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“This new M5 will offer some stiff premium high-performance competition to the current crop of performance wagons such as the Audi RS 6 Avant, Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, and Mercedes-Benz with its E-Class AMG.”
So, what is the hype around the new 2025 BMW M5 Touring? The iconic BMW M5 is traditionally the highest performance package of the 5-series sedan, complete with fire-breathing engines, blistering straight-line performance, and tuned handling that can match a Porsche. But the M5 is big, roomy, practical, has four doors, and comfortably seats five. Its off-the-radar stealth looks also mean it goes undercover—only the discreet M badge shows how special it is.
The BMW 5 Series is now in its eighth generation for 2024/5, and BMW says the new version will start with the 530i xDrive model. This model uses a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system, making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Also slated to arrive are the all- electric 2025 BMW i5 xDrive40 and the 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
However, the biggest news for M fans is the expected arrival of the new high-performance 2025 BMW M5 Touring wagon with a hybrid drivetrain. The new wagon is still undergoing testing in Germany, and production will begin in the fourth quarter of 2024.
As for the specifications, preliminary information and reports reveal a sleek new look with BMW DNA imprinted all over the sheet metal. It’s all there—the sleek side profile and comprehensive hunched looks, the aggressive front and rear fascias, roof spoiler, rear diffuser panel, and optimal big 22-inch wheels with large high-performance brakes. The next-generation M5 also introduces rear-wheel steering, larger brakes, and as much performance, handling, and optional equipment as BMW engineers can stuff into it.
It is under the skin where the M5 will count—Like the future BMW M5 Sedan, the next M5 Touring will feature M Hybrid drivetrain closely related to the one found in the BMW M Hybrid V8 GTP race car. The engine is expected to produce around 644 hp in the base model and from 718 to 790 horsepower in the specially tuned M versions, including the wagons. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 will produce a maximum of 577 horsepower, while the electric motor will make up to 194 hp. The M5 will use an 18.6 kWh battery pack offering around 60 miles in EV mode up to a maximum speed of 87 mph.
The BMW M5 will offer all the latest technology, high-spec interiors, and equipment. There will be a large curved, fully digital dash display, infotainment, connectivity hub, heated-and-ventilated seats, customizable ambient lighting, and touch and gesture control operations currently in vogue. BMW’s latest iDrive eight control system software is also expected. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available with wireless smartphone charging, Sirius XM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium audio system. Various convenience, luxury, and premium safety packages will likely be available.
An even more powerful BMW M5 Competition trim may be offered to add some icing on the cake. This version will amp up the performance with specialized equipment such as a rear-wheel-steering system, adaptive dampers, staggered wheel-and-tire packages, and other handling and engine power-boosting goodies.
The current generation is the first to have all-wheel drive and the first not to offer a manual transmission, which may upset some BMW purists; however, the M Performance package will still offer blistering acceleration, performance, and luxury in a sublime, stealthy package.
The M5 Touring will include an eye-watering price and limited availability. However, the wagon’s body style will be rare and attract attention, and people will figure out that the M5 wagon is special. This new M5 will offer stiff, premium, high-performance competition to the current crop of performance wagons such as the Audi RS 6 Avant, Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, and Mercedes-Benz with its E-Class AMG. BMW says the M5 Touring wagon will be available in late 2024. There are no official indications of Canadian pricing for the model, but it is expected to start at over $190,000.
Sources: BMW Canada, BMW Press Club. Photo credits: BMW
