BMW M5 Touring Evaluation: Regular Commute, Mountain Roads, and Plug-in Hybrid Perks 2025 Version
In the world of high-performance luxury sedans, the 2025 BMW M5 Touring stands out as a compelling option. This plug-in hybrid vehicle offers a unique blend of PHEV efficiency, daily comfort, and 730 hp performance.
The M5 Touring's introduction of a plug-in hybrid system has significantly improved its fuel economy and electric range, making it a much better car to live with. Claims suggest a 14.8 kWh usable battery provides 27 miles of EV range, but the author found that daily driving could exceed this figure.
The M5 Touring's performance is rated an impressive 8.5, showcasing its ability to deliver thrilling speed and agility. However, it's essential to note that the M5 Touring was never intended to be a dedicated track car. Instead, it's a highly capable luxury sedan with the ability to drive fast on track.
The M5 Touring's handling is rated 7.5, offering a balance between control and comfort. The steering feedback, too, is rated 7, providing a sense of connection to the road without being too aggressive. The exterior appeal of the M5 Touring is also rated 7.5, maintaining BMW's signature design while adding a touch of sportiness.
While the M5 Touring does not offer carbon bucket seats found in other M models, it prioritises luxury over sportiness. The interior quality is rated 6.5, with some material choices on the lower door panels and center console being criticised. A new air vent design in the M5 Touring's interior is counterintuitive and does not seem to solve any problems that typical air vent controls had before.
The M5 Touring's price point is rated 7, positioning it as a bargain compared to competitors like the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which starts at $239,000. Weighing 5,400 pounds, a significant portion of the weight comes from the plug-in hybrid system and overall size. The wheels on the M5 Touring are cast, not forged, unlike some other M models.
The M Division's origins trace back to the '3.0 CSL 'Batmobile'', a car built in 1973 to compete in the European Touring Car Championship. The first full-fledged M car was the legendary M1 mid-engine supercar, produced in 1978. In 1985, BMW produced the E28 M5, a car designed as a potent road car showcasing M Division's performance and driving dynamics.
The 2025 BMW M5 Touring is part of BMW M GmbH's extension of its high-performance vehicle lineup, incorporating electrification aspects, as part of the ongoing evolution of the BMW 5 Series Touring models by BMW. However, no specific detailed historical origin for the 2025 M5 Touring model is given in the current sources.
In conclusion, the 2025 BMW M5 Touring offers a unique balance between luxury and performance, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a high-performance luxury sedan with everyday practicality and efficiency. Its plug-in hybrid system, coupled with its impressive performance, makes it a standout in the market.