It’s heavy. Much has already been said about the immenseness of this thing. But the BMW M5 Touring is fitted with enough physics-warping bits to help you forget about all of that. Part of that lies with the fact that the suspension, rear-axle steering system, brakes, tires, and smart electronic bits are all working to keep this thing happy when you’re hustling. The real party truck, however, exists because this M5 wagon unleashes 717 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of just over 3 seconds, and has room for your family and the groceries. It’s a proper mad wagon.
The power arrives courtesy of a plug-in hybrid setup and a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Acting on its own accord, the gas-drinking mill is good for 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor, which sits inside the 8-speed gearbox, is capable of producing 194 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a 14.8-kWh battery pack, which means you have actual usable electric driving range and the M5 Touring will run in a pure EV mode at up to 87 mph.
More fun occurs, however, when you hit the buttons to turn it from an AWD family hauler into a RWD ass hauler. There’s also a more aggressive AWD Sport mode, too. But in order to get the M5 into RWD, it requires you to turn traction control off. The happy hooligan fun times can commence, just leave plenty in the budget for tires.
Of course, if you can afford the car, you can afford the tires. This one isn’t cheap. The base price is a bit over $122k. A unicorn machine with formerly fairytale-levels of power shouldn’t be inexpensive, and this one is clearly no exception.
Even though I can’t afford one, I am happy to see a super wagon being offered here in the States.
By Jeff Glucker
Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway.
IG: @HooniverseJeff