Two decades have passed before the Bavarian brand has once again delighted us with one of its most legendary designs, but this time it has done so in spectacular fashion. The new M5 Touring is a masterful combination of exclusivity, versatility and the most advanced technology, without compromising a single iota of its fiercely sporty character.
The seventh generation of the BMW M5 is now a reality, presenting itself as the most powerful and fastest iconic saloon ever created by BMW. With a 4.4-litre V8 engine and M TwinPower Turbo technology assisted by an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic gearbox delivering 727 hp and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, the Bavarian brand has given the Touring version an unusual twist. The perfect combination of explosive sportiness and the qualities of a large family car marks a turning point never before achieved.
The design of the 2025 BMW M5 is an evolution that combines the elegance of a 5 Series with specific details that identify it as a BMW M. At the front, the BMW Iconic Glow grille with contour lighting stands out, an element that enhances the aesthetics and gives it a technological touch. The embossed M5 logo on the Hofmeister curve of the C-pillar reinforces its sporty identity.
The widened wheel arches and side skirts enhance its muscular appearance, aided by a front spoiler that looks slightly more aggressive thanks to the two large openings that feed air directly to the radiator. The rear end looks noticeably wider and more powerful, thanks also to the elaborate rear diffuser that frames the four sporty exhaust pipes with an elegant yet powerful purr, thanks to the adjustable valves that extract the best sound from the V8.
The 20‘ M alloy wheels on the front and 21’ on the rear in a black 951 M double-spoke design with sports tyres complete a look that radiates power.
A technological and comfortable interior
The interior of the new M5 is a space where luxury and spaciousness merge with a distinctly sporty ambience. The multifunction M seats, with electric adjustments and excellent support thanks to their side bolsters, feature the backlit M5 logo integrated into the backrest and place the driver in the ideal position in front of the new M leather steering wheel with flat base and illuminated buttons, including the specific red M1 and M2 buttons surrounding the upper part of the centre column, from which the different driving modes provided by the system can be selected, with five operating modes to choose from for the optimal configuration in every situation.
The dashboard is dominated by the BMW Curved Display, consisting of a 12.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch screen for the multimedia system, including specific M content based on the BMW 8.5 operating system, which allows touch and voice control.
The Head-Up Display is standard and features specific, sportier-looking displays that adapt to the selected driving mode (ROAD, SPORT or TRACK). The centre console houses the specific M controls, such as buttons for adjusting parameters such as suspension, steering, engine performance, etc.
Details such as ambient lighting with M colour animations, the red Start/Stop button and the iDrive controller with M logo reinforce the sporty atmosphere.
However, this clearly sporty design does not sacrifice interior practicality, both in terms of space for occupants and the 560-litre boot.
The new BMW M5 Touring recreates a meticulously crafted atmosphere that includes standard merino leather, four-zone climate control, heated front seats, ambient lighting with specific interior lighting and a panoramic glass sunroof.
It also includes Bowers & Wilkins surround sound, a wireless charging platform, automatic tailgate and professional charging cable for the battery. Optionally, you can order the M Carbon exterior package, Alcantara interior trim, heated steering wheel, cooled seats and a tow bar. BMW also offers M Performance Parts, with numerous carbon finishes and M Performance forged wheels.
The cabin of the new M5 is a space where luxury and spaciousness blend seamlessly with a distinctly sporty ambiance. The M multifunction seats, with electric adjustments and excellent lateral support thanks to their side bolsters, feature the backlit M5 logo integrated into the seatback and position the driver ideally in front of the new M leather steering wheel. This flat-bottomed steering wheel includes illuminated buttons, including the specific red M1 and M2 buttons surrounding the top of the center console. These buttons allow the driver to select the different driving modes offered by the system, with five operating modes to choose the optimal settings for every situation.
The dashboard is dominated by the BMW Curved Display, comprising a 12.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch screen for the infotainment system. This includes M-specific content based on the BMW Operating System 8.5, which enables touch and voice control.
Rolling is another spectacle
The power generated by the combustion engine and electric motor is transmitted to the road via the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, whose rear configuration is particularly pronounced in 4WD Sport mode. However, the driver can also select 2WD mode.
In fully electric mode, the new M5 Touring can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h thanks to the high-voltage battery located in the underbody of the car with 18.6 kWh of usable energy. This guarantees an electric range of 67 to 69 kilometres in the WLTP cycle, earning it a ‘0’ environmental label.
Under the bonnet is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers devilishly fast acceleration. The feeling behind the wheel is that it doesn’t matter how fast you’re going or what gear you’re in, because the response to your right foot is simply superb, always maintaining the perception of absolute control over the car’s reactions. The M5’s noble performance is largely thanks to a chassis that has been optimised for this radical saloon, with a suspension layout consisting of a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle.
The adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and integral active steering, which turns the rear wheels up to 1.5 degrees, is also included as standard.
Contrary to what many purists might think, the abundance of electronic systems in the new M5 does not prevent you from enjoying a truly fun and controlled driving experience. As an example, pressing the DSC button activates M Dynamic mode, increasing the DSC’s intervention margin when applying the brakes and reducing engine power. It is also possible to disable DSC completely, although this is only recommended for highly experienced drivers due to the radical change in behaviour that transforms this saloon into a veritable missile. Another button allows the driver to select M mode, and when switching from Road to Sport mode, the driver assistance systems are limited to the essential functions required for sporty driving. Carbon ceramic brakes can be fitted as an option for those who drive more aggressively.
The operating mode of the M Hybrid system can also be adjusted as desired. The new M Hybrid button allows the driver to choose between Hybrid mode, for controlled interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor, and Electric mode, in which the combustion engine only comes into play when the accelerator is pressed or the shift paddles are used. The new BMW M5 Touring delivers blistering acceleration and recovery, as well as extraordinary mileage, because on long journeys in road mode, the adaptive suspension minimises road irregularities to ensure a truly pleasant experience on board.
Whether on motorways or mountain roads, the new Bavarian gem is agile, versatile, comfortable, refined and extremely fun to drive, as befits an automotive icon.
