Ever floored a 717-horsepower beast, only to realize you’ve got enough trunk space for a family camping trip? That’s the BMW M5 Touring, a wagon so badass it’s outselling its Sedan sibling in the US.
Yeah, you heard that right—Americans are ditching the sleek four-door for a wagon. Why? It’s not just the V8 growl or the BMW badge. This thing’s a unicorn, blending supercar thrills with the kind of practicality that lets you haul a flat-screen TV without breaking a sweat.
With a plug-in hybrid that sips gas, a cargo hold bigger than most apartments, and safety tech that’d make a tank jealous, the M5 Touring is the car you didn’t know you needed.
It’s hot because it’s rewriting the performance car rulebook, and US buyers are throwing their wallets at it like it’s Black Friday.
Overview: Why Cost-Effective Practicality Drives M5 Touring’s Success
The M5 Touring is like a mullet on wheels: business up front, party in the back. It’s got the same 717-hp plug-in hybrid V8 as the Sedan, but with 58 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Sedan’s measly 16.5.
That’s enough room to make your SUV-driving neighbor jealous. Toss in 25 miles of electric range for penny-pinching commutes and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and you’ve got a car that’s as practical as it is pulse-pounding.
Starting at $121,500, it’s not cheap, but it’s a deal when you realize it could replace your sports car and your family hauler. Here’s the lowdown on why the Touring is leaving the Sedan in its dust, with five reasons that make it the ultimate bang-for-your-buck ride.
Reason 1: Versatile Cargo Space for Everyday Needs
More Room for Life’s Demands
The M5 Touring’s 58 cubic feet of cargo space is like a magician’s hat—you keep pulling stuff out, and it never runs out of room. The Sedan? Its 16.5 cubic feet is fine for a gym bag and some takeout, but good luck fitting a stroller or a week’s worth of groceries.
I once helped a friend cram a mountain bike into a wagon like this, and we still had space for a cooler and a dog. Try that in a Sedan, and you’re playing Tetris with your trunk lid open.
The Touring’s space means you might not need that second car, saving you a fortune on gas, insurance, and the inevitable “where’d I park that thing?” panic.
Flexible Configurations for Any Scenario
With a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat and a power tailgate, the Touring is as adaptable as a chameleon at a paint store. Need to haul a surfboard and a kid? Fold one side. Moving a dining table?
Drop the whole row. The tailgate pops open with a button, so you’re not juggling boxes like a circus act. At $121,500, it’s a premium price, but when one car can handle track days and IKEA runs, it feels like a steal. I once loaded up a buddy’s old Volvo wagon for a road trip-same vibe, but the M5 Touring does it with enough horsepower to make your hair stand up.
Reason 2: Hybrid Efficiency Lowers Running Costs
Electric Range for Daily Commutes
The M5 Touring’s plug-in hybrid system is like having a secret superpower. Its 25-mile electric range covers your daily grind—think suburb-to-city commutes—without touching a drop of gas.
When fuel prices are jumping like a kid on a trampoline, that’s money in your pocket. But when you want to unleash the 717-hp V8, it’s like flipping a switch from Clark Kent to Superman.
I drove a hybrid BMW once, and every time I rolled past a gas station on electric mode, I felt like I was sticking it to Big Oil. The Touring’s efficiency makes it a no-brainer for anyone who loves speed but hates fuel bills.
Tax Incentives and Long-Term Savings
Here’s the kicker: the Touring qualifies for federal EV tax credits, up to $7,500 depending on your state and tax situation. That’s like finding a wad of cash in your glovebox. Plus, charging at home with off-peak rates keeps running costs low.
Compared to the Sedan, which guzzles more gas without the hybrid edge, the Touring is a financial win. I’ve got a friend who’s obsessed with crunching numbers on his car costs-guy’s got a spreadsheet for everything.
He’d lose his mind over the Touring’s savings, especially over a few years. It’s practical, but it still makes you feel like a rockstar.
Reason 3: Advanced Safety Features Enhance Value
Standard Driver-Assistance Technologies
The M5 Touring comes loaded with safety tech that doesn’t cost extra, unlike some brands that charge you for breathing. Automated emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control are standard, acting like a guardian angel who’s always got your back.
I had a near-miss once in a car without lane assist—swerved to avoid a deer and nearly ended up in a ditch. The Touring’s tech would’ve kept me calm and on course. At $121,500, it’s a lot, but getting all this safety gear included makes it feel like you’re robbing BMW blind.
Five-Star Safety for Peace of Mind
With a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, the Touring is built like a bunker. Its chassis and airbag systems protect you, your passengers, and even that guy crossing the street while glued to his phone.
That kind of safety can lower insurance costs, which is a big deal when you’re dropping six figures on a car. I’ve got a buddy who’s paranoid about crashes—guy checks crash test videos like it’s Netflix. He’d sleep better knowing the Touring’s got his back, and that’s worth more than any spec sheet.
Reason 4: Premium Features Elevate the Driving Experience
Luxury Meets Practicality
The M5 Touring’s cabin is like stepping into a sci-fi movie set. The Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof floods the interior with light, the Bowers & Wilkins stereo turns your playlist into a symphony, and ambient lighting makes every drive feel like a date night.
Compared to luxury SUVs that cost $150,000 and up, the Touring’s $121,500 price is a steal for this level of swank.
I took a long drive in a BMW with a similar setup once, and it was like being in a rolling spa—minus the overpriced smoothies. It’s the kind of car that makes a trip to the store feel like a road trip adventure.
Tech-Driven Comfort for All Passengers
Four-zone climate control means no one’s fighting over the AC, and heated rear seats keep the kids happy on cold mornings. The infotainment system is so slick it makes your iPhone feel like a brick.
I’ve been stuck in the back of cars that felt like punishment—cramped, hot, miserable. The Touring? It’s like first class for everyone. Perfect for family road trips or impressing your Tinder date on a scenic cruise. It’s practical, sure, but it’s also indulgent as hell.
Reason 5: Market Appeal for American Lifestyles
A Wagon Tailored for US Buyers
Wagons used to be the dorky cousin of the car world, but the M5 Touring is making them cool again. Its US debut taps into our obsession with big, versatile vehicles, offering SUV-like space with sports car soul.
Unlike the Sedan, which feels like it’s made for narrow European alleys, the Touring is built for American sprawl—think tailgates, road trips, or hauling gear to the lake.
I’ve seen wagons turn heads at car meets, like they’re the rare Pokémon card of the lot. The Touring’s got that same vibe, and Americans are eating it up.
Resale Value and Brand Cachet
BMW’s resale value is solid, and the Touring’s rarity makes it a future classic. Unlike the Sedan, which blends into the luxury sedan crowd, the Touring stands out like a neon sign. I sold a rare BMW once and got back almost what I paid—felt like I’d pulled off a heist.
The Touring’s mix of practicality and exclusivity means it’ll hold value better than most, making it a smart pick for anyone who loves cars and their bank account.
Conclusion
The BMW M5 Touring is outselling the Sedan because it’s the car we all secretly want: a fire-breathing wagon that hauls gear, saves gas, and keeps you safer than a bunker. Its 58 cubic feet of space, hybrid efficiency, and top-notch safety tech make it a practical dream for gearheads.
As a Jalopnik blogger, I’m low-key obsessed. This thing proves you can have your cake, eat it, and then stuff the leftovers in the trunk. My advice? Hit up your BMW dealer and take the Touring for a spin. You’ll drive away grinning like you just stole it.
As BMW’s old slogan goes, “Sheer Driving Pleasure” isn’t just marketing—it’s the M5 Touring’s whole deal.