2025 BMW M5 Touring Plug-In Hybrid with 717 hp, priced at $122,675

BMW has added the new M5 Touring Wagon to its June launch of the new M5 sedan, which was unveiled Thursday at the 2024 Monterey Car Week. [The sedan starts at $120,675 and the wagon comes with a $2,000 premium. Both include a $1,175 destination charge.

The M5 Touring has existed before, but this is the first generation offered in the US.

BMW has no surprises in the design of the latest M5 Touring. The design is nearly identical to the sedan from the front to around the C-pillar, after which the roof flattens out toward the rear of the vehicle. This results in more storage space in the rear, which BMW claims is 17.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 57.6 cubic feet when folded flat.

Both body styles have the same overall length and wheelbase, 200.6 inches and 118.3 inches, respectively, but there is a slight weight penalty for the wagon; the BMW's vehicle weight is 5,530 pounds, compared to 5,390 pounds for the sedan. Since both are heavyweights, the difference is minimal. We are talking weight numbers like EVs and full-size SUVs.

Much of the weight increase is due to the plug-in hybrid component of the powertrain. It uses the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 as the previous generation M5 and combines it with one electric motor integrated with the transmission's 8-speed automatic; according to BMW, the combination delivers a total of 717 hp and, with the 14.8 kwh on-board battery, a total of about 25 miles of pure electric range, according to the company.

An all-wheel drive system is standard; BMW says this system is lighter and more efficient than the one found in the previous M5; this rear bias can be further adjusted by selecting the 4WD Sport mode. For those who prefer rear driving dynamics, a rear-wheel drive mode can also be selected, although only with stability control turned off.

Performance, at least in a straight line, is not surprising; BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds (3.4 seconds for the sedan) and a top speed of 155 mph (standard) and 190 mph (optional) with the M Driver's Package.

To stop this big beast, BMW uses six-piston brake calipers with 16.1-inch rotors tightening at the front and single-piston floating calipers with 15.7-inch rotors at the rear. These are housed in 20-inch wheels and 285/40-size tires at the front and 21-inch wheels and 295/35-size tires at the rear. Carbon ceramic brakes are also available, which contribute to a weight reduction of about 55 pounds and provide powerful braking power.

The interior features several elements unique to the M5, including a digital meter cluster, infotainment system, head-up display graphics, ambient lighting package, and various trim options. Several premium features are also standard, including an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a long panoramic roof with electronic roller blinds.

When the M5 Touring hits showrooms, it won't have much direct competition. Mercedes-Benz AMG no longer offers the E 63 wagon, and Audi's current RS 6 Avant is about to be discontinued. However, a direct successor to the RS 6 Avant (possibly badged RS 7 Avant) is planned.

BMW also offers the M3 Touring, which debuted in 2022 with 503 hp but was not sold in the US