For four decades, the BMW M5 has stood as a benchmark for high-performance sedans, blending executive comfort with track-ready capability. The arrival of the 2025 BMW M5 Touring marks a significant moment, reintroducing a wagon variant highly anticipated by enthusiasts. This new generation, however, arrives amidst discussions suggesting it might be diverging from the path forged by its predecessors. While power figures are expected to reach new heights, a substantial increase in weight accompanies this performance leap, raising questions about the car's fundamental character and adherence to the M division's core philosophies. The heart of the new M5, shared between the sedan and Touring models, is anticipated to be a potent plug-in hybrid powertrain, likely pairing BMW's renowned V8 engine with electric motors. This combination promises staggering output figures, pushing horsepower and torque well beyond previous generations. The instant torque delivery from the electric component should result in breathtaking acceleration, making the M5 Touring exceptionally quick in a straight line. This technological advancement allows BMW to deliver the raw performance numbers expected of a flagship M model in the modern era, ensuring it remains competitive against rivals embracing electrification. However, this impressive power comes with a significant penalty: weight. The integration of a hybrid system, including batteries and electric motors, adds considerable mass compared to previous, purely internal combustion engine M5s. Reports suggest the 2025 M5 could tip the scales at figures approaching or even exceeding 5,400 lbs (around 2,450 kg), a substantial increase that fundamentally alters the vehicle's dynamics. This added heft inevitably impacts handling agility, braking performance, and the overall sense of connection between the driver, the car, and the road – hallmarks traditionally central to the M5 experience. While sophisticated suspension systems and chassis tuning can mitigate some effects, the laws of physics remain immutable. The challenge for BMW M engineers, therefore, has been immense: harness the benefits of hybrid power while managing the detrimental effects of the associated weight gain. The driving experience is likely to be characterized by immense stability and effortless speed, but potentially at the cost of the nimble, engaging feel that defined earlier M5 generations. Critics might argue that this shift pushes the M5 further into the realm of a grand tourer – exceptionally fast and capable over long distances, but perhaps less rewarding on a demanding back road or racetrack. The practical benefits of the Touring variant remain, offering significant cargo space combined with supercar-rivaling performance, a combination few vehicles can match. Ultimately, the 2025 BMW M5 Touring represents a complex evolution in the M5 lineage. It embraces hybrid technology to deliver unprecedented power and performance figures, aligning with modern automotive trends. Yet, the unavoidable weight gain presents a potential compromise, possibly diluting the focused, agile driving dynamics that have historically defined the M5. Whether this trade-off is deemed successful will depend on individual priorities, but it undeniably marks a significant, and perhaps controversial, chapter in the storied history of BMW's ultimate driving machine, potentially signaling a shift in what defines an M car in an electrified future.
