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].
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.
| 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] |
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.
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].
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:
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.
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:
The Driving Assistant Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving capability on supported highways[1].
| 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.
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