Touring.