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: huge boot comes to the rescue
BMW 530e Long-term test - front 3/4

BMW 530e Touring long-term test: huge boot comes to the rescue

Fleetwatch: The BMW 530e Touring's huge 1,700-litre boot proves to be a huge help during a house move
Long-term tests
28 Mar 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
BMW 5 Series Touring gets some M5 flavour with new M Performance Parts
BMW 5 Series Touring front 3/4 with M Performance Parts

BMW 5 Series Touring gets some M5 flavour with new M Performance Parts

If you can’t wait for the M5 then BMW’s M Performance Parts might keep you happy for know
News
7 May 2024

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025