Is the new BMW M5 Touring your potential one-car-does-all solution?

Singapore – As a lifelong fan of estate cars, BMW’s recent venture into high-performance wagons has more than captivated the interests of enthusiasts like me. Following the release of the first-ever M3 Touring in 2022, BMW is now offering an M5 Touring for the first time in almost 20 years. That’s right, the last M5 wagon we got was from three 5-series generations ago, way back in 2007.

The new M5 Touring is the third current BMW M Car equipped with the brand’s M HYBRID drive system, which combines a powerful V8 engine with an efficient electric motor. Admittedly, this hybrid powertrain does make it heavy, as the M5 Touring clocks in at almost 2-and-a-half tonnes. However, the powertrain’s combined output of 727hp and 1,000Nm of torque does more than enough to handle its weight, as the M5 Touring can propel itself from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds. It won’t feel out of place on the Autobahn either, as its standard M Driver’s Package also elevates its top speed to 305 km/h.

To ensure its sporty look, flared roof arches, a longer roofline, larger air intakes, and a redesigned signature kidney grille have been introduced, while numerous body panels are given a Black solid finish. Also standard are 20 and 21-inch M light-alloy wheels at the front and rear, respectively, fitted with high-performance tyres.

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With regard to driving configuration, M Dynamic Mode allows drivers to adjust the car’s stability control, while Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) can also be fully disabled. In SPORT mode, assistance systems and information shown on the BMW Head-Up Display are restricted to essential ones required for fast driving. With the M Drive Professional package, TRACK mode is available too, which completely deactivates any assistance systems.  An M Laptimer and a Boost Control function are also included in this package for when the driver requires an extra surge of speed.

The M5 Touring utilises the latest iteration of BMW iDrive, based on BMW Operating System 8.5. BMW Live Cockpit Professional is standard, which contains the BMW Maps navigation system and Augmented View function. Both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are also available for connecting smartphones to the car, although the noise of the rumbling V8 should eliminate any need for music.

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Although the M5 Touring is undoubtedly a driver-oriented car, it is not short of standard driver assistance systems such as Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control and Active Navigation. Driving Assistant Professional, which includes front collision warning and Lane Departure Warning, are also standard. Conveniently, Parking Assistant Professional allows the car to park and manoeuvre itself with the use of a smartphone.

Of course, this being a wagon, it would be a crime to forgo practicality solely in favour of performance. The BMW M5 Touring contains a respectable 500 litres of storage, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1,630 litres with the second and third-row seats folded down. Comfort Access and automatic tailgate operation also facilitate stress-free loading and unloading of items in the boot.

“A BMW M car is an emotional purchase and an extension of the driver’s personality and lifestyle,” explained Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia. “The BMW M5 Touring offers an adrenaline rush like no other and has the performance, looks and heritage that discerning enthusiasts appreciate. Throw in that extra-large luggage compartment and it becomes an impressively practical sports car. Take it from me – this road-legal track machine is razor sharp when cornering and making a first impression!”

Prices for the M5 Touring start at $775,888, including COE. Sure, it’s not cheap, but if you have the money, it’s the perfect car to drop your pesky children off at school in the morning before speeding to your local racetrack for some priceless moments of fun.

Text: Tan Kai Wyn
Photos: BMW Singapore