BMW.SG | BMW Singapore Owners Community The Ultimate BMW Community – Established Since 2001
BMW’s decision to ship the M5 Touring to the United States ahead of the M3 Touring wasn’t a gamble—it was a strategy. The larger estate landed with immediate traction, even outpacing the M5 saloon early in 2025. With demand surging, the long-roof M5 has quickly become the headline act, proving that America’s performance audience is more than ready for a fast estate with real cross-country stamina.
BMW M boss Frank van Meel called the move a “logical decision”, and it shows. The M5 Touring brings greater road presence, a more versatile load bay and grand-touring range, making it the louder statement piece for launch. In short, it carries the kind of bandwidth—space, pace and everyday usability—that cuts through a market still warming to estates.
The M3 Touring wasn’t ignored; it was weighed carefully. Internally, BMW considered leading with the smaller car but hesitated, unsure how a 3 Series-sized estate would fare in a market that has historically favoured SUVs. With the M5 Touring quickly validating the concept, the door opens wider for a future M3 Touring to follow, likely with the next generation.
For now, enthusiasts in the U.S. get a road-devouring M5 with the practicality to match its performance brief. If momentum holds—and all signs point that way—the M5 Touring’s success could be the green light that finally ushers the M3 Touring stateside, delivering a more compact, track-leaning alternative to the big-boot bruiser.
