The American automotive scene is about to experience a major shift with the arrival of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring. For the first time, BMW is bringing its high-performance M5 wagon directly to the United States. This move offers car enthusiasts an exciting blend of power, practicality, and luxury in a single package.
A Legacy of Power
While the M5 Touring is new to the U.S. market, it’s built on a legacy that dates back to the 1992 E34 and the 2007 E61 generations. This latest model isn’t just a throwback to its predecessors—it’s a powerful machine in its own right. Under the hood, the 2025 M5 Touring features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that cranks out an impressive 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. This puts it well ahead of competitors like the Audi RS 6 Avant, which it surpasses by 96 horsepower and 111 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful wagon in its class.
Unmatched Performance
The heart of the 2025 M5 Touring is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The V8 alone delivers 557 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motor adds an extra 194 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. This setup ensures that the M5 Touring grips the road with precision, thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system. The wagon accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, just a tenth of a second slower than the M5 sedan, showcasing its serious performance capabilities.
Practicality Meets Luxury
The M5 Touring isn’t just about speed—it’s designed with practicality in mind. The wagon offers a spacious cargo area with 17.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 57.6 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. While the cargo capacity is slightly less than that of the RS 6 Avant, the M5 Touring makes up for it with a 50:50 weight distribution and model-specific underfloor bracing, which enhance its handling and stability. BMW estimates the M5 Touring will weigh around 5,530 pounds, which is 140 pounds more than the sedan, maintaining its balanced and composed drive.
Inside, the M5 Touring is equipped with a Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof that extends from just behind the windscreen to the rear of the vehicle, adding an elegant and open feel to the cabin. The rear seats split 40:20:40 and feature a pass-through section for added versatility, making it easier to transport longer items. A hands-free liftgate further adds to the convenience, simplifying loading and unloading.
Competitive Pricing and Future Prospects
With a starting price of $122,675, the 2025 BMW M5 Touring is positioned as a more affordable option than the RS 6 Avant, yet it offers more power and luxury features. Built in Dingolfing, Germany, the M5 Touring is set to hit the U.S. market later this year, signaling a new chapter for BMW.
As anticipation builds for the arrival of this performance wagon, there’s also speculation about whether BMW might introduce the all-electric i5 Touring to the American market. While this remains uncertain, BMW has a track record of surprising its audience, much like Audi did when it brought the RS 6 Avant to the U.S.
In the realm of high-performance wagons, the 2025 BMW M5 Touring is a bold statement from BMW, proving that they are not just listening to their customers but also shaping the future of driving excellence.