---

The automotive world has witnessed a seismic shift with the arrival of the 2026 BMW M5, a vehicle that boldly redefines what a high-performance luxury sedan can achieve. For over four decades, the M5 nameplate has represented the pinnacle of BMW’s engineering prowess, combining executive luxury with race-bred performance. Now, the 2026 BMW M5 enters a new chapter, embracing electrification without sacrificing the visceral driving experience that has made it legendary. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about this groundbreaking super sedan.

Article Structure including:

• Revolutionary hybrid powertrain details (717 hp)
• Both Sedan and Touring variants
• Interior luxury and technology features
• Advanced driving dynamics and M xDrive system
• Safety features and driver assistance
• Pricing information ($121,900 sedan, $123,900 Touring)
• Competition comparison
• Real-world practicality and ownership experience

The Evolution of an Icon: Introducing the 2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 marks the second model year of BMW’s seventh-generation super sedan, codenamed G90 for the sedan and G99 for the Touring wagon variant. This iteration represents the most significant transformation in the M5’s storied history, introducing a plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers unprecedented performance while offering improved efficiency. For the first time ever in the United States, BMW is offering the M5 Touring wagon alongside the traditional sedan, giving enthusiasts more choices than ever before.

What makes the 2026 BMW M5 truly special is its ability to seamlessly blend contrasting characteristics. It’s a luxury executive transport that can whisk you to business meetings in supreme comfort. It’s an all-weather family vehicle with practical cargo space. And when the mood strikes, it transforms into a fire-breathing performance machine capable of humbling dedicated sports cars on both road and track. This versatility, combined with cutting-edge technology and BMW M’s legendary engineering, creates a vehicle that’s genuinely special in today’s automotive landscape.

Revolutionary Hybrid Powertrain of the 2026 BMW M5

Explosive Performance Meets Efficiency

At the heart of the 2026 BMW M5 lies BMW’s most powerful production powertrain to date. The system combines the brand’s S68 engine, a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission that contributes 194 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The combined system output reaches a staggering 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, making this the most powerful standard production M5 in history.

These numbers translate to breathtaking real-world performance. The 2026 BMW M5 sedan rockets from zero to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, with the slightly heavier Touring variant accomplishing the sprint in 3.5 seconds. Independent testing has recorded even quicker times, with some achieving 3.2 seconds in ideal conditions. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph in standard configuration, but the optional M Driver’s Package raises that ceiling to an eye-watering 190 mph, putting the 2026 BMW M5 firmly in supercar territory.

Electric Driving Capability

The plug-in hybrid system in the 2026 BMW M5 isn’t just about boosting performance. It provides genuine electric-only driving capability, with a 14.8-kWh battery pack delivering an EPA-estimated electric range of 27 miles for the sedan and 25 miles for the Touring. While these figures may seem modest compared to dedicated electric vehicles, they’re perfectly adequate for typical daily commutes, allowing many owners to complete routine errands on electricity alone.

For 2026, BMW has enhanced the charging capability of the M5, increasing the maximum AC charging rate from 7.4 kW to 11 kW. This improvement significantly reduces charging times, making it more convenient to top up the battery between drives. The 2026 BMW M5 can intelligently manage its energy, maintaining a battery buffer to ensure maximum system power is always available when you need it, combining regenerative braking and combustion engine charging to keep the battery optimally charged.

2026 BMW M5 Sedan: Executive Performance Personified

Design Excellence

The 2026 BMW M5 sedan maintains BMW’s signature proportions while incorporating distinctive M Division styling cues that signal its performance intentions. Flared wheel arches accommodate the wider track, while widened quarter panels give the sedan a muscular, planted stance. The iconic BMW kidney grille, now available with illuminated contour lighting, dominates the front fascia and is flanked by adaptive LED headlights featuring BMW’s distinctive double light signature.

At the rear, a two-section diffuser frames the quad exhaust outlets, while the subtle M rear spoiler optimizes aerodynamics and adds a sporting touch. The 2026 BMW M5 sedan rides on staggered wheels, with 20-inch fronts and 21-inch rears as standard. Various wheel designs are available, including striking M Double-spoke Black wheels and optional diamond-polished designs that shimmer from every angle. Performance tires measuring 285/40R-20 front and 295/35R-21 rear ensure maximum grip.

Interior Luxury and Technology

Step inside the 2026 BMW M5 sedan and you’re greeted by an environment that perfectly balances sporting intent with executive luxury. M Multi-function seats for both driver and passenger feature extensive adjustability, including backrest width, lumbar support, thigh support, and temperature control. These seats hold you securely during spirited driving while remaining comfortable during long highway cruises.

For 2026, BMW has introduced two new interior color options for the 2026 BMW M5: Individual Dark Violet with Black Merino Leather and Individual Taupe Grey with Deep Lagoon Merino Leather. These join existing options including classic Black Merino, creating a range of choices to suit different aesthetic preferences. The dashboard features a luxurious Merino leather wrap, complemented by aluminum and piano black trim accents that create a premium atmosphere.

The centerpiece of the interior is BMW’s Curved Display, which houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single pane of curved glass. The gauge cluster features M-specific graphics that change based on the selected drive mode, while the central touchscreen runs BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 operating system. This intuitive interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation with real-time traffic updates, voice commands, video streaming capabilities when parked, and comprehensive BMW ConnectedDrive apps.

2026 BMW M5 Touring: Performance Wagon Perfection

America’s Long-Awaited Wagon

The arrival of the 2026 BMW M5 Touring in the United States represents a watershed moment for American automotive enthusiasts. For decades, Europeans have enjoyed high-performance wagons that combine supercar acceleration with genuine practicality, while American buyers were forced to watch from afar or import vehicles privately. BMW has finally answered the calls of enthusiasts by offering the Touring variant officially through US dealers.

The 2026 BMW M5 Touring shares its core mechanical components with the sedan, including the identical 717-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain, eight-speed automatic transmission, M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and adaptive M suspension. Performance figures are nearly identical, with the Touring achieving 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. What sets it apart is the extended roofline and hatchback design that dramatically increases cargo capacity while maintaining the low center of gravity that makes wagons such exceptional handling vehicles.

Unmatched Practicality

Where the 2026 BMW M5 Touring truly excels is in everyday usability. Behind the rear seats, the wagon offers 18 cubic feet of cargo space, which admittedly doesn’t sound dramatically larger than the sedan’s 17 cubic feet of trunk space. However, fold down the rear seats and the Touring reveals its true capability with an impressive 58 cubic feet of storage space. This generous capacity easily accommodates golf clubs, strollers, luggage sets, sporting equipment, and all the gear modern families accumulate.

The lower loading height of the wagon format makes it easier to load heavy items compared to SUVs, while the squared-off cargo area maximizes usable space. The 2026 BMW M5 Touring features a power-operated tailgate with available hands-free functionality, making it convenient to access the cargo area even with your hands full. This practical design means the Touring can genuinely serve as a one-car solution for performance enthusiasts who need real-world versatility without compromise.

Contrarian Appeal

In an automotive landscape dominated by crossovers and SUVs, choosing the 2026 BMW M5 Touring makes a statement. It says you value driving dynamics over ride height, that you understand the benefits of a lower center of gravity for handling excellence, and that you appreciate substance over conformity. The wagon format has always been an insider’s choice, beloved by those who prioritize how a vehicle drives rather than how high it sits.

Pricing for the 2026 BMW M5 Touring starts at $123,900, making it competitively positioned against rivals like the Audi RS6 Avant, which begins near $131,000. With Mercedes-AMG having discontinued the E63 S Wagon in the US market, the M5 Touring stands as the most powerful and well-rounded performance wagon available at any price. The relative rarity of the Touring in American driveways adds to its appeal for enthusiasts seeking something genuinely special.

Advanced Technology in the 2026 BMW M5

iDrive 8.5 Operating System

The 2026 BMW M5 features BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 operating system, representing the cutting edge of automotive infotainment technology. The system runs on powerful processors that deliver quick response times and smooth transitions between menus. The interface has been designed specifically for the plug-in hybrid powertrain, integrating EV-specific features including real-time battery monitoring, charging station navigation with availability information, and energy flow displays that show how power is being distributed.

The voice assistant in the 2026 BMW M5 has become significantly more capable, responding to natural language commands without requiring specific phrases. You can ask it to find charging stations, adjust climate control, change drive modes, or navigate to destinations, and it responds quickly and accurately. The system learns your preferences over time, offering personalized suggestions and shortcuts based on your usage patterns.

Premium Audio Options

Standard equipment in the 2026 BMW M5 includes a Harman Kardon surround sound system that delivers impressive audio quality for most listeners. However, serious audiophiles will want to consider the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, which transforms the M5’s cabin into a mobile concert hall. This premium system features 18 strategically placed speakers including tweeters with diamond domes, delivering crystalline highs, rich midrange, and deep, controlled bass. The system is specifically tuned for the M5’s interior acoustics, creating an immersive listening experience that rivals high-end home audio systems.

M Modes and Customization

One of the most impressive aspects of the 2026 BMW M5 is its incredible customizability. BMW offers 1,942 different combinations of settings across various vehicle parameters, allowing you to fine-tune everything from throttle response and transmission behavior to suspension firmness and steering weight. This level of adjustability ensures you can configure the M5 to match any driving situation or personal preference.

The M Mode system simplifies customization by offering preset configurations: ROAD mode optimizes the 2026 BMW M5 for comfortable daily driving, with softer suspension settings, relaxed throttle response, and minimal intervention from stability systems. The digital displays present comprehensive information including navigation and entertainment options. SPORT mode sharpens responses across all systems, with firmer suspension, quicker throttle response, and more aggressive transmission programming. The engine sound is enhanced through the active exhaust system, and the displays become more focused on performance data. TRACK mode is designed for maximum performance, with track-optimized stability control settings, the most aggressive suspension and powertrain calibrations, and minimalist displays that present only essential information to avoid distraction.

For ultimate performance, the 2026 BMW M5 features a Boost Control function activated via a steering wheel paddle. This delivers full system power for ten seconds, providing instantaneous acceleration that pushes you back into the seat with surprising force. It’s an addictive feature that never gets old, perfect for highway passing maneuvers or simply enjoying the M5’s incredible performance capabilities.

Driving Dynamics of the 2026 BMW M5

M xDrive All-Wheel Drive

The 2026 BMW M5 comes standard with BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which can distribute power between the front and rear axles based on available traction and driving conditions. Unlike many AWD systems that prioritize straight-line traction, M xDrive is specifically tuned to enhance the M5’s dynamic capabilities. The system features a rear-biased power distribution that maintains BMW’s traditional driving character, sending more power to the rear wheels under normal conditions to preserve the engaging, tail-happy handling that M cars are famous for.

For ultimate driving engagement, the 2026 BMW M5 offers a selectable 2WD mode that sends all power exclusively to the rear wheels. This mode transforms the M5 into a traditional rear-wheel-drive performance car, allowing enthusiasts to explore the limits of chassis balance and execute controlled drifts. However, this mode requires skill and respect for the M5’s considerable power, as managing 717 horsepower through the rear wheels alone demands quick reactions and smooth inputs.

Adaptive M Suspension

The suspension system in the 2026 BMW M5 represents some of BMW M’s finest chassis engineering. The adaptive M suspension uses electronically controlled dampers that can adjust their firmness in milliseconds, responding to road conditions and driving inputs. In comfort-oriented modes, the suspension absorbs road imperfections with impressive compliance, making the M5 a genuinely comfortable vehicle for daily driving and long-distance cruising.

Switch to sportier modes and the 2026 BMW M5 transforms dramatically. The dampers firm up, body roll is virtually eliminated, and the M5 attacks corners with surprising nimbleness despite its substantial curb weight. Four-wheel steering enhances agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds, making the M5 feel more compact and maneuverable than its dimensions suggest. The steering offers excellent feedback and precision, allowing you to place the car exactly where you want it on the road.

Braking Performance

Given the 2026 BMW M5‘s considerable performance capabilities and curb weight of approximately 5,400 pounds, braking performance is crucial. Standard equipment includes large ventilated disc brakes measuring 16.5 inches front and 15.7 inches rear, providing strong, fade-resistant stopping power. For even more capability, BMW offers optional carbon ceramic brakes measuring a massive 420mm (16.5 inches) front. These exotic brakes reduce unsprung weight, resist fade under extreme use, and provide exceptional pedal feel, making them worthwhile for enthusiasts who plan to explore the M5’s capabilities on track days.

Comprehensive Safety Features in the 2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies designed to protect occupants in all driving scenarios. Standard equipment includes frontal collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, which can detect potential impacts and apply emergency braking if the driver doesn’t respond. Lane departure warning provides visual and haptic alerts if the M5 begins to drift out of its lane without signaling. Blind spot monitoring watches for vehicles in adjacent lanes, illuminating warning lights in the side mirrors and providing additional alerts if you attempt to change lanes when it’s unsafe. Rear cross-traffic alert helps when backing out of parking spaces by detecting approaching vehicles and providing warnings.

The optional Active Driving Assistant Professional package adds even more advanced capabilities to the 2026 BMW M5. This suite includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality that can maintain a set distance from vehicles ahead, even in heavy traffic. Steering assistant provides gentle steering corrections to help keep the M5 centered in its lane. Lane change assistant allows hands-free lane changes on selected highways after activating the turn signal. Traffic jam assistant can handle steering, acceleration, and braking at speeds up to 40 mph, reducing driver fatigue in congested traffic.

2026 BMW M5 Pricing and Value Proposition

The 2026 BMW M5 sedan starts at $121,900, while the Touring wagon begins at $123,900. These prices represent exceptional value considering the M5’s performance capabilities, luxury appointments, and advanced technology. To put this in perspective, the M5 competes directly with vehicles like the Audi RS7 Performance, Porsche Panamera Turbo, and Mercedes-AMG E63, with comparable or superior performance at competitive pricing.

While the base price includes an extensive list of equipment, BMW offers several option packages that enhance the 2026 BMW M5 further. The Executive Package, priced at $1,850 for sedans and $1,600 for Tourings, adds power rear sunshades, front ventilated seats, rear heated seats, parking assistant with 3D surround view cameras, and BMW’s Iconic Glow kidney grille with illuminated contours. The Driving Assistant Professional package costs $1,700 and includes the advanced safety and convenience features described earlier. Individual options include various wheel designs, paint colors including exclusive BMW Individual finishes, carbon fiber exterior trim packages, and premium interior treatments.

Ownership Experience and Practicality

Daily Driving Reality

Despite its supercar performance credentials, the 2026 BMW M5 excels as a daily driver. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with 41.3 inches of front legroom and 36.2 inches of rear legroom. While the rear seat figure seems modest on paper, actual occupants find the space adequate for adult comfort even on longer journeys. The seats themselves are supportive without being overly firm, and the available four-zone climate control ensures all passengers remain comfortable regardless of exterior conditions.

The electric-only driving mode makes the 2026 BMW M5 surprisingly refined for around-town driving. You can complete short errands in near-silence, gliding smoothly through traffic without waking the V8. This capability also makes the M5 an excellent neighbor, allowing you to leave early in the morning or return late at night without disturbing anyone. When you do need the full powertrain’s capability, it’s available instantly, demonstrating the flexibility that makes the M5 such an appealing one-car solution.

Fuel Economy Considerations

Given its performance focus, fuel economy isn’t the primary concern for most 2026 BMW M5 buyers. However, the EPA ratings tell an interesting story about the hybrid system’s real-world benefits. The sedan is rated at 14 mpg combined when operating in hybrid mode, with the Touring achieving 13 mpg combined. These figures actually represent a slight decrease from the previous generation’s ratings of 15 city and 21 highway mpg.

However, when factoring in electric driving, the 2026 BMW M5‘s efficiency picture improves dramatically. The EPA rates the sedan at 47 MPGe combined and the Touring at 54 MPGe when accounting for electric operation. For owners who regularly charge and complete most of their driving within the electric range, the M5 can deliver impressive efficiency. In real-world testing, drivers have achieved 29 miles of electric range in the sedan and 25 miles in the Touring, closely matching EPA estimates.

The Competition: How the 2026 BMW M5 Stacks Up

In the rarefied world of super sedans and performance wagons, the 2026 BMW M5 faces talented competition. The Audi RS7 Performance offers a similar blend of luxury and performance in a striking five-door liftback body, with a twin-turbo V8 producing 621 horsepower. However, it lacks the M5’s plug-in hybrid capability and advanced driver assistance features. The Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid delivers 690 horsepower from its own plug-in hybrid powertrain and offers the pedigree of Porsche engineering, though at a significantly higher price point.

Mercedes-AMG’s E53 Hybrid provides another plug-in hybrid alternative, though with considerably less power than the 2026 BMW M5. The AMG delivers 604 combined horsepower and emphasizes luxury over outright performance, positioning it as more of a fast luxury sedan than a true super sedan competitor. With Mercedes-AMG having discontinued the E63 S Wagon for the American market, the M5 Touring stands alone as the most powerful performance wagon available from traditional German luxury manufacturers.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Performance Luxury Machine

The 2026 BMW M5 represents the culmination of decades of super sedan development, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a practical luxury vehicle. The plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers astounding performance that few dedicated sports cars can match, while maintaining the refinement and daily usability that define the luxury sedan segment. The introduction of the Touring variant provides enthusiasts with a genuinely practical alternative to SUVs without sacrificing driving dynamics.

Whether you choose the classic sedan or the versatile Touring, the 2026 BMW M5 delivers an experience that few vehicles can match. It’s simultaneously a comfortable executive transport, a capable family vehicle, and a thrilling performance machine that can humble cars costing twice as much on a twisty road or race track. The extensive customization options ensure you can configure the M5 to match your specific preferences and driving style.

In a world increasingly moving toward pure electric vehicles and SUVs, the 2026 BMW M5 stands as a reminder that internal combustion engines still have relevance, especially when enhanced by electric assistance. It proves that plug-in hybrid technology can deliver genuine benefits without compromising the driving experience that enthusiasts crave. For those seeking the ultimate combination of performance, luxury, practicality, and technology, the 2026 BMW M5 deserves serious consideration as perhaps the finest super sedan available today.