The 2025 BMW M5 Touring makes a historic debut in the United States, marking an eagerly awaited moment for automotive enthusiasts who have long desired a true high-performance wagon. This seventh-generation M5 is more than just a variant of the iconic M5 sedan—it’s an M5 with added utility, offering the same potent performance in a stylish wagon form.
For those seeking a powerful, dynamic alternative to traditional SUVs, the M5 Touring offers a compelling mix of performance and practicality.
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The Historic Arrival of the M5 Touring in America
For years, BMW enthusiasts in the United States have watched from afar as Europe enjoyed the benefits of the M5 Touring. This powerful yet practical vehicle has been a favorite across the Atlantic, where its versatility and performance make it an ideal choice for those who need a little more room without sacrificing speed and handling. Thanks to increasing demand from U.S. dealerships and consumers, BMW finally brings the M5 Touring stateside, allowing American buyers to experience a car that embodies the best of both worlds: the performance of the M5 sedan with the added space and versatility of a wagon.
BMW’s decision to bring the M5 Touring to America right from the start is a testament to the brand’s recognition of the growing interest in performance wagons among U.S. buyers. By launching it alongside the sedan, BMW positions the M5 Touring as an integral part of the 2025 M5 lineup, not just an afterthought.
Dimensions and Design: An M5 with a Hatchback Twist
One of the most striking aspects of the M5 Touring is that it’s nearly identical in size to the M5 sedan. With a wheelbase of 118.3 inches and a total length of 200.6 inches, the Touring maintains the same substantial footprint. The only significant difference is its slightly taller roofline, adding just a few tenths of an inch in height at 59.7 inches. This extra height provides additional cargo space and headroom in the rear while retaining the M5’s sleek and aggressive appearance.
At the rear, the Touring’s hatchback design provides a substantial 58 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, making it a genuine alternative to SUVs. This design choice doesn’t just add practicality—it enhances the M5’s aesthetics, creating a sleeker, more dynamic look compared to traditional SUVs.
Power and Performance: Unleashing 717 Horsepower in Style
The heart of the 2025 M5 Touring is its twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, which is already a powerhouse in the M5 sedan. Paired with an electric motor, the Touring generates a staggering 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid powertrain offers impressive performance benefits, including reduced turbo lag, thanks to the electric motor’s ability to deliver instant torque.
A 14.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor powers the electric motor, enabling the Touring to drive up to 25 miles on electric power alone at speeds up to 87 mph. This feature adds a layer of versatility for daily commutes, allowing drivers to switch between pure electric mode for errands and Hybrid Sport mode when they crave the full M5 experience. The eight-speed automatic transmission seamlessly integrates the two power sources, ensuring smooth power delivery and a thrilling driving experience.
Driving Dynamics: A Balanced Blend of Speed and Comfort
Despite the additional weight from the wagon’s extended rear and battery pack, the M5 Touring handles remarkably like the M5 sedan. The modest 140-pound increase in weight is barely noticeable, thanks in part to the additional chassis bracing and retuned Adaptive M dampers, which account for the slight weight shift. The Touring maintains the M5’s signature agility, turning into corners with the same precision and offering a surprisingly smooth ride, even over rougher roads.
The M5 Touring’s 285/40ZR-20 front and 295/35ZR-21 rear performance tires provide excellent grip, allowing the car to hug corners with minimal body roll. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system adds an extra layer of control, with settings for 4WD, 4WD Sport, and even a 2WD mode that engages when the driver disables stability control, providing the ultimate rear-wheel-drive experience for those who want to push the Touring to its limits.
Distinct Sound and Subtle Differences in the Touring Experience
While the M5 Touring offers an almost identical driving experience to the sedan, there are a few subtle differences. Road noise in the cabin has a slightly deeper tone, particularly when driving over bumps, due to the rear’s added weight and extended roofline. Additionally, the exhaust note in the Touring is slightly throatier, giving it a more aggressive sound that complements its powerful engine. These minor variations enhance the car’s character, offering a distinct experience for those who appreciate the sound and feel of a high-performance vehicle.
Interior Comfort and Technology: Luxury Meets Functionality
Inside, the M5 Touring’s front cabin is virtually indistinguishable from the sedan, featuring the same luxurious materials, digital screens, and advanced controls. The infotainment system offers all the high-tech features that drivers expect, from navigation and media controls to customizable drive modes. The M5 Touring also includes up to five different drive modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and eControl, as well as Dynamic and Dynamic Plus modes for track use if buyers opt for the M Drive Professional package.
In the rear, the M5 Touring offers slight improvements in headroom due to the raised roof, which is particularly beneficial for taller passengers. The back seat features a 40/20/40 split, allowing for versatile seating and cargo configurations. With the rear seats folded down, the Touring transforms into a spacious hauler, ideal for weekend getaways, sporting equipment, or even the occasional furniture purchase.
Competitive Pricing: High Performance with a Modest Premium
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the M5 Touring is its price. Starting at $122,675, it costs only $2,000 more than the M5 sedan, a small price difference considering the added utility and unique appeal of the wagon. For buyers already interested in the M5, the Touring offers an excellent value proposition—providing all the power, performance, and luxury of the sedan with additional space and versatility.
In an era where many premium vehicles come with a hefty price tag for added features, the M5 Touring’s pricing feels almost generous. BMW’s confidence in the wagon’s appeal is evident, and they’re betting that customers will see the value in spending a bit more for the extra flexibility.
