The New BMW M5 Vs. V8 Plug-In Hybrids
This may come as a surprise to some, but not to those who have been watching the market closely: the new BMW M5 Touring, the wagon, has generated more demand than the M5 sedan. Both are plug-in hybrids, and BMW has been on a real streak with these models, offering a kind of dual personality that’s hard to resist. The M5, after all, helped define the sports sedan category, with engines that have won awards again and again. There was a time when the M5 made people wonder if the sports car was on its way out. Thankfully, that prediction never came true.
The appeal of wagons, or Tourings as BMW calls them, is a fascinating topic. In the US, the station wagon was long seen as a practical family hauler, but in Europe, it’s always been seen as more of the choice for an active lifestyle. For many enthusiasts, myself included, there’s just something about the look and presence of a fast wagon that’s hard to beat. Objectively, a sedan with less weight and a more balanced chassis will always be the purist’s choice for performance, but there’s a dedicated group of us who simply love the idea of a high performance wagon hurtling through the night.
The new M5 Touring and sedan are both seriously quick. They share a 4.4-liter V8 engine, which delivers the high-revving character and unmistakable sound that BMW M fans expect. Paired with an electric motor, these plug-in hybrids can run on electric power alone for about 68 kilometers, making them quiet and refined for daily driving. But when you want it, the V8 is there, ready to deliver. The combined output is an impressive 727 horsepower and 1,000 newton-meters of torque, with the V8 spinning up to 7,200 RPM. These are true driver’s cars, no question.
Beyond the powertrain, BMW has equipped these cars with advanced chassis technology and the kind of detailed tuning that the M division is known for. There are also practical features like parking assist and reversing assist, which make everyday use easier.
What stands out to me is that BMW isn’t getting bogged down in debates about which technology is best. Instead, they’re using every tool at their disposal to build the best possible car for people who care about driving, and the new M5 Touring is a perfect example of that philosophy in action.
Photos courtesy of BMW