BMW M5 Touring Review: 717HP Hybrid Wagon Tested
The Ultimate Performance Wagon Reborn
For decades, performance wagon enthusiasts begged BMW for an M5 Touring. Now it's here—a 717-horsepower technological marvel wrapped in family-friendly practicality. After analyzing BMW's engineering decisions and driving this 5,500lb hybrid beast, I believe this wagon solves a problem others ignore: delivering supercar speed without compromising daily usability. Unlike the limited-run 1992 and 2007 predecessors, this M5 Touring arrives as wagons gain serious momentum from Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes-AMG. But does its plug-in hybrid complexity enhance or dilute the M legacy? Let's dissect what makes it revolutionary.
Engineering the Impossible: Hybrid Power Meets Wagon Dynamics
At its core lies a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor on the transmission output shaft, generating 738 lb-ft torque. BMW engineers faced a monumental challenge: integrating a 14.8kWh battery without compromising handling. Their solution involved extensive chassis reinforcements. As the video reveals, they added bracing behind the rear seats and recalibrated dampers, springs, and rear-wheel steering specifically for the wagon body. This isn't a sedan with a roof chop—it's a purpose-tuned machine.
Key performance insights from testing:
- Weight disappears dynamically: Despite the curb weight, the instant torque masks inertia. You feel thrust, not mass.
- Stealth mode mastery: Electric-only driving is library-quiet (once you disable the artificial engine sound in menus).
- Track-ready flexibility: The $140k M Driver's Package includes a 190mph top speed and Dynamic Plus mode that pre-charges the battery for full-power bursts.
Compared to the Audi RS6 Avant's rawness, the M5 Touring prioritizes refined brutality. The trade-off? A 13mpg fuel economy after the 25-mile electric range depletes, triggering gas-guzzler taxes.
Practicality Compromises: Luxury Meets Cost-Cutting
BMW positions this as a no-compromise family hauler, but material quality tells another story. While the carbon bucket seats and Alcantara headliner impress, hard plastics plague the door pulls and that controversial "interaction bar" with its RGB lighting. For a $140k vehicle, manual rear window shades and sparse rear-seat storage feel incongruous.
Cargo space highlights:
- 18 cubic feet behind rear seats (slightly less than a BMW X3)
- 58 cubic feet with seats folded via convenient hatch release
- No clever compartments—just an honest, flat load floor
The infotainment exemplifies this duality. The curved display runs BMW's latest OS with granular drive mode customization (5 hybrid settings alone!). Yet as the video demonstrates, navigating menus while driving is dangerously distracting. Track Mode wisely disables the center screen, but daily usability suffers versus BMW's previous iDrive systems.
Driving Verdict: Technical Triumph, Emotional Question Mark
Pushing the M5 Touring reveals its engineering genius. The rear-biased xDrive system can send 100% power rearward when stability control is off, and the rear steering (though limited to 1.5 degrees) enhances high-speed stability. But the experience lacks the visceral thrill of older M cars. The muted exhaust—even with M Sound active—and isolated cabin disconnect you from the violence of acceleration. You’ll hit felonious speeds without realizing it.
Who should buy this?
- Families needing Porsche 911 Turbo S performance with daycare-run practicality
- Tech enthusiasts who appreciate the hybrid system’s seamless transitions
- Buyers prioritizing autobahn stability over backroad playfulness
At $124k base ($140k fully loaded), it undercuts the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo while offering more rear seat space. But the Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon delivers louder theatrics for similar money.
Final Analysis: The Wagon BMW Had to Build
The M5 Touring succeeds as a staggering technical achievement. It defies physics with its weight distribution, masters the hybrid/electric divide, and brings M-division credibility to the wagon segment. However, BMW's cost-cutting in interior materials and the emotional sanitization of the driving experience leave it feeling less special than its price suggests. For those valuing stealth and space equally, it’s unmatched. Purists craving analog engagement should test the lighter M3 Touring or used F90 M5.
Your next steps:
- Test drive in hybrid mode: Experience the electric torque surge from standstill
- Inspect interior materials: Compare plastic trim against rivals like the Audi RS6
- Configure M modes beforehand: Save settings to steering wheel buttons to avoid menu diving
Recommended resources:
- BMW M5: The Complete Story (book) for historical context on touring models
- BimmerPost forums for real-world owner experiences on battery degradation
"When you have the right road, the M5 Touring redefines wagon potential—but finding those roads is the real challenge."
Which aspect matters most to you: raw engagement or refined speed? Share your priority in the comments.
