There was a time when wagons didn’t need defending. They were simply the smartest option if you wanted space, comfort, and the ability to cover serious ground without resorting to something bulky or compromised. Somewhere along the way, SUVs took over that narrative. Higher ride heights, tougher looks, and the illusion of versatility convinced buyers they needed more car than they actually did. But enthusiasts never really let go of wagons. And every once in a while, a car comes along that reminds us why.
The 2026 BMW M5 Touring might just be one of those very few cars that get everything right. Not because it’s nostalgic or quirky, but because it feels like the most complete expression of the performance-wagon idea we’ve seen yet. And let’s be honest — wagons are a little sexier than sedans in my book, unless we’re talking about something like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, but I’ll save that Italian detour for another day. The M5 Touring doesn’t apologize for what it is, and it doesn’t chase trends either. It simply gets on with the job, blending brute force with the sharp, spunky handling that has long defined BMW’s M car.
Why Wagons Still Matter
SUVs dominate the U.S. market, and that’s not changing anytime soon. They’re easy to sell, easy to live with, and easy to justify. But for drivers who genuinely enjoy driving, wagons still make more sense. It’s the practicality that gets me, honestly — and when it’s done right, a wagon doesn’t just work well, it looks fantastic doing it. They sit lower, handle better, and feel more connected to the road. In terms of space, wagons offer nearly the same cargo capacity as midsize SUVs, but without the extra mass and ride height that dulls feedback. The M5 Touring exists because BMW seems to understand that some buyers still want everything — speed, space, comfort, and involvement — without sacrificing one for the other. In that sense, it feels like a quiet rebellion against the SUV takeover.
Performance That Redefines The Segment
Let’s get the important part out of the way. The BMW M5 Touring is seriously fast — fast enough that it demands respect and a certain level of competence from whoever’s behind the wheel. Power comes from BMW M’s latest twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 paired with a plug-in hybrid system, producing an estimated 717 horsepower and 738 combined pound-feet of torque in U.S. specification, while delivering an EPA-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range. It’s firmly in supercar territory, wrapped in a long-roof body capable of carrying adults, luggage, and everyday responsibility without blinking. Zero to 60 mph happens in roughly 3.5 seconds, and top speed stretches well beyond 180 mph with the appropriate performance package. Impressive, without question — but those numbers alone aren’t what defines the M5 Touring.
What really matters is how usable that performance feels. From conversations with colleagues who’ve had the privilege of piloting one, the feedback is remarkably consistent. Throttle response is immediate without being abrupt, and power delivery is smooth and relentless rather than dramatic. Highway passing requires little more than a flex of your right foot. The car never feels like it’s straining or showing off — it simply has more than enough, all the time. This is speed engineered for real roads, not just spec sheets. And yes, while the M5 Touring can absolutely be pushed to its limits, the real question becomes whether the driver is ready for what it offers. Performance wagons only work if they’re genuinely usable. Otherwise, they’re just fast novelties.
Dual Personality That Satisfies All Aspects
The BMW M5 Touring understands this better than most. Cargo space is generous, easily accommodating weekend gear, road-trip luggage, or daily errands. The rear seats are comfortable enough for adults on long journeys, not just short hops. Visibility is good, the ride height feels natural, and the car never feels oversized or awkward in traffic. This is where the M5 Touring separates itself from traditional performance cars. You don’t need to plan your life around it. You don’t need a second vehicle for practicality. It slips effortlessly into everyday use, then transforms the moment you ask for more of it. That dual personality is exactly why wagons still matter — and why this one feels especially relevant today.
The Luxury Wagon That Proves Practicality Can Be Fun
Move aside luxury SUVs; this 2025 Audi luxury performance wagon proves you can have practicality and performance grit in one package.
A Driving Experience That Adapts To You
The M5 Touring’s greatest strength may be its adaptability, a point echoed by colleagues who’ve spent time behind the wheel. In its most relaxed drive modes, it’s quiet, refined, and composed. Road noise is well suppressed, the suspension smooths out rough surfaces, and the car feels surprisingly compact for its size. It’s easy to imagine using it daily without ever dipping into the sportier settings. But when you do, the transformation is immediate. The adaptive suspension firms up, throttle response sharpens, and the chassis comes alive. Grip levels are immense, body control is impressive, and the steering inspires confidence rather than caution. Despite its size and power, the BMW M5 Touring feels balanced and predictable when pushed. There’s no sense of wrestling with the car or managing its mass — everything works together, making the experience engaging rather than intimidating.
How It Beats The Competition
The performance-wagon space isn’t short on talent. The Audi RS6 Avant brings muscular styling and explosive straight-line speed, while the Mercedes‑AMG E63 S Wagon delivers thunderous character and a more extroverted personality. Both are exceptional in their own ways. But the M5 Touring feels more complete. The RS6 Avant can come across as a statement piece — brutally fast and visually aggressive, yet sometimes a little distant from the driver.
The AMG, on the other hand, thrives on drama, though that rawness can feel excessive in situations where subtlety would be welcome. The BMW sits comfortably between them. It balances performance, usability, and driver involvement in a way that feels cohesive rather than compromised. It doesn’t lean too hard in any one direction, and that’s precisely what makes it so compelling. If you had to live with one of these cars every day, the M5 Touring makes the strongest case — even if, I’ll admit, the RS6 still tugs at the heartstrings. Heavy, fast, and unmistakably Audi, that rumbling V8 remains a chef’s kiss.
Speed And Practicality: The Fastest Wagons Of The Last Decade
The fast wagon niche promises excellent practicality with the kind of power and fun that you’d normally expect from a sports sedan or sports car.
A Cabin Built For Driving, Not Showing Off
Inside, the BMW M5 Touring reflects BMW’s modern interior philosophy — clean, tech-forward, but still clearly driver-focused. The digital displays are crisp and responsive, the layout feels logical, and the driving position is spot on. Some might argue that at this price point, minimalism feels like a compromise. And in a sense, they’d be right — but that’s also the point. This is a driver’s car first, not a rolling luxury lounge.
The seats strike an excellent balance, offering strong support without feeling overly aggressive, which makes them ideal for both spirited driving and long highway stretches. Materials feel solid and thoughtfully chosen, and the cabin remains comfortable even after hours behind the wheel. This isn’t an interior designed to overwhelm you with gimmicks or excess. It’s designed to work — to keep the driver engaged rather than distracted.
Pricing also works in the M5 Touring’s favor. In the U.S., it starts at $123,900, undercutting the Audi RS6 Avant, which begins closer to $131,000. With Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon no longer offered new in the U.S., the M5 Touring stands out as the most potent and well-rounded option in its price bracket. In a segment where six-figure pricing is the norm, BMW’s flagship wagon is competitively — and confidently — positioned.
Find 2026 BMW M5 Touring and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
BMW Had To Change Production To Meet Crazy M5 Touring Demand
Americans do love wagons. Well, at least this one.
The Ultimate Wagon Case
Cars like the BMW M5 Touring are becoming increasingly rare. Performance wagons now occupy a shrinking space, caught between tightening regulations and shifting buyer preferences. That’s what makes this car feel important — not just as a product, but as a statement. It proves there’s still room for vehicles that value balance over excess, involvement over image, and usability alongside performance. It shows that you don’t have to sacrifice practicality to enjoy serious speed or give up enjoyment in the name of responsibility.
So, is the 2026 BMW M5 Touring the ultimate performance wagon? Right now, it’s hard to argue otherwise. It delivers supercar-level acceleration with genuine everyday usability. It offers comfort without dulling the driving experience. And it manages to feel special without trying too hard to announce itself. That’s a rare combination, especially in today’s market. The M5 Touring stands as proof that performance doesn’t have to come with compromise — and that wagons, when done properly, still make more sense than almost anything else on four wheels. For enthusiasts who want it all, this might be as good as it gets.
Sources: BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, The EPA