The 2025 BMW M5 Touring: A Closer Look at the M5 Wagon

The M5 Wagon! Sure, the car’s official title is the 2025 BMW M5 Touring, but car enthusiasts like us prefer to call it the M5 Wagon. For the first time ever, Americans will have the chance to purchase a long-roof M5. The previous M5 wagons—E34 M5 Touring (1992 to 1998) and E61 M5 Touring (2007 to 2010)—were enjoyed in other regions. BMW’s decision to give U.S. wagon enthusiasts what they’ve been wanting has likely been influenced by the sales success of Audi RS6 and Mercedes-AMG’s E-Class station wagons. Therefore, the M5 Touring comes with a starting price of $122,675.

For that price, you get a 717-hp, 738-lb-ft plug-in hybrid powertrain anchored by an electrified twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. The e-motor fits inside the eight-speed “Steptronic” transmission. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds; however, we anticipate our testing might indicate a more impressive result. The top speed is limited to 155 mph, though upgrading to the M Driver’s Package raises it to 190 mph. Because it’s a PHEV, the M5 Touring can travel 25 miles on pure electric power at speeds up to 87 mph. This powertrain is closely related to the system offered in the BMW XM SUV.

Performance and Handling

Like the M5 sedan, the M5 Touring is equipped with all-wheel drive, utilizing the performance-oriented M xDrive system with fully variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles. This system includes an electronic locking differential on the rear axle. Moreover, the M5 Touring offers a rear-wheel-drive mode for those who enjoy more spirited driving. With five driving modes—Hybrid, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Electric—there is also the option of choosing the M Driver’s Package, which adds two modes, Dynamic and Dynamic Plus, maximizing performance.

Advanced Handling Features

The M5 Touring incorporates various handling enhancements typical of BMW’s M Division. The body-in-white has been strengthened with Touring-specific modifications around the luggage space. Additional features include adaptive dampers, the latest M Servtronic variable-rate steering, and rear-wheel steering. The braking system is adjustable for feel and available with big steel rotors or optional carbon-ceramic rotors, which are 55 pounds lighter overall.

Interior Amenities

Inside, the M5 Touring provides ample storage, offering 17.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 57.6 cubic feet when stowed. Compared to rivals, it falls slightly short of the Audi RS6 and Mercedes-AMG E63 regarding cargo space. Luxurious amenities abound, including a panoramic roof (Sky Lounge) and an 18-speaker, 665-watt Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound system. The latest BMW iDrive system is displayed on curved screens, alongside a standard head-up display featuring advanced mapping software.

Availability

BMW plans to launch the M5 Touring in the last quarter of 2024, with dealership availability expected about a year later. While the weight is estimated at 5,530 pounds, this figure remains a preliminary estimate. Expectations regarding the weight of the M5 Touring versus its sedan counterpart should be moderated, particularly given the increase in weight for earlier models.