In a world pummeled by skyrocketing fuel prices, BMW has proven two things with its M5 Touring. The first is that performance hybrids are a game changer, while the second is that nothing kicks arse better than a go-fast wagon.
It arrives with zero interest in subtlety, pairing supercar‑grade hybrid power with genuine everyday practicality. It’s the most potent 5 Series wagon ever built, and BMW M has engineered it to behave like one of its full‑fat performance flagships.
Offering the added bonus of having room for the kids pushbikes, golf clubs or the weekly shop, it’s powered by an M Hybrid system that pairs a 4.4-litre M TwinPower turbocharged V8 and an electric motor.
For a little over $285,000 drive away, you get a powertrain that delivers 535kW and 1000Nm (no that’s not a typo), allowing this Touring beast to sprint to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds. Thanks to that aforementioned hybrid setup, it has up to 65km of EV-only range too.
Outputting a maximum of 145kW/280Nm the electric component enhances the overall driving experience, virtually eliminating lag and delivering instant torque. It sits atop an M xDrive all-wheel drive system.
If all that doesn’t sound insane enough, the M5 Touring comes with boost control for when you have a Star Trek Enterprise moment and need more power. When fitted with the M Driver’s package (which our test vehicle was), you can haul your way to 305km/h.
The combination of internal combustion and electric power delivers around 10.5-litres/100km in real world testing, while highway trips will get you as low as 7.8-litres. Noise, and there’s plenty of it if you want it, is routed through an M Sport exhaust with flap control.
That said, BMW has implemented a sound enhancement for Sport and Sport Plus mode. There are multiple hybrid delivery options too, including Electric, Dynamic and Dynamic Plus. Our test vehicle was draped in M Marina Bay Blue metallic paint.
Riding on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear M light alloy wheels in a double-spoke style (951 M Black for the technical folk), the M5 Touring features an illuminated kidney grille and redesigned double light signature LED headlights.
Flared arches and widened side panels are joined by a black rear spoiler, and a two-art diffuser that frames quad tailpipes. It’s an attractive beast, turning heads wherever we took it across the NSW Central Coast and northern Sydney.
Inside, you’ll find a bevy of M stuff, including multifunction seats with extensive adjustment and heating, a steering wheel with a red 12-o’clock marker and the traditional M1 and M2 buttons for engaging “angry (or spirited if you prefer)” mode.
An M-specific centre console features a red Start button and dedicated M controls, while there’s an ambient lighting package that includes a themed start up sequence. You also get a panoramic glass sunroof, and 500-litres of boot capacity.
That expands to 1,630-litres when the second row is folded. Technology comes in the form of a full colour, extra large, head-up display, and a 4.9-inch touchscreen infotainment setup running the latest version of BMW’s operating system.
It extends across to a 12.9-inch driver screen. Devices can be charged wirelessly upfront, or via USB-C ports that can be found both front and rear. Second row seating offers plenty of leg and head room for adults and kids alike – thanks to its large wheelbase.
Dimensionally, it spans 5096mm in length, 1970mm in wide and sits 1516mm high. Driving assistant professional includes lane keeping, distance control up to 210km/h and stop-and-go capability, while parking assistant professional delivers self-parking.
You can gain access via BMW digital key plus, which lets you open doors with your smartphone or smartwatch access. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto deliver tunes through an outstanding 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
On the road, adaptive M suspension with electric damper adjustability, combined with the 4-wheel-steering system delivers ridiculously good turn in, and cornering stability, as well as incredible exit pace, with virtually no slip. The latter is thanks to the impressive xDrive setup.
It’s a car so good that we used it as the chase vehicle for a pursuit-style short film alongside the 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish. The BMW was up to the task of chasing down the twin-turbo V12, offering better handling and ride comfort.
On the latter, in any mode other than Comfort, the body feels stiff, as you would expect from a high performance wagon, but at no point is it genuinely uncomfortable. We will say that in the more track focused drive modes, it does struggle to get the power down if you punch it.
Safety tech, a suite which BMW is renowned for, includes front and rear cross traffic alert, collision avoidance, autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. A 360-degree surround view camera, lane departure and speed sign recognition are standard.
It’s offered in 10 colours, including two BMW Individual options, with four interior trim combinations available. You can opt for Fire Red metallic, M Isle of Man Green metallic and Sophisto Grey brilliant effect metallic (a personal favourite), among others.
You can find out more on the BMW Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by BMW Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
