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8 speed, Automatic w/OD
Twin Turbo Gas/Electric V-8
All Wheel Drive
Photo: Beverly Braga
An inside joke within the car community is that if automakers build a brown station wagon with a stick shift, enthusiasts will buy it. Well, BMW is testing whether enthusiasts will put their money where their meme is with the first-ever M5 Touring for the U.S. market. Recent reports suggest that stateside Bimmer buyers are indeed choosing the luxury performance wagon over the sedan, and after my experience behind the wheel of one, I understand why.
Everything about the M5 Touring is a big deal. From its design configuration to its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, its sheer existence is proof that big companies do listen to the little guy—as long as that guy has deep pockets. Because the M5 Touring is not a new concept, and it's not cheap.
Since the BMW M5's introduction in 1985, BMW has offered a wagon variant only twice before, in 1992 and 2007. Although 2025 marks its third generational offering, the M5 Touring makes its first-ever appearance in North America. Why now? BMW M, the automaker's dedicated performance division, said the region has long been asking for it, and now "their wish has been granted."
Bavaria appears to have made a smart bet, as the M5 Touring is outselling the M5 sedan in the United States, which is contrary to sales trends in other markets. This is no small feat, especially considering the high-performance wagon carries a $2,000 premium over the sedan, starting at $121,500, plus a $1,175 destination and handling fee. For reference, the 2025 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan, starts at $58,700, plus a $1,175 destination charge.
My test car featured a Frozen Deep Gray matte finish, matching perfectly with the dark clouds that shrouded the sky. Its black and bright red interior provided a much-needed juxtaposition against the gloomy, cold weather. Spec'd with extra options and a gas guzzler tax (yup, even for a PHEV), my M5 Touring tester had a final manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $144,375, including destination.
During a recent visit to Road America, the iconic raceway in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, I had the chance to test drive the M5 Touring in both wet and dry conditions, but not on the track. Still, the surrounding roads offered a variety of surfaces.
Photo: Beverly Braga
The M5 Touring behaves as if taking a slow, meandering scenic route is the worst idea ever. Because, my goodness, everything about it feels like a sprint in this car. The performance wagon will humble your speed-racer ego with a 3.5-second burst to 60 mph, which is all the M5 needs. Even more impressive is that the M5 wagon is only 0.1 seconds slower to 60 mph than the sedan. A zero-to-60-mph time of under four seconds is hardly sluggish, regardless of the vehicle.
A BMW M 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 paired with an electric motor powers both the M5 sedan and wagon. On a full charge, the maximum M5 Touring electric-only range is 25 miles, but only at speeds of up to 87 mph. The total output of the PHEV powertrain is 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.
However, the M5 Touring's curb weight is estimated at 5,390 pounds—140 pounds more than the sedan. Despite the bigger booty, the wagon scoots with conviction. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the M5 wagon’s fuel economy is 13 mpg combined when running on gasoline alone. With the PHEV technology fully engaged, that figure improves to 54 combined MPGe, or 62 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles.
The M5 Touring has unmistakable sports car characteristics. The vehicle wouldn't carry a BMW M badge if it didn't. While I did notice the vehicle's increased length, its presence felt more like an illusion than a tangible reality.
Photo: Beverly Braga
Surrounding the farm plots are flat, long straightaways that form a perfect grid for acceleration and braking tests. Fortunately, the day's rainy weather also provided the necessary safeguard against fully unleashing the BMW's beastly performance. Undeterred by the slippery conditions, however, the M5 Touring delivered well-balanced dynamics and precise handling that any luxury sports car would envy.
On the more winding, elevation-changing roads near the track, the M5 hugged corners like a new mom holding her firstborn. If the M5 Touring doesn't make you smile, even a little, then honestly, nothing will, and you're not fully taking advantage of the BMW M's capabilities.
Nevertheless, despite its quick reflexes, the BMW wagon can't hide its stiffness. Like other BMW M vehicles, the M5 Touring has an arch nemesis: the speed bump. If drivers don't slow down, speed bumps, humps, and similar obstacles will turn into launch ramps. No matter how you approach it, comfort will suffer.
The M5's tight suspension is built for track days, but I wasn't on the track, and not every BMW owner has track days on their schedule. The M5 Touring doesn't drive like a typical wagon, which is both a plus and a downside.
Photo: Beverly Braga
I love that the BMW M5 Touring exists. Its addition to BMW's North American lineup gives performance wagon fans a second option (the other being the Audi RS6 Avant). The BMW M-engineered wagon is both a true sports car and a true station wagon. Its performance is blistering, and its design is practically sleek. A wagon or hatchback can easily look dull if practicality becomes the primary focus. Still, BMW managed to emphasize usefulness without sacrificing style.
The M5 Touring offers up to 57.6 cubic feet of cargo space. It provides ample legroom and utility, showcasing these qualities without appearing dull. BMW's sharp modern design might seem too aggressive on smaller cars like the M2, but on the M5, which weighs over two tons, it looks surprisingly handsome rather than bulky. The M5 Touring is a sexy beast that devours roadways as quickly as it does Costco runs.
The M5 wagon prioritizes style and functionality, but it’s not without flaws. The ride can be harsh on your back, and the emphasis on infotainment and tech can be overwhelming. For instance, climate controls are now touchscreen sliders and taps. Goodbye, buttons, toggles, and switches. While the design looks sleek, trying to adjust the A/C temperature while driving a vehicle with over 700 hp can be risky.
Also, as entertaining as that PHEV power is, is it possibly too much? The M5 Touring thrill ride lasts less than four seconds. Opt to maintain that high, and you're looking at jail time and a revoked license.
But if you're willing to spend $120,000 and change on a performance wagon, you're probably the kind who wouldn't mind taking the risk. After all, the M5 Touring isn't a plug-in hybrid bought for environmental reasons. Gas guzzler tax, remember? Still, I'm glad BMW brought the M5 Touring to the U.S. Even if the thrill of performance comes in quick bursts of heaven, it's still heaven.
A seasoned content creator and communications professional, Beverly Braga previously managed product communications for Kia and Mazda. On the editorial side, in addition to JDPower.com, Beverly has developed and produced numerous video series for Hagerty as well as written for Capital One, CarGurus, Digital Trends, The Drive, Motor1, and The New York Daily News.
