Effortlessly fast: The i5 M60 Touring’s sleek wagon design and electric engine pack a punch.
It has been quite a while since BMW made a station wagon model of the 5 Series for the North American market. However, that might soon change, at least for a couple of trim levels. Currently, the newest version of the 5 Series with a long roof is only available in Europe. On Tuesday, BMW unveiled the 2025 5 Series Touring, which comes in diesel, gas-powered plug-in hybrid, or pure electric options.
Continuing the trend of continuously growing new cars, the 2025 5 Series Touring has expanded to larger proportions. Measuring at 199 inches in length, it is now only one inch shy from the previous-generation BMW 7 Series (G11) sedan. This significant increase in size is not exclusive to the wagon body style, as the latest 5 Series sedan also saw considerable growth upon its release in 2023. The wagon is also broader, measuring at 74.8 inches, and taller, standing at 59.6 inches. While this may pose challenges for those with limited parking space, it is excellent news for those who utilize wagons for their intended purpose: transporting a large amount of goods.
When the rear seats are upright, there is a spacious 20.1 cubic feet for cargo in the BMW. But when they are folded down, this increases to an impressive 60 cubic feet. The BMW surpasses its German rivals in terms of cargo space, with the Audi A6 Avant falling slightly behind. However, it falls short compared to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate, unless you consider the plug-in hybrid option of the Mercedes that sacrifices some rear space for battery storage. This remains true for both the traditional combustion-powered Touring and the electric i5 versions of the BMW.
When it comes to electric models, the i5 is the perfect choice for die-hard BMW wagon enthusiasts looking for a speedy performance. The top-of-the-line i5 M60 xDrive Touring boasts an impressive 593 horsepower and a maximum torque of 605 pound-feet in boost mode. This same setup can also be found in the sedan, although the wagon’s additional weight does slightly hinder its speed. According to BMW, the i5 can reach 62 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds, with a factory-set speed limit of 143 mph. For those who prefer a more agile option, the i5 eDrive40 model offers a reduced output of 335 hp and a 0-62 mph time of 6.1 seconds by eliminating the front motor. However, this comes with a trade-off in terms of range, as it can cover a maximum distance of 348 miles compared to Europe’s WLTP cycle of 314 miles.
In the ever-evolving world of combustion engines, the newest iteration of the 5 Series Touring is still powered by electrified options, including mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The 530e is equipped with BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor, giving it a combined output of 295 horsepower and the ability to travel up to 60 miles on electric alone. The all-wheel-drive model has the same power output, but its electric-only range decreases to a maximum of 55 miles. On the other hand, the 520d utilizes a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine with a mild-hybrid system to produce 195 horsepower, available in rear- or all-wheel drive. Additionally, the 540d xDrive Touring features a 3.0-liter mild-hybrid inline-six turbodiesel for a robust 295 horsepower.
BMW’s recent announcement surprisingly omits any mention of the much-anticipated M5 Touring. Despite sightings of heavily camouflaged prototypes being tested across different countries, there has been no confirmation on the availability of the high-performance M5 wagon in the US. However, sources speculate that the powerful M5 Touring may eventually become available in the US, featuring a potential hybrid powertrain borrowed from the XM model and potentially producing an impressive 700 horsepower. This could serve as a major challenge to owners of the Audi RS6 Avant, offering them some stiff competition.
In the upcoming months, we can anticipate gaining knowledge about the latest M5. In the meantime, individuals in Europe can take advantage of the new 5 Series wagon, which debuts in May with the i5 Touring and mild-hybrid four-cylinder variations. Additional options including plug-in hybrid versions and the 540d xDrive will become available later on in the summer.
Source: BMW