All-new BMW M5 for PH could be offered in both Touring, Sedan body styles

As early as last year, we received information that BMW Philippines apparently plans to reveal the all-new M5 in the country after SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. received regulatory approval for a 4395cc engine last October 2024.

However, the mystery vehicle turned out to be the flagship XM Label Red, which also comes with a 4.4-liter engine, translating to a displacement of 4.4 liters. It's the most powerful M vehicle to date with a combined output of 753 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque from its twin-turbo S68 V8 and plug-in hybrid system.

Impressive, but with a price tag of PHP 18.89 million, it's quite the vehicle. However, we recently saw BMW Philippines receive new regulatory approvals for two new passenger vehicles that also come with a 4.4L twin-turbo V8. Both cars have a curb weight of around 2,400 kg and come with a 4395cc gasoline-powered engine.

After a quick check on the numbers, it looks like the next-generation BMW M5 is about to make its Philippine debut. But why two approvals in the first place? Well, just like the M3, the latest M5 is available in two body styles: Sedan (G90) and Touring (G99). Since BMW PH already offers the 5 Series in both body styles via the i5, 520i, and the i5 M60 xDrive Touring, it's not surprising that the M5 will also be offered in two body styles.

Official specifications are not yet available, although we can expect the all-new M5 PHEV to generate a combined 727 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. Power will then be sent to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with an xDrive AWD system. With a fully charged 18.6 kWh battery, the M5 can travel on electric power for up to 67 km based on the WLTP cycle.

Should the BMW M5 officially make its Philippine debut later this year, would you get it as a sedan or as a wagon? Let us know in the comments.