The BMW M5 has always been a supercar trapped in a sedan’s body. Occasionally, it has taken the form of a station wagon’s body. This high-performance model has been a mainstay of the Bavarian brand since it debuted in Germany in 1985 and arrived in the U.S. market in 1988.
The first generation was literally powered by a supercar’s engine. It borrowed its inline six-cylinder from the BMW M1 Coupe, one of the iconic poster cars of the era. I even had one myself, hanging next to a red Lamborghini Countach. The 3.5-liter motor was rated at 256 horsepower—more than the Chevrolet Corvette’s V8 at the time.
With a top speed of approximately 150 mph, the M5 was the world’s fastest sedan and had handling to match. Despite this performance, it retained the low-key style of the 5-Series luxury car on which it was based. Later generations received more power from V8 and Formula 1-inspired V10 engines but continued to maintain a subdued appearance.
BMW added a station wagon variant in 1992, but not for the U.S. market, as American tastes were already shifting toward minivans and SUVs. However, a fascinating trend emerged in recent years. While mainstream wagons faced extinction, high-end, powerful German sport wagons gained popularity among a niche of American car enthusiasts. Today, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and BMW all offer such models.
This resurgence includes the all-new 2025 BMW M5, available as a sedan or a wagon called the M5 Touring. Aside from their bodies, both versions are mechanically identical—and electrified this time around. These are not fully electric vehicles, but plug-in hybrids capable of traveling up to 27 miles on battery power before the combustion engine and electric motor unite to unleash the performance.
The “fun” part lies in their turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engines combined with the electric motor to produce a staggering 717 horsepower. That’s close to triple the original M5’s output. This powertrain is a version of what’s used in the BMW XM SUV. To put it in perspective, current NASCAR cars aren’t even as powerful.
Performance-wise, the M5 can accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph. It could certainly give NASCAR vehicles a run for their money—even though it weighs over 5,000 pounds.
Pricing is equally substantial, with the sedan starting at $123,075. Interestingly, the Touring wagon is slightly less expensive at $122,575—a rare instance where less money buys you more, specifically more cargo space.
Inside, the cabin boasts BMW’s latest ultramodern styling. It features a curved widescreen display on the dashboard that integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Below that is a door-to-door light bar, complemented by a high-definition, multicolor head-up display projected onto the windshield.
Seating is designed to accommodate tall passengers comfortably in both rows, yet remains low to the ground, just like a sports car should be. The M5’s suspension uses computer-controlled shocks to keep the body firmly in check, and it rides on tires nearly a foot wide.
On the road, the M5 sticks to curves as if glued in place and offers all-wheel drive—but only when you want it. Disabling traction control unlocks a rear-wheel-drive mode expressly designed for performing Hollywood-quality drifts. With all the power on tap, you barely have to press the gas pedal to send the rear of the car sliding sideways while turning the tires into smoke.
Of course, these maneuvers should never be attempted on public roads, not only for safety but also to protect your driver’s license. To truly explore the M5’s capabilities, Germany’s Autobahn or a race track are the most suitable venues.
Despite this track-worthy performance, the M5’s dual identity remains intact. It will cruise comfortably along the highway all day and can be equipped with the latest electronic driver aids. One such feature is lane-tracing cruise control, which allows you to take your hands off the wheel during slow stop-and-go traffic.
However, if you find yourself frequently stuck in traffic, this might not be the ideal car for you. The M5 is built for enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of luxury and exhilarating performance—a true supercar beneath the skin of a sedan or wagon.
https://www.nysun.com/article/the-bmw-m5-is-a-190-mph-family-car
