BMWM5 Touring (E61) 2007 - 2010

　　BMW refreshed the fifth generation of the 5 Series in 2007 and, along with it, unveiled the M-powered version of the 5 Series Touring.

　　The introduction of an M-powered version for the 5 Series station wagon was no longer something unexpected since the previous M5 (the E34) was also available with a long-roof shape. But creating one offered exclusively with the SMG single-clutch automated gearbox was. However, BMW had to do something to improve the sales of the fifth generation of the 5 Series, which were not particularly high. Furthermore, the station wagon didn’t do well on the market compared with the carmaker’s main rivals, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. As a result, the 2007 M5 Touring broke covers and stirred emotions. While it wasn’t sold in high numbers, it became one of the fastest family vehicles on the market.

　　BMW already knew the recipe for how to make a station wagon go fast. Moreover, since it produced the vehicle on the assembly line, it mixed the bodywork of the 5 Series Touring with parts carried over from BMW Motorsport. As a result, the M5 Touring sported the front fascia of the M5 Sedan. It featured a lower apron fitted with a broad center air intake flanked by leaf-shaped functional side scoops. In addition, the automaker installed the headlights used on the LCI version of the 5 Series, with their clear lenses over the twin headlamps and clear turn signal lamps fitted with orange bulbs.

　　From its profile, the M5-specific front fenders were adorned by horizontal vents placed above the clear turn signal lamps. As an option, the door mirrors could be fitted with carbon fiber trims on their lower parts. The five double-spoke 19-inch light-alloy wheels and the pulled-out side sills were specific for the M5 lineup. Unlike its sedan sibling, the M5 Touring featured a longer roof, extended above the rear seats and the trunk space. Finally, at the back, the redesigned rear bumper was unique for the M5 Touring, featuring a deep cut to allow a lower loading height and a diffuser under it that integrated a pair of twin exhausts.

　　Inside, BMW installed a new iDrive infotainment system, which included new features and updates. Atop the center stack, the automaker placed a color display for it, with a sharper image than its predecessor. At the same time, fronting the driver was the instrument cluster, with a tachometer marked up to 9,000 rpm and the speedometer to 330 kph (205 mph). On the center console, BMW placed the short gear selector of the six-speed automated gearbox. In the back, there was plenty of room for three adults on the split-folding bench seat. Customers could lower the seatbacks from there and enlarge the trunk space from 500 liters (17.7 cu-ft) to a respectable 1,650 liters (58.3 cu-ft).

　　BMW installed the same S62B50 V8 gasoline engine as in the regular E60. Unlike its sedan sibling, this car was available exclusively fitted with a seven-speed automated gearbox. The 507 PS (500 hp) obtained from the V10 powerplant was sent to the rear wheels wearing wide rubbers on it.