BMW M5 Touring

How it looks when you see it on the street: What’s the coolest car we’ve driven lately? The BMW M5 Touring is top of mind. Here’s something original that still has a sense of style. Now in the 7th generation of the M5, the Touring model is the only BMW station wagon sold state-side, and it’s a stand-out stunner in this slim category. The wagon’s low and wide stance adds depth to the rear portion of the car. Its shapely presence belies its outstanding performance metrics. It’s boxier and more upright than other sloopier wagons. 

How it makes you feel when you get in: It’s screen-centric, if you like that sort of thing – menus, settings, all kinds of screen presentation. The head-up display sorts information in the most efficient manner. We like the pop of color in the “M” seatbelts. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system was banging! 

How it drives: It’s very fun to drive — both refined and fast. Like, touch the throttle and you’re zooming fast. To make that happen, it produces 717 horsepower and has tons of personality at these speeds. It’s also a plug-in hybrid that offers 25 EV miles, which gives it an EP rating of 54 miles per gallon in EV mode. For daily commutes, the hybrid powertrain adds to its cool factor to balance out all the gas eaten otherwise by its hefty curb weight.

Space for people and things: The M5 Touring has a big, bodacious back seat. The touring model is more roomy than the M5 sedan. If you didn’t grow up with wagons, think of it as a more planted SUV. 

What to compare it to: Mercedes-Benz E53 wagon,

How much does it cost: The base price was $121,500. Our tester had the executive package, carbon ceramic brakes, and gas guzzler tax, which totaled a big $145,775.