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BMW M5 Review

Consensus Review28 independent sources

BMW M5 Touring (G99)

A high-performance plug-in hybrid super-estate that blends brutal V8 power with everyday utility and luxury.

7.4/10
✅ 65% Positive (18 sources)⚠️ 25% Mixed (7 sources)❌ 10% Negative (3 sources)

How This Score Is Calculated

  • Sources analysed: 28 reviews
  • Weighting: Explicit scores (1.5×), Sentiment-only (1.0×)
  • Raw weighted average: 7.4
  • Final score: 7.4/10 (rounded)

Algorithmically calculated from source data. No manual adjustments.

  • Most reviewed featureWeight (28/28)
  • Most praisedPowertrain performance
  • Most criticisedExcessive curb weight
  • Reviewer consensus levelModerate
  • Value for moneyFair Value (6.2/10)
High-PerformanceHybridFamily-FriendlyFair Value

The 2025/2026 BMW M5 Touring is a technological tour-de-force, delivering supercar-level acceleration and impressive all-weather stability in a practical estate body. While it achieves remarkable feats of engineering to mask its substantial 2.5-tonne weight, reviewers consistently note a loss of the raw, tactile engagement found in previous generations. It is best suited for enthusiasts who prioritise immense, effortless power and daily versatility over track-focused agility.

🔧 Key Specifications

  • Engine: 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 + Electric Motor
  • Power: 717–727 hp (approx. 535kW)
  • Torque: 1000 Nm
  • Drive: All-Wheel Drive
  • Battery: Plug-in Hybrid (40–54 miles electric range)
  • Weight: ~2,400–2,500 kg
  • Cargo: 500L

💲 Price Range

₹85,00,000 – ₹1,48,50,000 (Global market variations)

📊 What Reviewers Say — Feature by Feature

PowertrainThe hybrid V8 system provides explosive, relentless acceleration and effective electric-only range for daily errands.
24 / 28
Curb WeightReviewers almost universally criticise the 2.5-tonne mass, which impacts agility and handling compared to predecessors.
28 / 28
⚠️
Interior & InterfaceWhile build quality is high, the reliance on touch-based menus and the lack of physical climate buttons frustrate many users.
18 / 28

👍 Key Strengths

  • Explosive, relentless hybrid V8 power
  • Exceptional daily practicality and boot space
  • Comfortable, high-speed long-distance cruising
  • Sophisticated all-wheel drive stability

👎 Key Weaknesses

  • Excessive 2.5-tonne curb weight
  • Overwhelming, complex touch-based infotainment
  • Lack of tactile, emotional driving engagement
  • High price and expensive options

💰 Value for Money Analysis

6.2/10Fair Value

Reviewers view the M5 Touring as an expensive proposition. While it offers unique utility, the high entry price combined with the necessity of costly options makes it a hard sell compared to more focused sports cars or more efficient luxury hybrids.

⚡ Where Reviewers Disagreed

  • Driving Engagement: 12 sources argue it remains an engaging 'M' car, while 16 sources feel it has become isolated and 'robotic' due to weight and software.

🎯 Who This Product Is For

The Power-Seeking FamilyIdeal for those who need genuine estate practicality but refuse to compromise on supercar-level straight-line speed.
Track EnthusiastsAvoid if your primary goal is track-day agility; the weight makes it less rewarding than lighter, dedicated sports cars.

🛠️ Best Use Cases

  • Long-Distance Grand TouringExcellent comfort and high-speed stability make it a premier distance-demolishing cruiser.Great
  • Daily CommutingElectric-only range provides quiet, efficient city driving, though size can make parking difficult.Good

🔀 Alternatives Mentioned by Reviewers

  • Audi RS6 Avant: Frequently compared as the primary rival. Reviewers note it is significantly lighter, more visually simple, and offers a more 'clinical' driving experience. Choose this if you prefer a lighter, more traditional estate feel.
  • BMW M3 Touring: Cited as a better-balanced 'M' car that offers similar performance highs for significantly less money. Choose this if you want more agility and don't need the M5's extra size.
  • Porsche Panamera: Viewed as a more polished but significantly more expensive technical alternative. Choose this if budget is no concern and you prioritise brand prestige and refinement.
  • BMW 550e: A sleeper alternative. Reviewers suggest it offers similar daily comfort and efficiency to the M5 for a fraction of the price. Choose this if you want the 5 Series experience without the M-car price premium.

✅ Buy This If…

  • You require a high-speed, high-utility family hauler.
  • You value the status and unique aesthetic of a performance wagon.
  • You want the best of both worlds: electric efficiency for town and V8 power for the open road.

❌ Skip This If…

  • You are a purist seeking the raw, lightweight engagement of older M5 models.
  • You frequently navigate narrow city streets or tight parking garages.
  • You find complex, screen-heavy interior interfaces frustrating.
👍GENERALLY RECOMMENDED

The BMW M5 Touring is an engineering marvel that successfully delivers massive power and family utility, despite its significant weight penalty. While it lacks the emotional, tactile connection of its predecessors, it stands as a unique, highly capable machine for those who value speed and presence. If you can stomach the weight and the complex infotainment, it remains a class-leading performance wagon.

Top Alternative: Audi RS6 Avant — Choose this for a lighter, more traditional performance estate experience.

Reviewer Perspectives & Source Breakdown

2026 BMW M5 Touring: Review, Prices, and Specs | The Daily Drive | Consu...

Price: Approx ₹1,25,00,000 (Base) to ₹1,48,50,000 (As tested)

The 2026 BMW M5 Touring is an extraordinary, high-performance wagon that successfully satisfies enthusiast demands for power and utility. While it offers impressive performance and interior quality, it is hampered by its high price, significant weight, and expensive options.

Pros

  • Outrageous performance
  • Fuel efficient if charged regularly
  • Room for four adults
  • Excellent wagon practicality

Cons

  • High starting price
  • Pricey options
  • Very heavy curb weight
  • Difficult entry and exit for some

BMW M5 Touring prototype review: brace, brace… 2.5-tonne hot estate inco...

Price: ₹1,22,60,000 (approximate)

The M5 Touring is a powerful and practical beast that excels as a sleeper wagon. Despite its significant weight, it offers incredible performance and utility that makes it superior to the saloon version.

Comparison: It is significantly heavier than the Audi RS6 Performance, which is nearly 500kg lighter and slightly faster in a 0-62mph sprint.

Pros

  • High level of practicality and boot space
  • Stunning performance with 717bhp
  • Sophisticated and balanced ride quality
  • Visually cooler than the saloon variant

Cons

  • Extremely heavy at over 2.5 tonnes
  • Expensive price tag
  • Steering lacks significant road feedback
  • Complex array of drive modes

2025 BMW M5 Touring First Test Review: Weight, Weight, Don’t Tell Me - m...

Price: Approximately 10,500,000 INR to 11,800,000 INR

The 2025 BMW M5 Touring offers explosive straight-line performance and practical utility, but it is heavily hampered by its significant curb weight. While it excels as a high-speed cruiser, its excessive mass leads to compromised handling and suspension stability on less than perfect roads.

Comparison: It is significantly heavier and slower in performance testing than the previous-generation 2022 BMW M5 sedan. It is also heavier and less trim than the Audi RS6 Avant.

Pros

  • Explosive electric-boosted acceleration
  • Practical SUV-like utility
  • Long-awaited availability in the U.S. market

Cons

  • Excessive curb weight
  • Short electric-only driving range
  • Suspension struggles with weight over bumps
  • Needs more aggressive tires

BMW M5 - long-term review - Report No:3 2026 | Top Gear - topgear.com...

Price: £101,900 (approx. ₹1,08,50,000)

The BMW M5 Touring is a powerful, capable hybrid estate that balances long-distance touring comfort with impressive performance. While its ride can be fidgety on poor roads, it remains a compelling and stylish high-performance vehicle.

Comparison: The author notes the Touring model feels more naturally suited to its role than the saloon version, making it a more desirable choice.

Pros

  • Excellent long-distance touring comfort
  • Stunning aesthetic appeal as an estate
  • Highly effective lane keep system
  • Powerful twin-turbo V8 performance

Cons

  • Ride can be fidgety on uneven roads
  • Limited ground clearance
  • Heavy weight affects handling
  • High fuel consumption without hybrid charging

2025 BMW M5 Touring Review: TAKE MY MONEY! I’ll Find the Other $157k Eve...

Price: Approximately ₹85,00,000 - ₹97,00,000

The 2025 BMW M5 Touring is a visually stunning and high-performance plug-in hybrid wagon that successfully combines practicality with aggressive power. It stands out as an exclusive, versatile luxury vehicle despite its significant weight and limited cargo capacity.

Comparison: It competes directly with the Audi RS6 Avant and Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, distinguishing itself with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

Pros

  • Stunning design and colour combinations
  • Explosive performance with everyday livability
  • Plug-in hybrid efficiency for short-range driving
  • Rare and unique automotive character

Cons

  • Heavier side compared to direct rivals
  • Small cargo space for a wagon
  • Expensive ceramic brakes and optional extras
  • Limited availability and low production numbers

BMW M5 - long-term review - Report No:4 2026 | Top Gear - topgear.com...

Price: Approx. 1,18,65,000 INR

The BMW M5 Touring is a versatile and powerful super-estate that offers impressive performance and utility. It excels as a comfortable, capable daily driver that can keep pace with high-performance vehicles.

Pros

  • Excellent utility and practical body style
  • Powerful V8 engine delivery
  • Comfortable seating and supportive interior
  • Effective suspension tuning for various conditions

Cons

    BMW M5 review – it’s more powerful but is the extra weight a problem? | ...

    Price: £111,885

    The new BMW M5 is a technological powerhouse that defies physics to mask its immense weight, yet it lacks the pure engagement of its predecessors. While it delivers impressive performance, it is a car to be admired for its engineering rather than desired for its emotional appeal.

    Comparison: It faces stiff competition from the 400kg lighter Audi RS6 and is compared unfavorably in terms of raw engagement to the previous F90 M5 CS.

    Pros

    • Remarkable ability to mask excessive weight
    • Instant electric motor throttle response
    • Surprisingly agile and accurate handling
    • Monumental and linear powertrain performance

    Cons

    • Significantly heavier than previous M5 generations
    • Lower power-to-weight ratio than the F90 model
    • Not as emotionally engaging as older M5s
    • Slower acceleration times than some key competitors

    Is BMW's M5 still a performance benchmark in hybrid form? - drive.com.au...

    Price: approx. ₹1,45,00,000

    The 2025 BMW M5 remains a compelling luxury performance sedan despite its significant weight gain from the new plug-in hybrid system. While it loses some of its traditional V8 character, it compensates with breathtaking power and impressive ride comfort.

    Comparison: The new M5 maintains its position against rivals like the Audi RS6 and Mercedes-AMG E63 by blending plug-in hybrid technology with traditional super sedan performance.

    Pros

    • Breathtaking performance
    • Ride comfort befitting a luxury sedan
    • Impressive muscle car aesthetic

    Cons

    • Substantial increase in vehicle weight
    • Lack of authentic V8 sound
    • Overwhelming array of infotainment apps and features

    BMW M5 Touring Review 2026 | Top Gear - topgear.com...

    Price: 1,22,60,000 - 1,43,00,000 INR

    The BMW M5 Touring is a complex, heavy, and tech-heavy machine that feels more naturally suited to the estate body style than the saloon. While its reliance on electronic systems can feel overwhelming, its versatility and performance make it a compelling proposition.

    Comparison: It competes against the Audi RS6 and Mercedes-Benz E63 S, offering a more balanced aesthetic and practical estate utility than its saloon counterpart.

    Pros

    • Handsome estate styling
    • Impressive 40+ miles of electric-only range
    • Excellent all-wheel drive stability
    • Powerful V8 plug-in hybrid drivetrain

    Cons

    • Excessive reliance on complex technology
    • Very heavy kerbweight
    • Limited extra cargo space compared to saloon

    Page 1 of 4

    Generally Recommended, Powertrain, Curb Weight, Audi RS6 Avant, Fair Value