2026 BMW M5 Touring blends power, luxury and utility

The 2026 BMW M5 Touring is part of an increasingly rare automotive segment: It’s a station wagon. Once a mainstream mainstay, the vehicles are now offered by only six manufacturers, and also rarely called station wagons. They’re now just wagons.

The M5 Touring is further unique as a power-touting plug-in hybrid. It combines performance with an upscale layout and a spacious overall interior for passengers’ comfort and for substantial cargo. On the freeway, it showcases BMW’s heritage as a high-performance German beast. If required, it can do the same on a racetrack, even with a family on board. 

Sedans and station wagons have been automotive bit players for a while, as sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks continue to dominate sales. Several carmakers are no longer offering sedans in their lineups. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Subaru and Volvo are the only carmakers offering wagons, with several offering more than one model.

The M5 Touring’s massive horsepower, from a twin-turbo V8 combined with an electric motor, is part of the impressive BMW persona. (The wagon has a 25-mile electric-only range.) All models are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive — which can be deactivated, with the BMW then operating with rear-wheel drive.

With its adaptive dampers and massive brakes, the M5 moves swiftly and with confidence. It’s a wagon with a wont for racing. Its exhaust note is confident, with buyers interested in car sound likely describing it as pleasing. The far less pleasing sound is the backup notification, a piercing, annoying tone.

For 2026 models, the only changes from the previous year are an increase in charging speed capacity from 7.4 to 11 kilowatts, and the two new interior leather options available: a dark Violet/Black Merino leather combination and a Taupe/Deep Lagoon pairing.

A luxury wagon may seem self-contradictory, but the M5 defines the subset. It’s a pricey proposition; the carbon ceramic brakes add $8,500, and additional packages combine various comfort and performance options while adding nearly $6,000.

With its power, the M5 is expectedly inefficient. The result is a $2,600 gas guzzler tax.  

The total tally may provide sticker shock even for BMW enthusiasts, who also may justify the hefty number considering the carmaker’s reputation as a driver’s delight. The M5 comes standard with a Bowers & Wilkins stereo, a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery. A huge dashboard display operates the latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment software. Various of the aforementioned packages include front and rear heated seats, ventilated front seats, power rear sunshades, a light-up front grille and parking sensors.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. When the car is parked, users can play games or stream video through a 5G data connection. 

Standard driver-assistance features include automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. A hands-free driving mode is optional and is part of the driver-assistance packages.

And, of course, it’s a wagon. There’s a 27-cubic-foot storage area behind the liftgate that expands to 67 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded flat.

BMW fanciers may know the M5’s prowess well. But its appearance, notably one exterior paint choice, Smyrna Green, is eye-catching for the rest of us. The nonmetallic gray-green — also offered on some Porsche models — is rare and polarizing.

It also adds to the M5’s unique status. This is a luxurious, high-performance and costly station wagon good for the whole family. 

Facts & figures

Acceleration: 0-to-60 mph, 3.1 seconds  

Airbags: 6

Gas mileage: 12 mpg city; 19 mpg highway; 54 MPGe

Horsepower: 717

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $121,500

Manufacturer’s website: bmwusa.com

Price as reviewed: $145,775

Warranty:  Bumper-to-bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/50,000 miles; Maintenance, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles; Roadside Assistance, 4 years/unlimited miles

Test drive

BMW of Fort Myers

15421 Tamiami Trail South, 

Fort Myers

bmwoffortmyers.com

Germain BMW of Naples  

111286 Tamiami Trail North, 

Naples

germainbmw.com