MotoGP™ Season Launch: BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car Unveiled in Bangkok

MotoGP™ Season Launch: The 2025 MotoGP™ season is set to kick off with a bang as the sport’s organizers, teams, and riders gathered in Bangkok for a spectacular Season Launch event. For the first time in history, the Thai capital hosted the official unveiling of the new BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between BMW M and MotoGP™. The event, held in the newly developed One Bangkok district, featured a parade of all MotoGP™ riders led by the new Safety Car, along with a live-streamed stage show that captivated fans worldwide.

The BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car is the latest addition to BMW M’s fleet of high-performance vehicles designed for the world’s most thrilling motorsport. Equipped with an M HYBRID powertrain, the car combines a high-revving V8 engine with an electric motor, delivering instant power and unmatched agility. This hybrid technology ensures the Safety Car is perfectly suited for racetrack duty, providing the speed and precision needed to lead the safety fleet during MotoGP™ races. The car’s design is inspired by the BMW M Hybrid V8 race cars competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA series, embodying BMW M’s commitment to innovation and performance.

The unveiling of the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car underscores the 27-year partnership between BMW M and MotoGP™, a collaboration that has consistently delivered cutting-edge technology and safety solutions. Marc Saurina, Head of Global Commercial Partnerships at Dorna Sports, emphasized the importance of this partnership, highlighting BMW M’s role in ensuring the safety of the world’s best motorcycle racers. The new Safety Car will remain on display in Bangkok until the start of the 2025 season, making its on-track debut at the Buriram International Circuit in Thailand from February 28th to March 2nd.

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Specifications of the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car

The BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car is a powerhouse of performance and technology. Below is a detailed specifications table summarizing its key features:

Feature	Specification
Powertrain	M HYBRID (V8 engine + electric motor)
Peak Output	535 kW (727 hp)
Maximum Torque	1,000 Nm
Fuel Consumption	2.0 l/100 km (combined), 10.9 l/100 km (with depleted battery)
CO₂ Emissions	46 g/km (combined), CO₂ classification: combined B, with depleted battery G
Transmission	8-speed M Steptronic transmission
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive (M xDrive)
Top Speed	Electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph)
Weight	Approx. 2,300 kg (with modifications for racetrack use)
Design Inspiration	BMW M Hybrid V8 race cars (FIA WEC and IMSA series)
Launch Date	November 2024
On-Track Debut	February 28th – March 2nd, 2025 (Buriram, Thailand)

Features and Performance

The BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car is equipped with state-of-the-art features designed to enhance its performance on the racetrack. Its M HYBRID powertrain combines a 4.4-liter V8 engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 727 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. This ensures rapid acceleration and precise handling, essential for leading the safety fleet during high-speed MotoGP™ races.

The car’s all-wheel-drive system (M xDrive) and 8-speed M Steptronic transmission provide exceptional traction and control, even in challenging conditions. Additionally, the Safety Car has been modified for racetrack use, including enhanced cooling systems, reinforced chassis components, and a bespoke livery inspired by BMW M’s motorsport heritage.

Design and Aesthetics

The design of the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car is a perfect blend of functionality and style. Its livery draws inspiration from the BMW M Hybrid V8 race cars, featuring bold colors and dynamic lines that reflect its high-performance capabilities. The car’s aerodynamic profile and aggressive stance make it a visual standout on the track, while its spacious touring body ensures practicality for its role as a Safety Car.

Price and Availability

While the exact price of the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car has not been disclosed, it is expected to be in line with the premium pricing of BMW M’s high-performance models. The car will not be available for public purchase, as it is specifically designed for MotoGP™ safety operations. However, fans can look forward to seeing it in action during the 2025 MotoGP™ season.

Unique Selling Points

1. Hybrid Powertrain: Combines a V8 engine with an electric motor for instant power and efficiency.
2. Racetrack Modifications: Enhanced cooling, reinforced chassis, and bespoke safety features.
3. Inspired Design: Livery and aesthetics inspired by BMW M’s motorsport legacy.
4. Unmatched Performance: 727 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque for exceptional speed and agility.
5. Long-Standing Partnership: Part of BMW M’s 27-year collaboration with MotoGP™.

MotoGP™ Season Launch Conclusion

The unveiling of the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car at the 2025 MotoGP™ Season Launch in Bangkok marks a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between BMW M and MotoGP™. This high-performance vehicle, equipped with cutting-edge hybrid technology and motorsport-inspired design, is set to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the world’s most thrilling motorcycle racing series. The event itself was a celebration of innovation, bringing together teams, riders, and fans in a spectacular showcase of speed, technology, and passion.

The BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car is a testament to BMW M’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. Its M HYBRID powertrain, combining a high-revving V8 engine with an electric motor, delivers an impressive 727 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque, making it perfectly suited for the demands of the racetrack. The car’s design, inspired by the BMW M Hybrid V8 race cars, not only looks stunning but also reflects BMW M’s dedication to blending performance with aesthetics.

As the Official Car of MotoGP™ for over 27 years, BMW M has consistently provided the series with state-of-the-art safety vehicles that combine speed, agility, and reliability. The addition of the BMW M5 Touring to the safety fleet underscores this commitment, offering a vehicle that is as dynamic as it is functional. Its racetrack modifications, including enhanced cooling systems and reinforced chassis components, ensure it can handle the rigors of MotoGP™ racing while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Fans around the world can look forward to seeing the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car in action during the 2025 season, starting with its on-track debut at the Buriram International Circuit in Thailand. This debut will not only showcase the car’s capabilities but also highlight the seamless integration of hybrid technology into motorsport safety operations. As the season progresses, the Safety Car will continue to play a vital role in protecting riders and officials, ensuring that MotoGP™ remains the pinnacle of two-wheeled racing.

In conclusion, the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car is more than just a vehicle; it is a symbol of innovation, performance, and safety. It embodies BMW M’s core philosophy of “Born on the race track, made for the street,” while also reinforcing the brand’s role as a trusted partner in the world of motorsport. As the 2025 MotoGP™ season approaches, the BMW M5 Touring stands ready to lead the way, setting new standards for safety and performance in the most exciting sport on earth.

MotoGP™ Season Launch FAQs

1. What is the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car?

The BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car is a high-performance vehicle specifically designed to lead the safety fleet during MotoGP™ races. It is equipped with advanced hybrid technology, combining a V8 engine with an electric motor to deliver exceptional power and efficiency. The car is also modified for racetrack use, featuring enhanced cooling systems, reinforced chassis components, and a motorsport-inspired design. Its primary role is to ensure the safety of riders and officials during races, making it an integral part of the MotoGP™ safety operations.

2. What makes the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car unique?

The BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car stands out due to its cutting-edge hybrid powertrain, which generates 727 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque, ensuring rapid acceleration and precise handling. Its design is inspired by the BMW M Hybrid V8 race cars, featuring a bold livery and aerodynamic profile that reflect its motorsport heritage. Additionally, the car has been specifically modified for racetrack use, including bespoke safety features and performance enhancements. These elements make it a perfect fit for the demanding environment of MotoGP™ racing.

3. When will the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car make its debut?

The BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car will make its on-track debut at the 2025 MotoGP™ season opener, which takes place at the Buriram International Circuit in Thailand from February 28th to March 2nd. This debut will mark the car’s first official appearance in a race setting, where it will lead the safety fleet and demonstrate its capabilities in real-world conditions.

4. Is the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car available for purchase?

No, the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car is not available for public purchase. It is a specialized vehicle designed exclusively for MotoGP™ safety operations. However, fans can see the car in action during the 2025 MotoGP™ season, where it will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of riders and officials.

5. What is the fuel efficiency of the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car?

The BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car features a hybrid powertrain that delivers impressive fuel efficiency. According to WLTP standards, the car has a combined fuel consumption of 2.0 liters per 100 km and 30.7 kWh per 100 km. When the battery is depleted, the fuel consumption increases to 10.9 liters per 100 km. The car’s CO₂ emissions are rated at 46 g/km, making it an environmentally conscious choice for a high-performance safety vehicle.

6. How does the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car contribute to MotoGP™ safety?

The BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car is equipped with advanced features that ensure it can respond quickly and effectively to incidents on the track. Its hybrid powertrain provides instant power and acceleration, while its all-wheel-drive system (M xDrive) and 8-speed M Steptronic transmission offer exceptional control and stability. The car’s racetrack modifications, including enhanced cooling and reinforced chassis components, further enhance its performance and reliability. These features make it an essential tool for maintaining safety during high-speed MotoGP™ races.

7. What is the significance of the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car’s design?

The design of the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car is inspired by the BMW M Hybrid V8 race cars, which compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA series. This connection highlights BMW M’s commitment to hybrid technology and its motorsport heritage. The car’s bold livery, aerodynamic profile, and dynamic lines not only make it visually striking but also reflect its high-performance capabilities. The design perfectly embodies BMW M’s philosophy of “Born on the race track, made for the street,” showcasing the brand’s dedication to innovation and excellence.