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The 2026 BMW M5 Touring is a landmark vehicle—the first M5 wagon ever sold in the United States—and it delivers on the hype[1]. With 717 horsepower from its plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain, Car and Driver tested the M5 Touring at 3.1 seconds to 60 mph while offering 67 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded[1]. Starting at $123,900, the M5 Touring undercuts its primary rival, the Audi RS6 Avant ($131,995), while delivering more power and similar practicality[1][2].
Overview: A Historic Arrival
The M5 Touring represents only the third time in the M5’s nearly 40-year history that BMW has produced a wagon variant, and this marks its first-ever availability in North America[3]. Previous generations—the E34 M5 Touring (1992-95) and E61 M5 Touring (2006-10)—were European-only exclusives with extremely limited production numbers.
Market conditions have shifted dramatically. Audi’s RS6 Avant has broken sales records, and BMW’s own M3 Touring outsells expectations globally[4]. The appetite for high-performance wagons has never been stronger, and BMW has responded with perhaps the most capable super wagon ever built.
The G99 M5 Touring shares its platform and powertrain with the G90 M5 sedan, combining a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with an electric motor for combined output of 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque[1]. This is the most powerful standard M5 in history.
Key Specifications
| Specification | 2026 BMW M5 Touring |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 + Electric Motor[1] |
| Combined Horsepower | 717 hp[2] |
| Combined Torque | 738 lb-ft[1] |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic[1] |
| Drivetrain | M xDrive AWD (RWD mode available)[2] |
| 0-60 mph (C/D tested) | 3.1 seconds[1] |
| Quarter-mile | 11.0 sec @ 129 mph[1] |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (190 mph with M Driver’s Package)[2] |
| Electric Range | 25 miles (EPA)[1] |
| Cargo Space | 27 cu ft / 67 cu ft (seats folded)[1] |
| Curb Weight | 5,481 lbs[1] |
| Starting MSRP | $123,900[2] |
Performance and Driving Experience
The M5 Touring’s acceleration is nothing short extraordinary. Car and Driver’s instrumented testing recorded a 3.1-second sprint to 60 mph—barely off the pace of the M5 sedan[1]. The quarter-mile falls in 11.0 seconds at 129 mph, while 100 mph arrives in just 6.9 seconds[1]. These numbers rival dedicated supercars while hauling a wagon body with over 5,400 pounds of curb weight.
The plug-in hybrid system works through five distinct driving modes, ranging from silent electric operation to the full-attack Dynamic Plus mode designed for track use[4]. The 738 lb-ft of torque arrives instantly thanks to the electric motor’s contribution, eliminating any sense of lag from the twin-turbo V8.
Handling impressed testers despite the substantial mass. The M5 Touring achieved 0.92 g on the skidpad and stopped from 70 mph in 154 feet[1]. Adaptive dampers, rear-wheel steering, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes ($18,500) provide the hardware for serious performance driving[1]. Car and Driver noted the wagon handles similarly to the sedan with minimal body roll and massive grip[1].
The M xDrive system can be switched to a pure rear-wheel-drive mode for enthusiasts seeking a more traditional M driving experience[2]. This flexibility allows the M5 Touring to serve as both a capable all-weather performer and a controllable oversteer machine when desired.
For more on BMW’s M hybrid technology, see our coverage of BMW’s M Hybrid system explained.
Fuel Economy and Electric Range
The hybrid system does provide some efficiency benefits, though fuel economy remains modest given the performance capability. EPA estimates show 11 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 13 mpg combined[1]. The Audi RS6 Avant manages slightly better numbers at 14 mpg city and 21 mpg highway[1].
Real-world testing tells a different story. In Car and Driver’s 75-mph highway test, the M5 Touring significantly exceeded its EPA rating, delivering 26 mpg[1]. This suggests reasonable highway cruising efficiency when driven conservatively.
| Metric | EPA Rating | C/D Real-World Test |
|---|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 17 mpg[1] | 26 mpg[1] |
| EV Range | 25 miles[1] | 29 miles[1] |
| Highway Range (Hybrid) | — | 410 miles[1] |
The 25-mile EPA electric range (29 miles in C/D testing) proves sufficient for short errands and commutes without starting the V8[1]. For 2026, BMW increased the AC charging rate from 7.4 kW to 11 kW, reducing charge times[1].
Interior and Cargo Space
The M5 Touring’s primary advantage over the sedan lies in its cargo capacity. Behind the rear seats sits 27 cubic feet of luggage space, expanding to a substantial 67 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded flat[1]. BMW notes this accommodates golf bags, luggage, and even bicycles[2].
Interior appointments match the M5 sedan’s luxury level. Standard equipment includes:
- M Multi-function seats with adjustable backrest width and lumbar support
- Merino leather upholstery
- 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with iDrive 8.5
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system
- Panoramic Sky Lounge roof
- Four-zone automatic climate control[1][2]
For 2026, BMW added two new interior leather combinations: Violet/Black Merino and Taupe/Deep Lagoon Merino[1].
The Executive Package ($3,200) adds heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, power rear sunshades, BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille illumination, and parking sensors[1]. Given the M5 Touring’s positioning, this package represents a worthwhile addition.
Technology and Safety
BMW’s iDrive 8.5 system powers the curved dashboard display, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto[1]. When parked, the system supports gaming and video streaming through a 5G data connection[1].
Standard driver-assistance features include:
- Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring[1]
The Driving Assistant Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving capability on supported highways[1].
Competitor Comparison
| Specification | 2026 BMW M5 Touring | 2026 Audi RS6 Avant |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 717 hp[1] | 591 hp |
| Torque | 738 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.1 sec (tested)[1] | 3.5 sec (mfr) |
| Starting MSRP | $123,900[2] | $131,995[1] |
| Drivetrain | PHEV AWD | Pure ICE AWD |
| Electric Range | 25 miles[1] | None |
| EPA Combined MPG | 13 mpg[1] | 17 mpg |
The M5 Touring offers 126 more horsepower and 148 lb-ft more torque than the RS6 Avant while costing approximately $8,000 less[1]. The BMW’s tested 0-60 time is significantly quicker, and it adds plug-in hybrid capability for short-range electric driving.
However, the RS6 Avant delivers better EPA fuel economy without the complexity and weight of a hybrid system. Audi enthusiasts may also prefer the RS6’s more aggressive exhaust note and styling[3].
For a direct comparison, see our article on BMW M5 Touring vs Audi RS6 Avant.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extraordinary performance—3.1 seconds to 60 mph with 67 cu ft of cargo space[1]
- First M5 Touring ever sold in the US creates exclusivity
- Undercuts Audi RS6 Avant by approximately $8,000 despite more power
- 25-mile electric range enables silent short-trip driving[1]
- Real-world highway efficiency significantly exceeds EPA estimates[1]
- Comprehensive standard equipment including B&W audio and panoramic roof
Cons:
- Substantial 5,481 lb curb weight affects handling dynamics[1]
- Light and somewhat numb steering feel[1]
- Overwhelming number of drive modes and settings
- Lower EPA fuel economy than non-hybrid RS6 Avant
- Carbon-ceramic brakes add $18,500 to the price
- No pure internal combustion option available
Who Should Buy the M5 Touring
The M5 Touring is ideal for:
- Enthusiasts who want supercar acceleration with wagon practicality
- Families requiring cargo space without sacrificing performance
- Drivers who can utilize the 25-mile electric range for daily commuting
- Buyers who value having the first US-market M5 Touring in history
Consider alternatives if:
- Maximum fuel efficiency matters more than outright power (RS6 Avant)
- You prefer a more aggressive exhaust sound (RS6 Avant)
- Lower curb weight and purer driving dynamics are priorities (M3 Touring)
- You don’t need the electric driving capability
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 BMW M5 Touring is the first M5 wagon ever sold in the United States[3]
- Car and Driver tested 3.1 seconds to 60 mph and 11.0 seconds in the quarter-mile[1]
- Starting at $123,900, the M5 Touring undercuts the Audi RS6 Avant by approximately $8,000[1][2]
- Real-world highway fuel economy of 26 mpg significantly exceeds the 17 mpg EPA estimate[1]
- Cargo space measures 27 cu ft behind seats, 67 cu ft with seats folded[1]
- The 25-mile electric range enables silent short-distance driving[1]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 2026 BMW M5 Touring cost?
How fast is the 2026 BMW M5 Touring?
Is the BMW M5 Touring faster than the Audi RS6 Avant?
Yes, the M5 Touring is significantly faster. With 717 hp versus 591 hp and tested acceleration of 3.1 seconds to 60 mph, the M5 Touring outperforms the RS6 Avant in straight-line performance[1]. The RS6 Avant’s manufacturer-claimed 0-60 time is 3.5 seconds. The M5 Touring also costs approximately $8,000 less.
What is the cargo space in the 2026 BMW M5 Touring?
The M5 Touring offers 27 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 67 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded flat[1]. This provides ample room for luggage, sporting equipment, and everyday cargo while maintaining seating for five passengers.
Does the 2026 BMW M5 Touring come in rear-wheel drive?
The M5 Touring comes standard with M xDrive all-wheel drive, but the system includes a switchable 2WD mode that sends all power to the rear wheels[2]. This provides the best of both worlds—all-weather AWD capability and traditional rear-drive dynamics when desired on suitable surfaces.
References
- Car and Driver. (2025). 2026 BMW M5 Touring Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/m5-touring
- BMW USA. (2025). BMW M5 Touring: Model Overview, Features, and Specs. https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/m-series/m5-series/bmw-m5-touring.html
- Cars.com. (2024). 2025 BMW M5 Touring: A 717-HP Station Wagon for $122,675. https://www.cars.com/articles/2025-bmw-m5-touring-a-717-hp-station-wagon-for-122675-487839/
- Bimmer Mag. (2025). 2025 BMW M5 Touring G99 Review. https://www.bimmer-mag.com/2025-bmw-m5-touring-g99/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
