BMW's high-velocity hauler is here

BMW's M5 Touring - arguably the most muscular station wagon yet unleashed on the motoring public - is now available in South Africa, with prices starting at R1 050 000.

When Beem's überwagen was launched in Britain in May 2007, BMW SA confirmed that there were "no plans" to release it locally; we're glad that decision was revised.

The front end is pure M5, complete with front air dam, side-sills, air intakes in the side panels, 19" rims shod with 255/40 rubber and, of course, BMW's award-winning 373kW, 520Nm, five-litre, V10 engine, driving via a seven-speed, programmable, semi-automatic, sequential gearbox

The front end is pure M5, complete with BMW's award-winning 373kW, 520Nm, five-litre, V10 engine...
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I'll launch from 0-100km/h in a spooky-fast 4.8sec and reach its electronic limit of 250km/h rather sooner than most drivers are ready for – BMW claims it'll cover a standing kilometre in 22.9sec.

BUT

It also has a spacious, versatile interior with luxurious seating for five and a luggage compartment that can swallow from 500 to 1650 litres, self-levelling air suspension and an electric tailgate with separately-opening window.

And there's a standard two-piece "sundim" glass roof, each panel of which can be tilted for extra ventilation; the front panel can be opened completely. Daytime lights and adaptive headlights are standards; a trailer hitch, rated for 1800kg, is an extra-cost option

... while the luggage compartment can swallow from 500 to 1650 litres
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The rear body and luggage compartment floor have been reinforced and stiffened to cope with the extra stresses imposed by the car's performance levels and an optional storage package includes individual subdivision of the luggage compartment floor, folding partition panels, tie-down straps in the side panels, and multi-function supports.

All the BMW Individual options are available on the M5 Touring, including head-up display and a new, concert-class, 825W, 16-speaker audio system. The BMW M5 Touring comes with a two-year warranty and a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan.