2026 BMW M5 Touring – The Ultimate Enthusiast Family Car?
For more than 40 years, if you were a driving enthusiast looking to get out of an impractical sports car, the BMW M5 was the perfect replacement. It had space for your family, luggage, and yet never compromised on driving fun, especially on twisty roads.
Last year, BMW introduced an all new 7th generation M5, built on the latest 5 Series platform. And this time, BMW shocked everyone:
Every version is now a plug in hybrid twin turbo V8.
The result is massive power and massive weight.
The bigger surprise. The M5 is now available as a wagon.
Meet the 2026 BMW M5 Touring, the family dream car for driving enthusiasts.
Powertrain and Performance
BMW did not downsize. They electrified.
Under the hood sits a 4.4 liter twin turbo V8 (DOHC, direct injection, Double VANOS variable valve timing).
Between the engine and the 8 speed ZF automatic transmission is an electric motor powered by a 14.8 kWh battery. Electric only driving range is approximately 25 miles.
Output Figures
| Component | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| V8 Engine | 577 hp | 553 lb ft |
| Electric Motor | 194 hp | 207 lb ft |
| Combined | 717 hp | 738 lb ft |
Power goes to all four wheels using BMW’s M xDrive AWD system, with the ability to disconnect the front differential.
You can still do smoky burnouts and drifts.
Performance:
0 to 60 mph: 3.4 sec
Top speed: 190 mph (with Driver’s Package)
Weight:
Just over 5,500 lbs, nearly 1,200 lbs heavier than the previous M5
About 100 lbs heavier than the new M5 sedan and similar to RS6 Avant and AMG E53 Wagon
Fuel Economy:
11 city / 17 highway / 13 combined (with empty battery)
Up to 54 MPGe with EV assistance
16 gallon tank, approximately 250 miles total driving range
BMW probably could not fit a larger tank due to hybrid packaging.
Exterior Design
This generation M5 grows significantly in dimensions:
Wheelbase: 118.3 inches
Length: 200.6 inches (same as sedan, 5 inches longer than previous gen)
Width: 77.6 inches (almost 3 inches wider than before)
Height: Slightly taller due to raised floor for battery
Paint featured: Laguna Seca Blue Individual.
Design highlights:
Updated gloss black illuminated kidney grille
Functional cooling vents
Slim LED headlights with sequential turn indicators
Black roof rails and panoramic fixed glass roof (with shade)
21 inch rear and 20 inch front wheels
Optional carbon ceramic brakes
Tire sizes:
Front: 285/40 R20
Rear: 295/35 R21
Rear axle steering (1.5 degrees) helps maneuverability.
At the back:
Minimal badging with clean M5 emblem
LED taillights from sedan
Quad black chrome exhaust tips
Exhaust note: deeper and angrier than the AMG E53 inline 6.
Interior and Features
Unlocking happens automatically with walk up welcome sensing. Flush handles improve aerodynamics.
Test car interior: Two tone Taupe and Lagoon Full Merino Leather
This upholstery is standard, not an extra cost option.
Interior highlights:
14 way power front seats
Heated and ventilated seats (ventilation with Executive Package)
Illuminated M5 logos on seatbacks
Bowers & Wilkins 18 speaker premium audio (standard)
Genuine carbon fiber trim
iDrive 8.5 with dual curved integrated displays:
12.3 inch driver cluster
14.9 inch touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OTA updates.
Head up display included.
Missing features:
No massaging seats
No soft close doors
Cup holders are not heated or cooled
Drive modes selectable through M1 and M2 steering wheel buttons:
Road
Sport
Track (simplifies displays and turns off interior lights)
Rear seat area:
Manual sunshades
Quad zone climate control
Illuminated speaker grilles
Seats do not recline
Panoramic roof adds light but does not open to vent air.
Build quality is excellent with premium materials and no rattles.
Cargo Space
Sedan trunk capacity: 16.5 cubic feet.
M5 Touring cargo area:
27.2 cubic feet with seats up
67 cubic feet with seats down
That rivals midsize SUVs.
Storage space includes side compartments and under floor area.
Seats fold nearly flat for large luggage.
Driving Experience
From behind the wheel, the 2026 BMW M5 Touring continues the M car formula even though it is now a plug in hybrid with significantly more weight. Every time you start the car, it begins in electric only mode, which keeps things silent and smooth. The V8 starts only when needed or when you press the M1 or M2 buttons on the steering wheel. In Sport modes, the car immediately comes to life with a sharp snarl and burbles from the exhaust. The sound is augmented inside but still feels aggressive.
The electric motor is sandwiched between the V8 and the 8 speed ZF automatic. When both power sources work together, the car delivers a combined 717 hp and 738 lb ft of torque. There is also a Boost mode. Pull and hold the left paddle and it gives full combined output for 20 seconds.
Even at over 5,500 lbs, the M5 Touring hides its weight well.
- Adaptive suspension with M tuning keeps the car flat and controlled.
- Rear wheel steering adds agility even with its limited angle.
- With M xDrive, you can switch between AWD and RWD and the car will drift and do smoky burnouts.
- Optional carbon ceramic brakes provide strong confidence at high speeds.
Acceleration is brutal.
BMW claims 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and it pulls hard at highway speeds.
With the optional Drivers Package, top speed reaches 190 mph.
In everyday driving, the M5 Touring remains comfortable. The seats support long trips and the cabin stays quiet in electric mode. Steering feedback gets sharper in Sport and Track mode. The displays simplify to reduce distractions. The M5 Touring can be a quiet luxury wagon when cruising, yet turn into a performance machine instantly.
Verdict
The 2026 BMW M5 Touring proves that a wagon can be practical and emotional at the same time.
Faster than sports cars
More practical than an SUV
More emotional than any EV crossover
Strengths:
717 hp plug in hybrid V8
67 cubic feet cargo room
Laguna Seca Blue long roof styling
Weaknesses:
Heavy at 5,500 lbs
Fuel tank too small
Missing soft close doors and massage seats
This is easily the most desirable M5 in years.
BMW did not just build a fast wagon.
They built the ultimate family enthusiast car.
