BMW M SERIES

 

BMW’S M SERIES DELIVERS TRUE 

ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE 

BMW likes to refer to its cars as the Ultimate Driving Machine, and though there is no argument that BMW sedans and coupes rate high in performance overall, it is the company’s M Series that really live up to the slogan.

The history of the BMW M Series goes back to 1972 when a handful of the German automaker’s employees formed what would become the BMW Motor Sport Division to focus on enhancing BMW products for European race tracks.

The first-tuned vehicle for the road didn’t come about until six years later when the M1 was unveiled at the Paris Auto Show. It was still very much a race car, however. The BMW M535i introduced in 1979 as actually the first version of M Series as we  it today — a high performance vehicle adapted to real-life driving standards.

Over the years BMW has given M enhancements to nearly every model in its fleet. Here are notes on two I recently had show up in my driveway:

BMW M5 Touring

The BMW M5 Touring is a high-performance plug-in wagon version of the popular 5 Series and was offered in the United States for the first time as a 2025 model.

Under the hood is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is mated to an electric motor giving it a whopping 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, moving it from zero-to-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

An 8-speed automatic transmission with BMW’s Drivelo
gic driving modes and Launch Control.is standard All-electric driving range is only about 27 miles.

Combined city/highway fuel ratings are 54 MPGe under gas/electric power and only 13 MPG on gasoline only, which earns it a $2,600 gas guzzler tax from the government.

Aside from the hatchback configuration and the powertrain, there is nothing really to distinguish the M5 Touring wagon from the M5 Sedan. Even the dimensions are virtually the same. Both are 200.6 inches long and 77.6 inches wide (84.9 including mirrors) and the wheelbase is 118.3 inches.

The Touring is a smidge taller, 59.7 inches to 59.4 for the Sedan. There is 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats of the Touring compared to 16.5 for the sedan’s trunk, and the space in the Touring expands to 57.5 cubic feet when its second-row seats are folded.

The usual suite of luxury features are found in both the Sedan and Touring, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging and multi-zone climate control.

The 2026 BMW M5 Touring starts at $129,350. The 2025 version that made its U.S debut started at $121,500.

What I liked about the BMW M5 Touring: Acceleration is very brisk. The wagon configuration gives it more storage room, making it more suitable for family car use.

What I didn’t like about the BMW M5 Touring: Numerous drive modes and tech features can be a bit overwhelming to get used to. Electric only range is extremely limited.

Would I buy the BMW M5 Touring? Not for me, but if you want a vehicle that rates high in performance while offering hauling capacity your choices are somewhat limited.

BMW M235

BMW refers to the M235 xDrive as a “Gran Coupe” but in the real world it’s a small 4-door sedan also available as 228 and 228 xDrive versions. All are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine but the M235 is tuned for 312 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The smaller 228 and 228 xDrive are rated  241 hp and 295 lb.-ft.

All get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The M228 is front-wheel drive (a rarity for BMW) and the M228 xDrive and M235 xDrive are all-wheel drive as noted by their xDrive designation.

Fuel economy figures for the 2026 BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive are 24 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 27 combined. Both M228 models are slightly better with 27/39/31 for the FWD and 26/38/30 for the M228 xDrive. Premium fuel is required for all of them.

BMW gave the Gran Coupe models a makeover for 2025 adding more tech and more power. Leatherette 10-way adjustable front seats, a Haman Kardon premium sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and dual zone front climate control are among standard features.

Safety features include blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking assist.

The 2026 BMW M235 Grand Coupe xDrive starts at $50,000 but can go higher. The M228 and M228 xDrive start at $40,000 and $42,000, respectively.

What I liked about the BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive: It’s a fun car to drive and relatively well-equipped. It earns kudos from those familiar with the M history.

What I didn’t like about the BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive: Cargo capacity is on the small side (12 cubic feet) but then it is classified as a subcompact sedan. Tech features can be overwhelming to operate.

Would I buy the BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive? It’s a bit pricey but still offers the cheapest way to get into the BMW fold.