Quick answer: The 2025 BMW M5 Touring starts at $121,500 (plus a $1,175 destination charge, totaling $122,675), delivering a combined 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque through a plug-in hybrid twin-turbocharged V8 powertrain. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as quick as 3.1 seconds in instrumented tests and offers an EPA-estimated 25 miles of electric-only range.
Key takeaways:
- The plug-in hybrid system pairs a 577-hp V8 engine with a 194-hp electric motor, achieving 717 combined horsepower.
- Standard manufacturer curb weight is 5,530 pounds, which is approximately 600 pounds heavier than the Audi RS6 Avant Performance.
- Cargo volume measures 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Overview: The Historic U.S. Arrival of the G99 Super-Wagon
The arrival of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring (chassis code G99) marks a historic milestone for high-performance automotive enthusiasts in the United States. For the first time, BMW has officially imported its flagship M5 wagon to the American market, directly challenging the Audi RS6 Avant. This introduction satisfies decades of demand from drivers seeking high-performance utility without transitioning to a traditional crossover or SUV.
BMW has taken a distinct technological path for this generation by utilizing a plug-in hybrid architecture. While this adds complex machinery and substantial weight, it enables short-range emissions-free driving alongside high-output performance. This wagon commands a $2,000 premium over its sedan counterpart, offering a versatile body style with a long roofline and a lower load floor than performance crossovers.
Powertrain & Performance: Electrifying M Power
V8 Hybrid Drivetrain: The Best of Both Worlds
The heart of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring is its M Hybrid powertrain. This system pairs a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with an AC electric motor integrated directly into the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The V8 combustion engine produces 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque on its own. The electric motor adds 194 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, drawing energy from a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of 14.8 kWh.
Because the combustion engine and electric motor reach their peak outputs at different points, the system’s combined output is 717 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 738 pound-feet of torque at 1,800 rpm. Power is routed to all four wheels via a rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Charging the battery requires approximately four hours using a 7.4 kW onboard charger connected to a 240V Level 2 source.
Acceleration and Track Performance: Claimed vs. Tested
BMW officially claims a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.5 seconds. However, independent instrumented tests have revealed quicker acceleration. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph sprint of 3.1 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 11.0 seconds at 129 mph. In comparison, MotorTrend tested the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.2 seconds, completing the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 126.1 mph.
The standard configuration limits the wagon to an electronically controlled top speed of 155 mph. Opting for the optional $2,500 M Driver’s Package raises this limit to 190 mph. Braking from 60 to 0 mph requires 105 feet according to MotorTrend’s track testing, while Car and Driver recorded a 112-foot stop.
Curb Weight & Handling Dynamics: The Elephant in the Room
The primary talking point surrounding the G99 generation is its weight. The integration of the hybrid battery, electric motor, and associated cooling systems raises the manufacturer’s base curb weight to 5,530 pounds (Car and Driver measured their tested vehicle at 5,481 pounds). This makes the M5 Touring one of the heaviest performance passenger cars on the market.
Despite its mass, the wagon utilizes advanced chassis systems to maintain agility. Standard equipment includes an M-specific adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers and active rear-wheel steering (up to 1.5 degrees of angle). Reviewers from Road & Track noted that the steering feedback feels natural and heavy, allowing the wagon to feel smaller and more composed on winding roads than its weight suggests. The standard active roll stabilization and rear active differential manage body roll, keeping the platform flat during high-speed cornering.
Design, Interior Comfort & Practical Utility
Exterior Aggression and Aero Enhancements
The M5 Touring features a wider, more muscular stance than the standard 5 Series wagon. Flared wheel arches accommodate staggered wheels (20-inch in the front, 21-inch in the rear). The front design includes prominent kidney grilles with adaptive shutters and a large lower intake, while the rear features a functional roof spoiler and quad exhaust outlets.
Cabin Comfort and Technology
Inside the cabin, the dashboard features a curved display that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch touchscreen running iDrive 8. Standard features include Merino leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a wireless charging pad.
The optional $1,600 Executive Package adds ventilated front seats, soft-close doors, heated rear seats, and power rear window shades. Reviewers from Road & Track observed that the reliance on touchscreen controls for climate functions and menus can feel overly complicated during spirited driving.
Cargo Capacity: SUV Differentiator
The wagon configuration provides clear cargo advantages over a standard sedan. BMW’s official SAE-standard cargo volume measures 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, expanding to 57.6 cubic feet when the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats are flat. Car and Driver measured the physical space differently, reporting 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 67 cubic feet with the seats folded. The lower ride height and wide tailgate aperture make loading heavy luggage or pet carriers easier than in taller performance SUVs.
Head-to-Head: 2025 BMW M5 Touring vs. 2025 Audi RS6 Avant Performance
The arrival of the M5 Touring creates a direct rivalry with the established 2025 Audi RS6 Avant Performance. This comparison highlights a contrast in engineering philosophies: the plug-in hybrid BMW focuses on raw power and electric versatility, while the mild-hybrid Audi relies on mechanical simplicity and lower weight.
Specifications Comparison
| Metric | 2025 BMW M5 Touring | 2025 Audi RS6 Avant Performance | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 + Electric Motor | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (Mild-Hybrid) | BMW (Power) / Audi (Simplicity) |
| Combined Horsepower | 717 hp | 621 hp | BMW |
| Combined Torque | 738 lb-ft | 627 lb-ft | BMW |
| Curb Weight (Mfr) | 5,530 lbs | 4,982 lbs | Audi |
| 0-60 mph (Tested) | 3.1 – 3.4 sec | 3.3 – 3.4 sec | Tie |
| 60-0 mph Braking | 105 – 112 ft | 101 – 111 ft | Audi |
| EPA EV-Only Range | 25 miles | N/A | BMW |
| Starting MSRP (incl. dest.) | $122,675 | $129,195 | BMW |
Dynamic Verdicts: MotorTrend vs. Edmunds
Independent test outcomes split based on testing conditions and editorial priorities. MotorTrend placed the M5 Touring first in its head-to-head comparison, concluding that the BMW drove better and offered superior handling balance. Their editors praised the BMW’s composed body control and straight-line speed, noting that the Audi RS6 understeered more at the limit due to its 56% front-weight bias.
Edmunds reached the opposite verdict, choosing the Audi RS6 Avant Performance as the superior super-wagon. Their track testers reported that the 600-pound lighter Audi felt much more agile, describing the BMW as feeling “an entire weight class down” in tight corners. Edmunds also criticized the BMW’s hybrid transition smoothness and its standard tires, while praising the Audi’s traditional V8 soundtrack and sharper mechanical feedback.
Ownership Costs, Fuel Economy & Warranty
The plug-in hybrid system allows the M5 Touring to achieve high efficiency during short trips. The EPA rates the wagon at 54 MPGe when combining gasoline and electric power. When running on gasoline alone after the battery is depleted, the EPA rating drops to 13 mpg combined (11 mpg city and 17 mpg highway). In Car and Driver’s real-world 75-mph highway test, the wagon achieved 26 mpg in hybrid mode and 29 miles of pure electric range, outperforming the EPA estimates.
BMW covers the plug-in hybrid components and high-voltage battery with a warranty of 8 years or 80,000 miles, while the standard vehicle warranty spans 4 years or 50,000 miles. Buyers should anticipate higher maintenance costs for specialized components, including replacement brake pads, tires, and hybrid system servicing. For information on EV infrastructure, readers can refer to our guide on the best EV chargers.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View
2025 BMW M5 Touring
Pros:
- Class-leading 717 horsepower outmuscles direct gasoline competitors.
- Electric-only mode allows for silent, tailpipe-emissions-free daily commuting.
- Strong real-world highway fuel economy of 26 mpg under hybrid operation.
- Composed body control and flat cornering dynamics on winding roads.
Cons:
- Heavy curb weight of 5,530 pounds impacts braking distances and tight corner agility.
- Touchscreen-heavy interface complicates basic cabin adjustments.
- Optional packages quickly raise the purchase price past $140,000.
2025 Audi RS6 Avant Performance
Pros:
- Lighter curb weight by 600 pounds provides a more agile and traditional driving feel.
- Shorter tested braking distances from 60 to 0 mph (as low as 101 feet).
- Traditional V8 exhaust note with mechanical simplicity.
- Elegant and widely praised exterior styling.
Cons:
- No electric-only driving range or plug-in hybrid utility.
- Understeer at the limit of handling on tight curves.
- Higher base starting MSRP than the BMW M5 Touring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 2025 BMW M5 Touring cost?
The 2025 BMW M5 Touring has a starting MSRP of $121,500, which increases to $122,675 after adding the mandatory $1,175 destination charge. Adding typical performance options, such as M Carbon Ceramic brakes and the Executive Package, increases the tested price to approximately $140,775.
What is the electric range of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring?
The EPA estimates an electric-only driving range of 25 miles from the 14.8-kWh usable battery. In real-world highway testing conducted by Car and Driver at 75 mph, the wagon achieved 29 miles of electric-only driving before the V8 engine engaged.
What is the cargo capacity of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring?
BMW’s official SAE specifications state that the cargo volume is 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, expanding to 57.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Car and Driver’s independent physical measurements recorded 27 cubic feet behind the seats and 67 cubic feet when folded.
Is the 2025 BMW M5 Touring faster than the Audi RS6 Avant?
The Audi RS6 Avant Performance is quicker off the line, achieving a tested 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds compared to the BMW’s 3.4 seconds in Edmunds’ testing. However, the 717-hp BMW M5 Touring achieves higher trap speeds at the end of a quarter-mile run, recording 129 mph compared to the Audi’s 121.5 mph, indicating superior acceleration at higher speeds.
