The 2026 BMW M5 Touring is a strong case for a performance wagon that can also carry real cargo: a 717 bhp plug-in hybrid V8 with all-wheel drive, a listed starting price of $125,300, and luggage space that BMW estimates at up to 57.6 cubic feet. Whether it is the “ultimate” one depends on the buyer. It leads only if you rank acceleration, cargo volume and plug-in capability above price, weight and the alternatives, and the most direct alternative is the Audi RS6 Avant Performance.
What you are buying
BMW USA lists the M5 Touring as a plug-in hybrid and describes it as the only BMW Touring model currently offered in the United States. The core figures from BMW’s current U.S. technical page are below.
| Item | BMW U.S. figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4-liter V8 (4,395 cc) | Part of the M Hybrid drivetrain |
| Power | 717 bhp at 5,600–6,500 rpm | BMW USA technical page |
| Torque | 738 lb-ft at 1,800–5,400 rpm | BMW USA technical page |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive, 8-speed automatic | BMW USA technical page |
| Top speed | 155 mph; 190 mph with the M Driver’s Package | BMW USA technical page |
| Starting MSRP | $125,300 | BMW USA Touring overview; destination charge and options are extra and are not itemised in the published figures |
BMW’s August 15, 2024 U.S. launch release, written by Jay Hanson, framed the car in promotional terms: “The M Hybrid drivetrain produces 717 hp and 738 lb-ft to deliver intoxicating performance on road and track alike.” That is BMW’s wording, and the figures behind it are the same ones listed above.
How fast it is
There are two acceleration figures, and they measure different things. BMW lists 0–60 mph in 3.5 seconds and labels it preliminary BMW AG test results, with a warning that actual results vary. Car and Driver’s instrumented test of the 2026 Touring recorded 3.1 seconds to 60 mph. The manufacturer figure is an official claim; the 3.1-second figure is one publication’s measured run under its own conditions, and it is the better guide to what the car can do on a good surface with a skilled driver, not a guaranteed result for every owner.
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- This wiper blades set is compatible with your 2026 BMW M5 Touring it contains a front set of Bosch Clear Advantage beam wiper blades 26" Driver Side + a 19" for your Passenger Side windshield wiper blade
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- Performance Beam wipers are great for vehicles with large windshields and where the wipers may lift at highway speeds.
Power alone does not decide the comparison. At 717 bhp and 738 lb-ft, the M5 Touring is in the output class of the most powerful performance cars. The difference between the two acceleration figures is small enough that test conditions matter more than the decimal place.
Electric range and charging
How far it goes on electricity
Three electric-range figures appear in published material, and they should not be merged into one number:
Rank #2
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- This wiper blades set is compatible with your 2026 BMW M5 Touring it contains a 26" WiperBladesUSA all-weather beam blade for your Driver Side wiper blade + a 19" WiperBladesUSA all-weather beam blade windshield wiper blade for your Passenger Side windshield wiper blade
- Our exclusive 1yr Clear-Wipe Warranty is our commitment to keep you driving clear. If your wipers start to streak or chatter within 1 year after delivery use the warranty to get a fresh set shipped out keeping you and your family seeing clearly. (See Details)
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| Source | Figure | Test context |
|---|---|---|
| BMW launch release, August 15, 2024 | Projected approximately 25 miles | Launch-era projection |
| BMW USA plug-in-hybrid page | Approximately 24 miles | Preliminary BMW AG testing based on EPA test-procedure standards |
| Car and Driver, 2025 test | 29 miles of electric driving | Publication’s own 75-mph highway test |
The 24-mile BMW figure is the current manufacturer estimate. It is not an official EPA rating, and the 29-mile result is a single highway run that is not comparable to a mixed-cycle estimate. Expect electric range to fall with higher speeds, colder weather and more aggressive throttle use. The published figures do not quantify those effects.
Charging speed
Car and Driver reports that the 2026 model accepts up to 11 kW on AC charging, up from 7.4 kW on the earlier version. A home AC installation therefore needs a supply circuit and wallbox rated for that current. Confirm the compatibility of the charging hardware with an electrician before buying, because the published figures do not set out installation requirements. The sources reviewed for this article do not establish DC fast-charging capability, so do not assume it.
Rank #3
- EASY 1-Step Install. We PRESET your wiper to specifically fit your 2026 BMW M5 Touring. No more fumbling with adapters ever. WiperBladesUSA: Making Wipers Easy Since 2015
- This wiper blades set is compatible with your 2026 BMW M5 Touring it contains a 26" WiperBladesUSA all-weather beam blade for your Driver Side wiper blade + a 19" WiperBladesUSA all-weather beam blade windshield wiper blade for your Passenger Side windshield wiper blade
- Our exclusive 2yr Clear-Wipe Warranty is our commitment to keep you driving clear. If your wipers start to streak or chatter within 2 years after delivery use the warranty to get a fresh set shipped out keeping you and your family seeing clearly. (See Details)
- REQUIRED: For Proper Installation: EASY 1-Step install. We PRESET these wipers to directly fit your 2026 BMW M5 Touring. Please also use our Step-by-Step easy instructions (with video) for installing these WiperBladesUSA all-weather Beam Windshield wiper blades on your 2026 BMW M5 Touring are included. Save money! You CAN install them yourself!
Cargo and everyday use
BMW’s launch release estimates luggage capacity from 17.7 to 57.6 cubic feet. The upper figure is an estimate of the maximum volume, not a measured usable load, and the usable figure depends on seat position and how the load is packed. Car and Driver praises the car’s cargo capacity in its 2026 review, which makes the M5 Touring one of the few performance cars where the wagon body is a genuine practical argument rather than a styling choice.
The limits are real. BMW’s own U.S. Touring page suggests that drivers who regularly haul cargo, trailers or other equipment consider an X5, X6 or X7 instead.
Rank #4
- Vehicle Fit: Designed specifically for 2025-2026 BMW M5 Touring Base windshield use
- Rigid Accordion Design Stays Secure: Thick panels help resist sagging in high heat. No suction cups are needed, and the shade secures with your vehicle sun visors
- Matte Faux Leather Texture and Soft Touch: Matte silver faux leather texture offers a softer hand feel and a lower-glare look during installation, with a surface that helps reduce visible fingerprints
- Sensor Compatible and Soft Flocked Edges: Precise cutout design helps leave room for camera and sensor areas, while soft flocked edges help protect interior trim
- Compact Accordion Fold and Long-Lasting Durability: Folds in accordion style to about 3 inches thick by 9 inches wide and fits in the included storage bag. Double-needle stitching helps keep it strong
Price and value
BMW USA’s Touring overview gives a starting MSRP of $125,300. That is the entry figure, not the cost of the car you would drive away in. Destination charges, options and any equipment selections, including the two new interior leather combinations that Car and Driver reports for 2026, change the final price. Check the live BMW configurator before comparing numbers, because prices and availability can change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Against the Audi RS6 Avant Performance
Road & Track names the Audi RS6 Avant Performance as the direct rival and contrasts its mass and output with the BMW’s. That makes the Audi the benchmark to test “ultimate” against. The published material does not provide a verified set of figures for the Audi, so the cells below that are not stated should be filled from current manufacturer specifications before any purchase decision.
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Best Value
- Glass Coverage: This premium screen protector is specifically designed for the Full Screen Infotainment/Navigation/Multimedia Toucscreen Display on the 2026 BMW M5 Touring. Crafted in the USA, it provides superior protection for your vehicle’s advanced multimedia touchscreen, guarding against scratches, smudges, and everyday wear without compromising the touchscreen's clarity or responsiveness.
- Anti Finger Print: The Anti-Fingerprint feature of this screen protector utilizes an advanced nano-coating technology to create a highly transparent, protective layer on your screen that significantly reduces fingerprints, smudges, and oily residue. This innovative coating is designed to keep your 2026 BMW M5 Touring infotainment display looking clean and pristine, even with frequent touch interactions
- Anti Glare: The Anti-Glare feature of this screen protector is designed to diffuse light and reduce reflections, making it easier to see and interact with your BMW M5 Touring Touchscreen infotainment display in various lighting conditions. Whether you're driving on a bright, sunny day or in the midst of low-light environments, this technology ensures your screen remains visible and clear without the distraction of harsh glare. It’s an ideal solution for reducing eye strain, improving overall viewing comfort, and enhancing the touchscreen experience.
- Touch Sensitivity: This screen protector is designed to maintain the full responsiveness of your infotainment touchscreen, ensuring it reacts to touch inputs as intended, with no interference. Precision-engineered for seamless compatibility with your screen’s touch-sensitive technology, it offers excellent protection while delivering an optimal, uninterrupted user experience.
- High Transparency: This screen protector is designed to preserve the original brightness, vibrant colors, and sharp clarity of yourBMW M5 Touring infotainment display. Once applied, it remains virtually invisible, allowing the high-definition quality of your screen to shine through while offering reliable protection against everyday wear and tear.
| Axis | BMW M5 Touring | Audi RS6 Avant Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration (0–60 mph) | 3.5 s (BMW, preliminary); 3.1 s (Car and Driver test) | Not stated in the published material reviewed |
| Power and torque | 717 bhp; 738 lb-ft | Not stated in the published material reviewed; Road & Track contrasts output with the BMW |
| Curb weight | Not stated in the published material reviewed; Car and Driver lists extra weight as a downside | Not stated in the published material reviewed; Road & Track contrasts mass with the BMW |
| Electric range | About 24 miles (BMW estimate) | Not stated in the published material reviewed |
| Charging | Up to 11 kW AC (Car and Driver, 2026) | Not stated in the published material reviewed |
| Cargo | Estimated 17.7–57.6 cubic feet (BMW) | Not stated in the published material reviewed |
| Starting price | $125,300 (BMW USA) | Not stated in the published material reviewed |
| Availability | Only BMW Touring currently offered in the U.S. (BMW USA) | Not stated in the published material reviewed |
On the BMW side of the table, the verifiable advantages are plug-in capability, a 3.1-second instrumented run and a documented cargo volume. Nothing in the published material establishes that the BMW wins the Audi comparison overall, so the verdict on “ultimate” depends on how the buyer weighs the cells that remain unfilled.
Trade-offs
- Weight. Car and Driver lists the M5 Touring’s extra weight among its downsides, and that weight matters most in handling and on a track.
- Settings. The car has numerous drive and chassis settings, which Car and Driver lists as a drawback for owners who prefer simplicity.
- Steering. Car and Driver describes the steering as light, which some drivers will find less communicative.
- Electric range variance. The 24-mile manufacturer estimate and the 29-mile highway result come from different tests and should not be treated as interchangeable.
- Hauling. If trailers or heavy equipment are routine, BMW itself points to an X5, X6 or X7.
Who it suits
- You want V8 plug-in-hybrid performance and a wagon body that carries family-scale luggage at the same time.
- You can install and use an 11 kW AC home charger and plan to run the car on electricity for most short trips.
- You accept the extra weight, the number of settings and the lighter steering as the cost of a practical performance car.
It is a weaker choice if you tow regularly, if you need a verified comparison with the Audi before deciding, or if the price has to stay near the starting figure once options are added.
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