The order books are now open for the 727hp car, which claims to offer up to 67km of emissions-free driving before needing a charge The new BMW M5 Touring. Photo: Fabian Kirchbauer You’d wonder who would pay €138,500 for a posh estate. Well, obviously someone has the wherewithal to buy, otherwise BMW would hardly bother making a 727hp M5 Touring.
This plug-in hybrid is a powerfully potent mix of practicality with performance: 0-100kmh in 3.6 seconds, along with a combined output of 727hp – the same as the M5 saloon – and a phenomenal 1,000Nm of torque (pulling power) too. This is the first M5 Touring to have an electrified drive system.
Playing a major role in that system is a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine, with M TwinPower Turbo technology, and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The estate shape helps with its practicality: load-carrying capacity can be as much as 1,630 litres to take work, leisure or family items with ease.
The rear seats also split 40:20:40, with a through-loading capability for longer items. And because you can plug it in at home or at a public charger, you can, they claim, get up to 67km of emissions-free driving. Order books are now open and Irish customers can expect to get delivery of the car early next year.
A long wheelbase, wide tracks, low centre of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution, as well as more rigid body and chassis technology, stacks up the sort of handling and ride you’d expect for your €138,500 investment. Standard spec includes evasion assistant, attentiveness assistant and speed limit information. The optional Driving Assistant Professional adds active cruise control and automatic speed limit assist.
Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.
