Enthusiasm for cars that blend performance with practicality is surging. As a content creator in the automotive space, particularly for platforms like mercedesbenzxentrysoftwaresubscription.store which caters to automotive professionals and enthusiasts, I’m acutely aware that my perspective carries weight, especially when discussing iconic marques like BMW. The revival of the BMW M5 Touring for 2025 is a significant moment, and after spending a weekend examining this vehicle, albeit without driving it yet, I’m ready to share my initial thoughts on this highly anticipated performance wagon.
Let’s delve into what makes the M5 Touring more than just another wagon.
It’s a Touring, Not Just a Wagon
Image alt text: Side profile of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring in a silver color, showcasing its wagon silhouette and sporty design.
BMW intentionally uses the term “Touring,” echoing “Grand Touring.” Think of effortlessly crossing continents in comfort and speed, much like a Ferrari 575 Maranello gracefully navigating the Italian Riviera. While some might simply call it a “wagon,” BMW understands that “wagon” can sound less appealing to performance car enthusiasts. “Touring” elevates the concept, highlighting the M5 Touring’s design for high-speed, long-distance travel with exceptional comfort and space. This isn’t just a grocery-getter; it’s a performance vehicle designed for grand adventures.
The M5 Touring embraces spaciousness reminiscent of an SUV without compromising on the sleek aesthetics and driving dynamics expected of an M car. Notably, a carbon fiber roof is not an option for the Touring variant, likely due to engineering complexities and cost considerations. Instead, the focus is on a luxurious and spacious interior. The rear passenger area offers ample room, and the hatchback configuration provides unmatched versatility for cargo. This blend of luxury, space, and performance is central to the M5 Touring’s appeal.
Addressing the Weight Factor
Image alt text: Front three-quarter view of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring, emphasizing its wide stance and modern BMW design language.
The topic of weight is unavoidable when discussing modern performance cars. The 2025 BMW M5 Touring tips the scales at a substantial 5,530 pounds. While this figure is approximately 1,100 pounds heavier than the previous F90 M5 and even surpasses the weight of the BMW X5 M (at 5,455 pounds), context is crucial. Claims suggest it might be a mere tenth of a second slower to 60 mph compared to its predecessor. In real-world driving, this difference is virtually imperceptible.
The added weight contributes to a feeling of solidity and premium build quality, evident even in the satisfying thud of the doors. While a definitive assessment of its handling requires a proper test drive, it’s reasonable to expect that the M5 Touring will still offer superior dynamics compared to SUVs like the X5 M. Remember, this vehicle is conceived as a daily driver, a car to be enjoyed in all facets of life, not just on weekend canyon roads.
Equipped with standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, regardless of styling choice, the M5 Touring is designed for everyday usability. It encourages owners to move away from the trend of reserving M cars for occasional spirited drives. Imagine this M5 Touring filled with baby seats, topped with roof boxes, and fitted with all-weather mats – a testament to its practical nature. Embrace the everyday usability; the weight becomes less of a concern when the car is integrated into daily life as a comfortable and rapid executive vehicle.
Image alt text: Interior shot of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring, highlighting the luxurious cabin, digital displays, and sporty seats.
The luxurious interior further reinforces its daily driver credentials. While personal preferences on ergonomics, like those found in the BMW i5, may vary, the overall ambiance is undeniably premium and driver-focused.
Touring Poised to Outshine the Sedan
While a sedan version of the new M5 is also available, the M5 Touring makes a significantly stronger visual statement. The wagon’s rear design effectively conceals its bulk, presenting a more cohesive and athletic profile. In contrast, the sedan can appear somewhat bloated and less visually appealing, particularly when viewed alongside the Touring. This sentiment was echoed by many at the unveiling event, suggesting the M5 Touring’s design resonates more strongly with enthusiasts.
Image alt text: Rear view of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring, emphasizing its wide rear fenders, quad exhaust pipes, and modern taillight design.
This visual preference leads to a prediction: the M5 Touring is likely to outsell the sedan variant, potentially by a considerable margin. The blend of performance, practicality, and distinctive styling gives the Touring a unique edge in the market.
A Compelling Value Proposition
The new generation M5 Touring arrives with a significantly enhanced standard equipment list. The previous F90 M5 started around $106,000, but optioning it to desired specifications could easily push the price beyond $140,000. BMW has adopted a different strategy for the G9X generation. The M5 sedan starts at $119,500, and the M5 Touring is only marginally more at $121,500. While the base price represents a jump from the previous generation, the increase is justified by the substantial upgrades and added features.
Image alt text: Close-up of the front grille and headlight of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring, highlighting the aggressive front fascia and BMW’s signature kidney grille design.
Considering the inclusion of hybrid technology, a comprehensive suite of standard features, limited package options, and the absence of a separate “Competition” model (at least initially), the M5 Touring offers exceptional value. The minimal price difference between the Touring and sedan versions further incentivizes choosing the more versatile and visually appealing wagon. In lease or purchase scenarios, the Touring represents a negligible monthly increase, making it an even more attractive proposition for families and individuals seeking a high-performance, practical vehicle.
The Silent Side of Performance
Image alt text: BMW logo on the front fender of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring, with a focus on the subtle “M Hybrid” badge indicating its hybrid powertrain.
One of the initially peculiar aspects of the new M5 Touring is its near-silent operation in electric mode. Observing the M5s maneuvering at the event, the prominent sound was the electric reverse chime, a stark contrast to the roar typically associated with M cars. While some might miss the visceral sound of a traditional performance engine, the silent EV mode offers a different kind of appeal, especially for daily driving in urban environments.
For those who crave the V8 soundtrack, it’s highly likely that engaging Sport mode will awaken the combustion engine, delivering the expected M car auditory experience. The ability to silently depart in the early morning, respecting neighborhood tranquility, while still having access to a powerful V8 when desired, presents a compelling duality.
Hoping for a Bright Future for Wagons
The BMW XM, sharing a similar powertrain with the M5, has reportedly faced slow sales. However, the M5 Touring is fundamentally different. It carries the prestigious M5 badge and caters to a segment that traditionally appreciates wagon practicality combined with performance. Expectations are higher for the M5 Touring to resonate with buyers more effectively than the XM.
Despite being a hybrid M car, a concept that might still be met with some reservations from purists, the M5 Touring taps into the long-standing appeal of performance wagons. Should sales figures not meet expectations, it’s crucial that BMW recognizes the body style’s inherent desirability and separates any potential market resistance from the wagon concept itself. The enthusiasm for a performance wagon is undeniable.
The M5 Touring: The Wagon We Need
The 2025 BMW M5 Touring generated significant excitement at its unveiling. It drew crowds of genuinely enthusiastic onlookers, thrilled to witness the return of the M5 wagon after a long hiatus. There’s a palpable demand for this type of vehicle, bridging the gap between high performance and everyday usability.
However, a lingering sentiment persists: while the M5 Touring is undoubtedly desirable, many enthusiasts truly yearn for an M3 Touring. Conversations with numerous G80 M3 owners reveal a strong preference for an M3 wagon over another sedan. This isn’t mere lip service; it reflects a genuine desire from a market segment with the purchasing power to make it a reality.
Image alt text: BMW M badge on the rear of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring, signifying its high-performance M division pedigree.
While the M3 Touring might remain elusive for the US market, the 2025 BMW M5 Touring represents a significant step in the right direction. It’s a compelling offering that blends exhilarating performance with everyday practicality in a stylish wagon format. If you’re considering a performance vehicle that can truly do it all, the M5 Touring deserves serious consideration. Let’s hope its success paves the way for even more performance wagons in the future and keeps the spirit of practical performance alive.
Special thanks to Lou Cortez at BMW NA for the opportunity to experience the 2025 BMW M5 Touring.
Image alt text: Dynamic shot of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring from a low angle, emphasizing its sporty stance and wheel design.
Image alt text: Detail shot of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring’s headlight and front fender, showcasing the car’s design details and paint finish.
