- BMW brings its M5 wagon to the States again, at long last
- For the privilege, you'll need $122,675
- The M5 Touring pumps out 717 hp and the possibility for 25 miles of electric range
Following the reveal of the new M5 sedan in June, BMW has now added a new M5 Touring wagon that was unveiled on Thursday at 2024 Monterey Car Week.
Both body styles launch late this year as 2025 models, with the sedan starting at $120,675 and the wagon's price tag garnering a $2,000 premium. Both figures include a $1,175 destination charge.
There have been M5 Tourings before, though this is the first generation to be offered in the U.S. The earlier examples were the E34 generation of the late 1980s/early '90s and E60 generation of the '00s.
BMW hasn't pulled any surprises with the design of the latest M5 Touring. The design is mostly a match with the sedan from the front to be about the C-pillar, after which the roof stays flatter to the rear of the car. This results in extra storage space at the rear, with BMW claiming 17.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 57.6 cubic feet when folded flat.
2025 BMW M5 Touring
While both body styles have the same length and wheelbase, coming in at 200.6 inches and 118.3 inches, respectively, there's a slight weight penalty when going with the wagon. BMW quotes a curb weight of 5,530 pounds, which compares with the sedan's figure of 5,390 pounds. The difference is neglible as both figures are on the heavy size. We're talking EV and full-size SUV-like weight figures.
Much of the weight gain is due to the plug-in hybrid component of the powertrain. It uses the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 in the previous M5 and pairs this wtih a single electric motor integrated with the transmission, an 8-speed automatic. The combination delivers a total 717 hp, and an onboard battery with a usable 14.8 kwh means a pure electric range of around 25 miles is possible, according to BMW.
An all-wheel-drive system is standard. BMW said the system is lighter and more efficient than what's found in the previous M5. It's still a rear-biased setup, and this rear bias can be dialed even further by selecting a 4WD Sport mode. For lovers of rear-driving dynamics, a rear-wheel-drive mode can also be selected, albeit only with the stability control switched off.
The performance, at least in a straight line, is nothing to sneeze at. BMW quotes a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds (3.4 seconds for the sedan) and a top speed of 155 mph as standard, and 190 mph with an available M Driver's Package.
2025 BMW M5 Touring
To bring the big beast to a stop, BMW relies on 6-piston brake calipers clamping down on 16.1 inches rotors up front, and single-piston, floating calipers at the rear with 15.7-inch rotors. These are housed within 20-inch wheels and 285/40-size tires at the front and 21-inch wheels and 295/35-size tires at the rear. Carbon-ceramic brakes are available and help to save around 55 pounds of weight, as well as deliver stronger stopping power.
The interior features multiple elements that are unique to the M5, like the graphics in the digital gauge cluster, infotainment system, and head-up display, as well as the ambient lighting package and the various trim options. There are also several premium features included as standard, including an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a long panoramic roof with an electronically controlled roller blind.
When the M5 Touring hits showrooms, there won't be much in the way of direct competition. Mercedes-Benz AMG no longer offers an E 63 Wagon and Audi's current RS 6 Avant is also on its way out. However, a direct successor to the RS 6 Avant, likely badged an RS 7 Avant, is in the works.
BMW also offers an M3 Touring. It debuted in 2022 with 503 hp, but its sale has been ruled out for the U.S.
