Meet the BMW M5 Touring: The High-Performance Wagon Every Car Enthusiast Has Been Waiting For
BMW, the icon of luxury and performance, has set the automotive world abuzz with its recent announcement at a press event in South Carolina. The highly anticipated M5 Touring (G99) has finally made its U.S. debut, joining the ranks of its sedan counterpart, the M5 Sedan (G90). While the M5 Sedan is making its way to dealerships, the M5 Touring is slated for arrival in early 2025, and production for these powerful wagons started this month. With the launch of the M5 Touring configurator on BMW's U.S. website, enthusiasts can now design their dream performance wagon.
Why the Buzz?
The excitement surrounding the M5 Touring is palpable. U.S. customers have longed for an M5 wagon for decades, and the overwhelming demand now showcases their eagerness. Initial dealer allocation was limited—just one to three per dealer—yet these prized vehicles were snatched up within moments. In fact, many dealerships are now witnessing waitlists that stretch into the dozens, a testament to the intense enthusiasm that has been building for a high-performance wagon in America. After all, the last BMW wagon available was the F31 328i Sports Wagon, and let’s be honest—that wasn’t exactly a heart-thumping ride. This time around, BMW is delivering the most powerful M5 ever: 717 horsepower paired with 737 lb-ft of torque, achieving a thrilling 0-60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds.
Price Tag and Luxury
Are you ready for the numbers? The starting price for the M5 Touring is $121,500. However, as is typical with BMW, the price can escalate quite rapidly with the addition of options. If you wish to go all-out, you could easily hit a staggering $141,775. Here’s a snippet of the breakdown:
- Base price: $121,500
- Paint: Frozen Deep Grey Matte for an extra $3,600
- M Driver’s Package: $2,500
- M Carbon Ceramic Brakes: $8,500
- Executive Package: $1,600
- Driving Assistance Professional Package: $1,700
- M Drive Professional: $900
- Carbon Fiber Interior Trim: $300
- Destination and Handling: $1,175
While a fully loaded Touring comes with a hefty price tag, it offers an appealing value compared to its competitors. Take the Audi RS6 Avant, which can flirt with the $160,000 mark. Even more mind-boggling is its limited-edition GT, priced at around $198,900. Furthermore, while we await the arrival of the next-gen Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon, it’s anticipated to be more expensive than the M5 Touring, especially since prior models started at $122,250.
Unmatched Performance
Both the M5 Touring and Sedan are powered by a formidable 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine, generating an astonishing 717 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse allows the Touring to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, firmly establishing it as one of the fastest wagons on the market. It seamlessly combines the practicality of a wagon with the adrenaline-pumping performance expected of an M car. Modern aesthetics, including bold styling and Individual paint options like Frozen Deep Grey, combined with a technology-rich and sporty interior, ensure the M5 Touring is visually captivating and exhilarating to drive.
One key distinction between the Touring and Sedan models is that the Touring forgoes the carbon fiber roof due to the structural reinforcements required for the wagon architecture. But this minor adjustment hardly detracts from the vehicle’s allure—it gains added versatility, making it even more appealing for those who crave practicality without sacrificing performance.
The Ideal Family-Friendly Performance Car
If you’re in the market for a high-speed, practical vehicle that stands apart from conventional SUVs, the M5 Touring is a superb option. It’s been ages since U.S. drivers had access to an M wagon, as the previous models—the E34 and E61—never made their way stateside. This arrival marks a significant moment for BMW fans and performance enthusiasts alike, as the M5 Touring delivers the excitement of an M car with the utility of a wagon. The long wait has paid off, allowing drivers to take joy in both speed and space—making every drive a thrilling experience.
For those considering this incredible addition to BMW’s lineup, expect to see the M5 Touring rolling into showrooms early in 2025, giving drivers a chance to experience the electrifying blend of performance and practicality.