After four decades of wagon-starved enthusiasts begging for scraps, BMW has finally thrown American buyers a bone—and it’s a meaty one. The 2025 BMW M5 Touring is officially coming to the United States, marking the first time the high-performance estate has graced American soil since the nameplate’s inception in 1984.
This isn’t just another warmed-over wagon. The M5 Touring represents BMW’s acknowledgment that the US market has matured beyond SUV obsession, at least among a select crowd willing to drop six figures on a family hauler that can embarrass supercars at stoplights.
What Makes the 2025 BMW M5 Touring Special
The M5 Touring shares its plug-in hybrid powertrain with the sedan sibling, pairing a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with an electric motor for a combined output of 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough grunt to propel this luxury longhouse from 0-60 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds.
Despite carrying the extra weight of a wagon body and a substantial battery pack—the M5 Touring tips the scales at around 5,500 pounds—BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and adaptive suspension promise to keep handling sharp. The electric motor alone provides up to 25 miles of emission-free range, perfect for sneaking through low-emission zones or silently stalking grocery store parking lots.
Design and Practicality Meet Performance
Visually, the M5 Touring strikes a purposeful stance with its extended roofline, aggressive rear diffuser, and quad exhaust outlets. The wagon body adds approximately 21 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the sedan, with seats folded, making it genuinely practical for track day tire sets or Ikea runs—though probably not both simultaneously.
Key features include:
- Carbon-fiber roof to lower center of gravity
- M-specific braking system with optional carbon-ceramic rotors
- Adaptive M suspension with electronic damper control
- Configurable M Mode settings for powertrain and chassis dynamics
- Dual-screen curved display running BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 system
Why BMW Changed Its Mind About US Wagons
BMW’s decision reverses decades of corporate policy that deemed American buyers too SUV-obsessed for performance wagons. Previous generations of the M5 Touring remained European exclusives while US customers watched enviously from across the Atlantic.
The shift reflects changing market dynamics. Porsche’s success with the Taycan Sport Turismo and Audi’s RS6 Avant—which finally arrived stateside in 2020 after years of fan campaigns—proved that wealthy enthusiasts will pay premium prices for practical performance vehicles that aren’t crossovers.
BMW executives have acknowledged that social media campaigns and direct customer feedback influenced the decision. The vocal wagon advocacy of American enthusiasts, combined with demonstrated sales success from competitors, created a business case that corporate bean counters couldn’t ignore.
Pricing and Availability Details
BMW hasn’t released official US pricing, but expect the M5 Touring to command a significant premium over the sedan’s $120,000 starting price. Industry observers predict a base price around $130,000 before options, with well-equipped examples easily crossing $150,000.
Production begins at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany this spring, with first US deliveries expected in late summer 2025. Initial allocation will likely be limited, and BMW dealers are already compiling waiting lists of interested buyers.
Competition and Market Context
The M5 Touring enters a tiny but growing segment of ultra-performance wagons. Its primary rival is the Audi RS6 Avant, which offers similar performance in a slightly more understated package. Mercedes-AMG’s E63 wagon has exited the US market, leaving a two-horse race for super-wagon supremacy.
Both BMW and Audi are betting that electrification—with its instant torque and emissions compliance benefits—will extend the wagon’s viability in an SUV-dominated landscape. The plug-in hybrid setup allows these behemoths to meet increasingly stringent fuel economy regulations while maintaining the performance that justifies their astronomical price tags.
Looking Forward
The M5 Touring’s US arrival represents more than just another model addition. It signals BMW’s willingness to serve niche enthusiast demands and suggests that performance wagons might have a sustainable future in America after all.
Whether this generates enough sales to justify long-term investment remains uncertain. But for now, wagon enthusiasts finally have their wish granted—along with a $130,000 price tag to match their dreams.
