Did BMW discontinue the m5?

The BMW M5 has cultivated an elite status among performance sedan enthusiasts over its nearly 40-year run. This iconic model has showcased BMW’s prowess in blending luxury, driving dynamics and leading-edge technology in one incredible package. Now, with the impending phase-out of the current F90 generation and a hybrid V8 powertrain on the horizon, the M5 is entering a transformative period.

What do these changes mean for loyalists of this storied vehicle? We take an in-depth look at what BMW has in store for the next chapter of this automotive legend.

Discontinuing the Benchmark-Setting F90 M5

In January 2023, forum members on Bimmerpost noted that the F90 model year had been removed from the BMW USA website. This discovery kicked off intense speculation around BMW’s strategic shift and how discontinuation may impact F90 market dynamics.

Production Wind-Down Timeline

Further findings revealed key details around BMW’s phase-out plans:

• End of Production Deadline: The F90 M5 will cease production for the US market specifically in July 2024
• Next-Gen Model Expected: The anticipated G90 successor currently holds a Start of Production timeline for late 2024

This indicates BMW is ushering out the F90 to prepare for the next generation launch. By eliminating overlap, they can enable a smooth transition that minimizes disruptions for both production facilities and distribution channels.

How Discontinuation Can Influence Existing F90 Values

For current F90 M5 owners and prospective buyers, the confirmed end-of-cycle date raises questions around vehicle valuation as inventory draws down.

Bimmerpost community opinions varied on potential impact:

• Short-term values may rise closer to the discontinuation deadline in mid-2024
• Strong enthusiasm remains around the high-performing S63 twin-turbo V8 engine
• Some shared personal experiences of ordering delays and limited allocations recently

This analysis showcases the passionate engagement among M brand devotees. On one hand, the phase-out may drive up interest and prices in the near term. However, others argue that anticipated advances in the next generation limit upside potential.

Overall, BMW’s strategic timing of the discontinuation and introduction of the upcoming M5 will remain a key factor affecting retention of value.

Enthusiast Community Ablaze with Anticipation

While sentiments were mixed on F90 market projections, one clear consensus emerged across the forums: great excitement for the future of the M5.

Speculation highlighted expected upgrades like electrification for enhanced power and efficiency. Rumored performance specs like:

• 600+ horsepower
• Hybrid twin-turbo V8 drivetrain
• 3.5 second 0-60 acceleration

Additionally, the potential return of the much-beloved M5 Touring model in wagon form generated substantial buzz.

This passionate engagement from loyalty owners and vintage collectors alike demonstrates the enduring prestige this vehicle holds after 35 years of commanding the sports sedan landscape.

The Next Generation — Taking the M5 Into a Hybrid Era

In February 2023, confirmation directly from BMW leadership affirmed that electrification had officially come to the pinnacle M Series range.

Hybrid V8 System Infusion for Blend of Power and Efficiency

BMW M Chairman Frank van Meel proclaimed they will equip upcoming high-performance models with a hybrid drive system. This includes the marquee M5, cementing its placement at the forefront of BMW’s strategic vision.

Key technical details around the powertrain integration:

• TwinPower Turbo 4.4L V8 gas engine + electric drive motor
• Projected total output ranging from 644 hp to 750+ hp
• 4wd xDrive drivetrain with 4W steering capability

The hybrid V8 drivetrain, adapted from the impressive foundation in the XM flagship SUV, will target substantial gains in horsepower and torque while improving emissions impact.

Early testing footage displays the new hybrid M5 achieving blistering acceleration times on par with the most elite supercars thanks to instant electric torque. Expect 0-60 mph launches in under 3 seconds from the most potent Competition variants.

The Return of the Legendary M5 Wagon

While the hybrid V8 introduction dominated headlines, eagle-eyed BMW faithful also spotted an intriguing surprise—confirmation that Touring wagon variants would accompany the new M5 sedan.

History of Avant-Garde M5 Wagons

This continues the tradition of BMW offering a limited run of high-performance M5 wagons catering to European wagon enthusiasts:

• First introduced in E34 generation (1992-1995)
• Returned for E61 generation (2006-2010)
• Only offered in select Western European markets

The practicality of a wagon body style fused with M division performance deliver an enticing package for collectors and driving purists alike.

BMW has not shared distribution plans for the M5 Touring yet. However, auto journalists speculate that strong reception in overseas regions may compel wider distribution to capitalize on high demand potential.

“The high-performance character of BMW M Automobiles will be transferred into a fully electric future. By then, transformation and innovation will be more important than ever,” stated van Meel.

Public road testing of camouflaged next-gen M5 models affirms the critical refinement stage is already well underway. Spy photographers have captured the new hybrid model demonstrating its prowess across the full spectrum of real-world conditions.

Why This Matters for the Broader Luxury Landscape

The arrival of hybrid power for BMW’s halo performance sedan sends ripples across the broader industry as well. Cross-town rival Mercedes-AMG also recently debuted a plug-in hybrid variant of the flagship E63 S sedan.

Further electrification infusion into the critical mid-size luxury bracket seems imminent following the investments from these pedigree German marques. So while the masterful V8 symphony of the M5 may carry on for now, its days could be numbered in the face of tightening emissions regulations worldwide.

The trend lines clearly signal that the golden era of pure ICE high-performance sedans is approaching its finale chapter. That brings obvious concerns for purist enthusiasts.

However, based on early glimpses of vehicles like the next M5, the infusion of instant electric torque should ensure these vehicles continue building upon their pedigree rather than losing the essence of what made them icons.

The M5 Remains the Pinnacle for BMW Performance

The sheer anticipation swirling around the 2024 M5 overhaul reaffirms its heavyweight status among not just BMW faithful but performance automobile enthusiasts overall. While the wider industry hurtles into an electric future, BMW appears focused on carrying their storied legacy into this next era with integrity.

Their balanced approach ensures the next chapter for this giant maintains its crown jewel perch, while continuing to push boundaries and inspire desire from devoted drivers for years to come.

As more juicy details around tuning and personalization options emerge, excitement will reach a fever pitch. The M5 still clearly retains its stronghold as the pinnacle representation of BMW’s driving passion. This iconic vehicle now prepares to carry both its heritage and cutting-edge identity into the strange new landscape ahead.