BMW M5 Touring Review: 727hp Hybrid Performance Wagon Tested
BMW M5 Touring: Ultimate Family Supercar?
Imagine needing space for family gear and dog crates but refusing to compromise on supercar thrills. That's precisely the dilemma BMW solves with the 727hp M5 Touring wagon. After analyzing extensive testing footage and technical data, I'm convinced this isn't just another performance car—it's a paradigm shift. The Touring adds 40kg over the standard M5 sedan yet delivers unprecedented versatility without sacrificing BMW M's legendary driving dynamics. Let's examine why this wagon deserves your attention.
Under the Hood: Hybrid Powerhouse Explained
BMW equips the M5 Touring with its most advanced powertrain ever: a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 (S68) paired with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. Combined outputs reach 727hp and 1,000Nm torque—numbers surpassing most supercars. The electric motor alone generates 197hp, enabling pure-electric driving for up to 69km. What surprised me most? The hybrid system's 250kg weight (200kg battery + 50kg motor) is strategically placed for optimal weight distribution. Unlike some hybrids, this system consistently delivers launch control performance without overheating issues when properly configured in M Mode.
Practicality Meets Performance: Cargo & Cabin
- Cargo capacity: 500 liters standard (vs. 466L in M5 sedan), expanding to 1,630 liters with rear seats folded
- Family-friendly touches: Rear climate controls, USB ports, ceiling-mounted speakers, and integrated cup holders
- Material upgrades: Standard carbon fiber trim on rear diffuser and side panels—areas left bare on the sedan
The panoramic roof (standard, unlike carbon roof options) enhances cabin spaciousness. BMW's M-specific touches include illuminated seatbelt buckles and custom upholstery stitching. Notably, the Touring omits third-row seating, prioritizing cargo flexibility over passenger capacity.
Driving Dynamics: Real-World Testing Insights
During performance testing, the M5 Touring achieved:
- 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds
- 0-200km/h in 11.1 seconds
- Top speed: 250km/h (electronically limited) or 305km/h with M Driver's Package
Four-wheel steering proved crucial for maneuverability. At low speeds, rear wheels turn opposite fronts for tighter turns; at high speeds, they turn parallel for stability. Braking performance stood out with optional carbon-ceramic brakes (420mm front/396mm rear) delivering consistent stops even during repeated hard use. For drifting enthusiasts, activating Drift Mode requires switching traction control fully off—a nuance not immediately obvious.
Hybrid System Deep Dive: Beyond the Brochure
The M5's hybrid operation adapts intelligently:
- Battery Hold mode: Preserves charge for urban zero-emission zones
- Dynamic Boost: Engages electric motor for maximum acceleration bursts
- Key limitation: Petrol engine activates automatically above 140km/h
What most reviews miss? The turbochargers run 1.2-1.3 bar boost pressure—substantially higher than non-hybrid Ms. This explains the explosive mid-range punch despite the weight penalty. In Sport mode, the transmission uses the electric motor to fill torque gaps during shifts, creating seamless acceleration.
Touring vs Sedan: Key Differences
| Feature | M5 Touring | M5 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Space | 500L (1,630L expanded) | 466L |
| Roof | Standard panoramic | Carbon fiber optional |
| Rear Design | Full carbon fiber diffuser | Partial trim |
| Weight | 2,485kg | 2,445kg |
Actionable Buyer Advice
- Prioritize carbon-ceramic brakes if tracking occasionally—they resist fade better during repeated hard stops
- Use Battery Hold mode before entering cities to maximize electric-only driving
- Enable M Mode first before attempting launch control to prevent system errors
- Consider M Driver's Package for higher top speed limiter (305km/h)
- Avoid roof racks—they compromise the panoramic view and aerodynamic efficiency
The Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The M5 Touring isn't for track-day specialists. It's engineered for executives who need to haul clients by day and shred mountain roads by weekend. The 40kg weight penalty disappears in daily driving, while the extra cargo space transforms practicality. If you've dismissed wagons as boring, this 727hp hybrid will rewrite your expectations.
What aspect of the M5 Touring's dual personality excites you most—the family-hauling capacity or supercar-slaying performance? Share your priority below!
