World Debut: The BMW M5 Touring is Here and Coming to North America
by 
The wait is over. BMW is releasing a full M wagon in the US for the first time. BMW M5 Touring not only delivers that sexy wagon aesthetic, it also produces a staggering 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque thanks to a hybrid V8. It may be heavier and bigger than some of us might want, but this is a true M5 Touring and it’s coming to America. Here are the details.
Before we began we have to speak about the elephant in the room: weight. The M5 Touring, like the M5 sedan is a heavyweight with coming in at 5,530 lbs. That’s actually heavier than the 5,498 lbs the X5 M Competition weighs. Why? The hybrid system is the biggest culprit. But the 5 Series itself has grown substantially and is now tue size of a 7 series from just a few years ago.
BMW M first introduced a Touring variant with the second generation M5 sedan in 1992. The new M5 Touring is only the third such variant in the 40-year history of the M5 and will be available in North America for the first time. It will debut at Pebble Beach Automotive Week on August 15 and will be produced alongside the new M5 sedan at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The global launch is set for the fourth quarter of 2024.
The front end of the M5 Touring features a newly designed BMW M kidney grille, with the “M5” badge prominently displayed. The grille also houses sensors for driver assistance systems and small air intakes for optimal cooling. The front apron includes a central lower air intake, split by a central partition, adding a race-inspired touch. Triangular side air intakes emphasize the vehicle’s wide stance, while M Shadowline Lights with Full LED Headlights contribute to a modern appearance.
Athletic Silhouette and Dynamic Design Elements
The new BMW M5 Touring’s side profile highlights its distinctive character with an extended roofline and a subtle roof spoiler. The rear of the vehicle narrows, creating a pronounced shoulder area emphasized by the flared wheel arches. A character line runs above the flush door handles, continuing to the rear lights, adding a touch of refinement to the silhouette. The body-colored side skirts contribute to a lean and athletic appearance, while the lowered body and extended front and rear aprons accentuate the car’s bold proportions. Black high-gloss M exterior mirror caps, designed for aerodynamic efficiency, complete the look.
Bold Rear Design with Functional Aerodynamics
The rear of the BMW M5 Touring features large surfaces that emphasize its wide and powerful stance. Prominent rear wheel arches, slim rear lights, and vertical reflectors at the outer edges highlight the vehicle’s breadth. A two-part diffuser, along with the roof spoiler, aids in optimizing aerodynamics and enhancing traction. The familiar M quad exhaust tailpipes, finished in Black Chrome, are integrated into the rear apron, further enhancing the vehicle’s performance-oriented design.
M Alloy Wheels with Staggered Dimensions
The M5 Touring is equipped with bi-color M double-spoke alloy wheels, Style 951M, with staggered dimensions—20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear. These wheels, paired with 285/40 ZR20 tires at the front and 295/35 ZR21 tires at the rear, provide excellent cornering stability, precise steering, and outstanding traction, even during aggressive driving. The Style 951M wheels are also available in Jet Black, with options for performance or high-performance tires. An alternative M double-spoke wheel, Style 952M, is available in a bi-color finish and comes fitted with performance tires.
Exterior Colors and Customization Options
The BMW M5 Touring offers a selection of ten exterior paint shades, including exclusive M colors like Isle of Man Green metallic and Marina Bay Blue metallic. Additionally, a wide range of BMW Individual special order paint finishes is available from the start, allowing customers to personalize their vehicle.
Powertrain and Performance
The BMW M5 Touring, the first of its kind in the U.S. market, features an electrified powertrain. The M Hybrid system combines a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. This combination delivers a total output of 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, ensuring both impressive performance and improved efficiency, with the capability for all-electric driving.
The M5 Touring can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.5 seconds and reach 124 mph in approximately 11.1 seconds. The vehicle’s hybrid system provides additional flexibility, reflected in a 50-75 mph time of 3.1 seconds in fifth gear. The top speed is limited to 155 mph but can be increased to 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package. The electric motor also supports all-electric driving at speeds up to 87 mph, with an estimated range of up to 25 miles on a full charge.
V8 Engine with Advanced Technology
Under the hood, the new BMW M5 Touring houses a 4.4-liter V8 engine, featuring the latest M TwinPower Turbo technology. This includes twin-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing, and an improved version of VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, which reduces internal friction and allows for energy recuperation. The engine delivers 577 hp between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 5,400 rpm, with a rev limit of 7,200 rpm.
Electric Motor with Immediate Response and High Torque
The M Hybrid system’s electric motor is seamlessly integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, along with its power electronics, in a design that optimizes both weight and space. This fifth-generation synchronous motor delivers power instantly when the accelerator is pressed, a characteristic typical of electric motors. It adds up to 194 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque to the system’s total output.
With the help of a patented pre-gearing stage, the motor’s nominal torque is amplified to an effective 332 lb-ft at the transmission input. This innovation allows the compact electric motor to generate the kind of propulsive power usually expected from a much larger unit.
The M Sound system provides an auditory experience that matches the motor’s power delivery. This M-specific sound responds intuitively to accelerator movements, both when driving in electric mode and when the V8 engine is engaged.
High-Voltage Battery and Intelligent Energy Management
The high-voltage battery in the new BMW M5 Touring, also part of the latest BMW eDrive technology, is positioned in the vehicle’s underbody, contributing to a low center of gravity and enhancing handling. The lithium-ion battery offers 14.8 kWh of usable energy, ensuring a good balance between performance and efficiency.
The M Hybrid system’s power electronics manage the seamless interaction between the engine and electric motor, providing an electric boost during acceleration and reducing fuel consumption under steady driving conditions.
The Combined Charging Unit supports AC charging at up to 11 kW and manages the flow of electricity, both when charging the battery and when supplying power to the electric motor. It also functions as a voltage transformer for the 12V electrical system. The system includes predictive heat management to optimize charging times by adjusting the battery’s temperature based on various factors like outside temperature and driving conditions.
Additionally, the charging socket features a sensor that monitors the temperature at the plug contacts, offering an early warning of potential overheating.
Cooling System and Powertrain Mounting
The cooling system in the new BMW M5 Touring is designed to meet the demands of both daily driving and track use. Large air intakes at the front ensure a consistent supply of cool air, while heat exchangers and an integrated temperature control system maintain optimal operating conditions for the combustion engine, transmission, electric motor, and high-voltage battery.
A specific, highly rigid powertrain mounting enhances the Touring’s performance, contributing to the car’s responsive handling and precise cornering.
8-Speed M Steptronic Transmission with Advanced Features
The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic manages the power from both the combustion engine and electric motor, adapting to enhance efficiency, comfort, or performance as needed. The transmission’s shift characteristics can be adjusted via the Drivelogic settings in the M Setup menu, offering three distinct modes that range from comfort-focused to highly dynamic.
The Boost Control function enables a rapid burst of speed between 20 and 90 mph. Holding the left-hand shift paddle for more than one second engages this function, alerting the driver via the information display. When the accelerator is pressed, the M5 responds with immediate and powerful acceleration.
Five Operating Modes for Optimal Setup
The BMW M5 Touring’s M Hybrid system allows drivers to adjust the interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor through a selection of operating modes. These modes can be accessed via the M HYBRID button on the center console and viewed on the control display. Three driving modes come standard, with two additional modes available as options.
In the default HYBRID mode, the system utilizes the combined output of both the combustion engine and electric motor. The balance between the two power sources depends on the configuration selected from the M Setup menu. The Comfort setting prioritizes electric motor use, enhancing efficiency. If the battery charge is low, the engine increases its load to recharge the battery, ensuring full power availability. In Sport and Sport Plus modes, the combustion engine remains active.
ELECTRIC mode is designed for emission-free driving, engaging the V8 engine only when the accelerator is pushed hard or when manual transmission mode is selected. The eCONTROL setting maintains or increases battery charge during a journey, preserving energy for later use in urban environments, for example.
For those who opt for M Drive Professional, DYNAMIC and DYNAMIC PLUS modes are added. These modes engage both the combustion engine and electric motor, with the cooling system conditioned for track use. DYNAMIC mode maintains high performance over sustained periods, while DYNAMIC PLUS mode briefly unleashes the system’s full power, ideal for circuit driving.
Power Distribution with M xDrive and Active M Differential
The M Hybrid system’s power is distributed through the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch for variable power distribution between the front and rear wheels. The latest transfer case is more efficient, lighter, and better at controlling oil levels and cooling. It also has increased torque capacity to handle the powerful M5 Touring drive system.
Drivers can adjust the M xDrive system via the M Setup menu, with options including the default 4WD setting, 4WD Sport mode with a rear-biased setup, and 2WD mode for rear-wheel drive. The 2WD mode is only available when DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is fully deactivated, providing an unfiltered performance experience, particularly for track driving.
The Active M Differential works in tandem with M xDrive, adjusting power distribution between the rear wheels to enhance traction, agility, and stability. It also improves dynamic cornering by shifting power to the outside wheel, reducing understeer without brake intervention. Both systems are integrated with the vehicle’s central dynamics management.
Chassis and Driving Experience
The new BMW M5 Touring offers a versatile driving experience, combining dynamic performance with everyday usability and long-distance comfort. Contributing factors include a long wheelbase, wide tracks, low center of gravity, nearly 50:50 weight distribution, and a rigid body structure with enhanced aerodynamics. The chassis technology has been carefully tuned to complement the M Hybrid system.
Stiff Body Structure with M-Specific Bracing
The body structure of the M5 Touring is reinforced with M-specific bracing elements that increase stiffness. At the front, a shear panel connects the spring strut towers with the bulkhead, along with tower-to-front end struts. Additional bracing elements are located in the center and rear sections of the engine compartment.
The rear features underfloor bracing elements, including a cross-bar and shear panel, as well as reinforcements for the luggage compartment. The mountings connecting the chassis to the body and the steering to the front axle subframe are also exceptionally rigid.
Advanced Chassis Technology
The M5 Touring’s chassis technology is designed for both dynamic handling and long-distance comfort. The double-wishbone front axle enhances rigidity and reduces unsprung mass with aluminum components. The rear axle, also M-specific, uses innovative sheet-steel construction and aluminum to reduce weight. The result is improved straight-line stability, load-change characteristics, and precise steering behavior.
M Servotronic Steering and Integral Active Steering
M Servotronic steering combines speed-sensitive power assistance with a variable steering ratio, offering precise turn-in and easy maneuvering at low speeds. The steering system is rigidly connected to the front axle subframe for optimal road feedback. Drivers can choose between comfort-focused or sporty steering settings in the M Setup menu.
Integral Active Steering, standard on the M5 Touring, allows the rear wheels to turn slightly, reducing the turning circle at low speeds and enhancing stability and cornering at higher speeds. The system also assists with directional stability and agility in dynamic driving situations.
Adaptive M Suspension
The M5 Touring features Adaptive M suspension, which uses electronically controlled dampers to optimize road contact, reduce body roll, and improve comfort. The suspension adapts to driving conditions, absorbing bumps smoothly while maintaining connection to the road. The damper forces can be adjusted via the M Setup menu, with Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus modes offering different levels of suspension firmness.
Integrated Braking System with Optional M Carbon Ceramic Brakes
The integrated braking system combines brake activation, booster, and control functions into a single module, using an electric actuator for precise pressure generation. Standard M Compound brakes or optional M Carbon ceramic brakes handle stopping power. The M Carbon ceramic brakes are lighter, offer stronger braking performance, and are more resistant to wear, making them ideal for high-performance driving.
Refined Networking for Improved Dynamics and Control
The BMW M5 Touring introduces an integrated braking system that enhances the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) functions. By integrating the braking control function into the system’s central module, the precision of corrective inputs has been improved. This integration also benefits systems like the anti-lock brakes (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and stability controls that help manage oversteer and understeer. Additionally, the Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), Brake Assist, Dry Braking function, Start-Off Assistant, and Automatic Hold functions all see improvements.
The new M5 Touring is equipped with near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology, which provides sensitive control during acceleration on challenging surfaces, such as wet, icy, or uneven roads. By integrating this traction control directly with the engine management, response times are significantly faster—up to ten times quicker than traditional systems. This rapid response reduces the need for the DSC system to frequently intervene with individual brake applications, leading to smoother handling, particularly during hard acceleration or cornering.
This technology is networked with the central dynamics management, which also coordinates Performance Control, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the Active M Differential, and steering control systems. This coordinated approach ensures that the driving experience remains consistent and controlled across various driving conditions.
Driver Assistance Systems with Configurable Features
The BMW M5 Touring comes equipped with a range of standard and optional driver assistance systems, all of which benefit from the improved integrated braking system and networked dynamics management.
Standard systems include Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assistant, Speed Limit Info, and the Driving Assistant package with Active Blind Spot Detection and Speed Limit Assistant. The Parking Assistant, now a standard feature, includes Backup Assistant, Active Park Distance Control, and Lateral Parking Assistant.
For those seeking additional features, the optional Driving Assistant Professional package offers advanced functions like Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Protection and Distance Control for highway driving. At lower speeds, the Traffic Jam Assistant allows for hands-free driving in congested conditions on limited-access highways.
Drivers can configure these assistance systems through the M Mode button on the center console. In Sport mode, most system interventions are minimized, except for critical functions like Forward Collision Mitigation and Evasion Assistant, leaving the driver in control while receiving essential warnings. For track enthusiasts, the optional M Drive Professional offers a Track mode, which fully deactivates the driver assistance systems for an unfiltered driving experience.
Interior Design and Features
The BMW M5 Touring’s interior is designed to provide a focused driving experience, combining the M-specific operating concept with a premium ambiance. The cabin features modern design elements, high-quality materials, and luxurious equipment, all contributing to the vehicle’s versatile sports-car character.
M Leather Steering Wheel and Control Layout
The latest M leather steering wheel includes multifunction buttons, two programmable M buttons, and gearshift paddles for manual gear selection. The three-spoke design, red center marker, and BMW M tricolor stitching add to its sporty feel. Steering wheel heating is standard.
The control panel on the center console features a red start/stop button, a redesigned gear selector, the BMW iDrive Controller, and various M-specific buttons for system settings. The setup options allow for personalized adjustments to the drive system, transmission, suspension, steering, braking, and M xDrive.
Comfort and Support with M Multifunction Seats
The M Multifunction Seats, available in several Extended Merino Leather color options, offer both comfort and support for long journeys. Starting in Spring 2025, customers can choose BMW Individual Full Merino Metallic leather trim, which features a unique finish that changes appearance with light exposure, creating a distinctive interior atmosphere.
Interior Lighting and Ambient Atmosphere
The interior lighting package includes Welcome Animation in BMW M tricolor, lighting for the smartphone tray, and ambient lighting that varies according to the selected M Mode. The BMW Interaction Bar, integrated into the instrument panel, provides control surfaces for various settings while adding a crystalline, modern touch to the cabin.
Standard Equipment and Panoramic Roof
The BMW M5 Touring offers a premium experience with standard features like the Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System and the Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof. The panoramic roof extends from the front to the rear, enhancing the interior’s light and space, while Black high-gloss roof trim adds to the vehicle’s elegant exterior appearance.
2025 BMW M5 Touring Gallery
2025 BMW M5 Touring Specifications
| 2025 BMW M5 Touring | |||
| Body | |||
| No. of doors/seats | 5 / 5 | ||
| Length / Width / Height (in) | 200.6 / 77.6 / 59.7 | ||
| Wheelbase (in) | 118.3 | ||
| Track, front / rear (in) | 66.3 / 65.4 | ||
| Turning circle (ft) | 41.3 | ||
| Fuel tank capacity (gal) | 15.9 | ||
| Curb weight (lbs) | 5,530 (preliminary estimate) | ||
| Luggage capacity (cu ft) | 17.7-57.6 (preliminary estimate) | ||
| Engine | |||
| Config. / no. cylinders / valves | V / 8 / 32 | ||
| Engine technology | M TwinPower Turbo technology with cross-bank exhaust manifold: two M TwinScroll turbochargers, indirect charge air cooling, High Precision Injection (max. injection pressure: 350 bar), VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing | ||
| Capacity (cc) | 4,395 | ||
| Stroke / bore (mm) | 89.0 / 88.3 | ||
| Compression ratio (:1) | 10.5 | ||
| Output @ rpm (hp) | 577 @ 5,600-6,500 | ||
| Torque @ rpm (lb-ft) | 553 @ 1,800-5,400 | ||
| Electric Motor | |||
| Motor technology | BMW eDrive technology: permanently excited synchronous electric motor with pre-gearing, integrated into eight-speed M Steptronic transmission; generator function for recuperating energy for the high-voltage battery | ||
| Max. output (hp) | 194 | ||
| Max torque (lb-ft) | 207 | ||
| System Power | |||
| Max sys. output (hp @ rpm) | 717 @ 5,600-6,500 | ||
| Max sys. torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 738 @ 1,800-5,400 | ||
| High-voltage Battery | |||
| Storage technology / installation | Lithium-ion / Underfloor | ||
| Voltage (V) | 347.5 | ||
| Useable energy capacity (kWh) | 14.8 | ||
| Max. charging rate (kW) | 11.0 | ||
| Driving Dynamics and Safety | |||
| Suspension, front | Adaptive M suspension with double-wishbone axle in lightweight aluminium construction, M-specific kinematics and elastokinematics | ||
| Suspension, rear | Adaptive M suspension with five-link axle in lightweight aluminium/steel construction, M-specific kinematics and elastokinematics | ||
| Brakes, front | Vented disc with six-piston fixed calipers | ||
| Brakes, rear | Vented disc with single-piston floating calipers | ||
| Driving stability systems | DSC incl. ABS and M Dynamic Mode (MDM), can be switched off; near-actuator wheel slip limitation, CBC (Cornering Brake Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control), Performance Control, Dry Braking function, drive-off assistant, M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and Active M Differential networked with DSC | ||
| Safety equipment | Standard: airbags for driver and front passenger, side airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags for front and rear seats, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts on all seats with belt stopper, belt tensioner and belt force limiter in the front, crash sensors, tire pressure indicator | ||
| Steering | Electric Power Steering (EPS) with M Servotronic; Integral Active Steering | ||
| Steering ratio overall (:1) | 14.2 | ||
| Tires front / rear | 285/40 ZR20 111Y XL / 295/35 ZR21 110Y XL | ||
| Rims, front / rear (in) | 10.5J x 20 / 11.0J x 21 | ||
| Transmission | |||
| Type | 8-speed M STEPTRONIC transmission | ||
| Gear ratios | I | :1 | 5.00 |
| II | :1 | 3.20 | |
| III | :1 | 2.14 | |
| IV | :1 | 1.72 | |
| V | :1 | 1.30 | |
| VI | :1 | 1.00 | |
| VII | :1 | 0.83 | |
| VIII | :1 | 0.64 | |
| R | :1 | 3.97 | |
| Final Drive | :1 | 3.31 | |
| Performance | |||
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (sec) | 3.5 (est.) | ||
| Acceleration 0-124 mph (sec) | 11.1 (est.) | ||
| Top Speed (mph) | 155 (190 w/ opt. M Driver’s Package) | ||