Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M5 Touring

The estate version of the BMW M5 is no slouch, but it doesn't feel as special as previous M cars from BMW

This year’s Greatest Drives won’t make particularly pleasant reading for BMW fans. Both of the firm’s entries are in the bottom five.

Is the blue propeller losing its touch? The latest M3 hasn’t had the easiest ride, being beaten by Audi’s RS4 in our recent twin test (Issue 969). But that doesn’t explain why the M5, which finished eighth in Greatest Drives as a saloon two years ago, is now in 16th place.

It’s partly due to the appearance of so many talented new rivals – and also because it doesn’t quite work as an estate. Where hot Audi load-luggers are brilliant all-rounders, the BMW has two distinct personalities: practical family hauler or hardcore super-saloon.

That there are so many modes and settings for everything doesn’t help, yet you can’t deny this model has plenty of urge. There’s 507bhp available once you’ve pressed the Power button, which also sharpens throttle response.

At nearly two tonnes, the BMW is the heaviest car here after the Mercedes CL63. In a straight line, though, it’s a match for Audi’s R8. Acceleration is ferocious, equalled only by the savagery of the sequential box in the fastest of its 11 modes.

However, the point at which this car becomes involving is at speeds which aren’t practical on UK roads. It’s almost too well engineered and doesn’t provide enough low-speed excitement. The sheer complexity of the M5 does it few favours, but it is still special, offering fine grip and a well balanced chassis.

At the track, it was great – playful and surprisingly agile, with meaty steering – although it would bite back if mistreated. However, it lacks the magic that some of the cheaper cars here serve up so ably.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW 530e Touring long-term test: punchy estate meets the muscular M5
BMW 530e Touring long-term test - side profile with Richard Ingram

BMW 530e Touring long-term test: punchy estate meets the muscular M5

Third report: our 5 Series meets the flagship M5, but is it really worth the extra?
Long-term tests
26 Jun 2025
Best estate cars to buy 2025
Best estate cars - header image

Best estate cars to buy 2025

A good estate car delivers practicality, space and low running costs - here are the 10 best estates on sale in the UK today
Best cars & vans
4 Feb 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025