Here it is! After months of speculation and numerous renders circulating online, BMW has finally unveiled its highly anticipated M5 Touring. The major announcement: the third M5 wagon is set to arrive in the United States. Did I just hear the Liberty Bell ringing?
I first glimpsed this vehicle behind closed doors during the M5 sedan's debut over two months ago. BMW staff requested we surrender our phones, then escorted us, in pairs, into a dimly lit room to reveal the M5 Touring. I've eagerly awaited its official introduction since then. What more can I say beyond what the photos reveal? In person, the M5 Touring is striking. The initial batch of press photos, taken of a matte-black model against a dark backdrop, doesn't do it justice. But up close, this wagon looks just right, with a body line that catches the light perfectly and a well-proportioned spoiler.
Initially, I circled the front to ensure BMW hadn't styled it like an Angry Beaver. Fortunately, the design remains sensible, much like the M5 sedan. The fold-down rear seats enhance practicality compared to the sedan. You could easily fit two road bikes in the rear, a test I use for a great cargo area, which is surprisingly challenging for many vehicles. BMW estimates 57.6 cubic feet of cargo space, roughly 10 more than a Toyota 4Runner with its seats up, enough for a family trip to the airport with luggage.
Every M5 Touring should be painted in the exclusive Isle of Man Green metallic, seen in that secretive photo room. Despite the ubiquitous M badges, the right color (like matte black) makes this a visually appealing BMW. Mechanically, the Touring mirrors the M5 Sedan, save for the rear hatch. It features an M Hybrid system delivering 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and about 25 miles of electric range. Priced at $121,500, plus $1,175 for destination and handling, it will launch globally in the fourth quarter.
Despite its hefty 5,530-pound weight, similar to the sedan, the M5 Touring feels lighter on the track than its stats suggest. It combines power, civility, and composure, making it the best version of the M5. Finally available in the U.S., it's an M5 wagon—how cool is that?
