Ultimate fast family car? The BMW M5 Touring makes a comeback

Fans of fast estate cars rejoice! The BMW M5 Touring has returned for the first time since 2010.

With a prodigious output of 727hp, and ability to carry up to 1,630 litres of luggage, BMW will hope its most extreme estate fulfils the ‘all the car you need’ brief with ease.

BMW has dabbled with Touring versions of the M5 before. It sold an estate version of the E34-generation model between 1992 and 1995. And more recently, an F1-inspired, V10-engined E60 M5 Touring was launched in 2007.

Only 1,025 examples of the previous M5 Touring were sold, which may explain BMW’s delay in building another. However, the brand new M5 estate will be sold in North America for the first time, which is expected to boost demand.

Heavyweight engineering

Developed alongside its saloon counterpart, the 2025 M5 Touring makes use of a hybrid-assisted 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Maximum outputs are 727hp and 738lb ft of torque. 

BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The complete package tips the scales at 2,435kg. 

Accelerating from 0-62mph in the M5 Touring takes 3.6 seconds – 0.1 seconds slower than the saloon. Top speed remains limited to 155mph, or 189mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.

As with the saloon, a tow bar can be specified for the M5 Touring, with the potential to haul braked trailers that weigh up to 2,000kg.

Speed and practicality

For any performance estate car, the key is to combine speed and practicality. And the 2024 M5 looks unlikely to disappoint there. 

Compared to 436 litres in the M5 saloon, the Touring version boasts a luggage capacity of 500 litres with the rear seats in place. Drop these down with a 40:20:40 split, however, and boot space swells to 1,630 litres.

A through-loading facility is fitted as standard, along with a hands-free power-operated tailgate.

As with the BMW M5 saloon, other special features include high-backed M multi-function sports seats, a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system and satellite navigation with augmented reality. 

Order book now open

Following its debut at Monterey Car Week in California, BMW is accepting orders for the M5 Touring now.

Production will begin at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in November this year, with the first deliveries to UK customers expected in early 2025.

UK prices for the BMW M5 Touring start from £113,405 on the road: a £2,000 premium over the four-door M5 saloon. 

M5 Touring buyers will be able to specify a panoramic glass sunroof, along with a host of M Performance parts for extra personalisation.