Article Overview
- Notable insights after an additional 1,000 miles comprise the distinctiveness of an M-branded wagon, the eye-catching Dakar Yellow II shade, electric-only operation in Chicago traffic, generous family-friendly storage, and the tactile iDrive control.
- Three persisted issues are: a suspension that feels overly stiff for Chicago's streets even in Comfort mode, a minor lag during the hybrid shift, and curb weight that I haven't fully evaluated but am aware of.
- The forthcoming long-term update will focus on real-life PHEV range and efficiency in a 717-horsepower wagon, which has now surpassed 3,000 miles on the odometer.
In my first report, I noted a Chicago police officer halting next to me at a red light to ask about the vehicle. This has continued to occur at gas stations, parking lots, and stoplights, with many individuals unaware that this is the new M5. While this doesn’t reflect the car's driving experience, it’s an aspect of ownership not included in specifications, so I’ll begin there.
1. Its Distinctiveness Is Attractive
Primarily, I value this car for its uniqueness. BMW hasn’t produced a touring model in the U.S. since the 3 Series Wagon quietly exited the market, and this is the first M wagon the brand has launched in the U.S. across any generation. The E34 M5 Touring was never accessible here, nor were the E39 or E60/E61 models, despite their presence in Europe. For years, if you wanted M performance in a BMW wagon, you had to relocate to Germany or forgo it. This alone elevates the G99's significance, even before contemplating its driving qualities.
2. Dakar Yellow II Is Eye-Catching
The color deserves its own mention. Dakar Yellow II on a vehicle of this size may draw playful remarks, but I’ve embraced it. It ignites conversations wherever I park, often leading to chats with inquisitive strangers. When designing a car this vibrant and dynamic, it’s logical to select a color that embodies its essence. We took an adventurous route, and I have no regrets. Significantly, we had a variety of colors to choose from when selecting the M5 Touring for evaluation.
3. EV Mode Took Me by Surprise
I expected to merely tolerate the hybrid system, but I’ve come to appreciate it. In Chicago traffic, characterized by frequent stop-and-go situations, gliding on electric power alone is unexpectedly enjoyable, and I find myself utilizing it instinctively. The Touring’s official EV range is in the upper 20-mile bracket, but I’m achieving nearly 40 miles in combined city driving. What shifted my viewpoint is realizing that I don’t have to meticulously plan my day around charging; sufficient highway driving replenishes the battery, enabling me to depend on electric power during urban excursions without plugging in.
4. Spacious Enough for a Family of Four
Although the battery pack does slightly limit cargo capacity and the vehicle rides a bit higher than my preference due to its build, it hasn’t posed an issue in practice. With two car seats installed, we still have space for luggage on trips, and the Touring effortlessly handles grocery runs without any cargo reorganization. This remains a family vehicle with 717 horsepower, and after 2,
Article Overview
- Notable insights after an additional 1,000 miles comprise the distinctiveness of an M-branded wagon, the eye-catching Dakar Yellow II shade, electric-only operation in Chicago traffic, generous family-friendly storage, and the tactile iDrive control.
- Three persisted issues are: a suspension that feels overly stiff for Chicago’s streets even in Comfort mode, a minor lag during the hybrid shift, and curb weight that I haven’t fully evaluated but am aware of.
- The forthcoming long-term update will focus on real-life PHEV range and efficiency in a 717-horsepower wagon, which has now surpassed 3,000 miles on the odometer.
In my first report, I noted a Chicago police officer halting next to me at a red light to ask about the vehicle. This has continued to occur at gas stations, parking lots, and stoplights, with many individuals unaware that this is the new M5. While this doesn’t reflect the car’s driving experience, it’s an aspect of ownership not included in specifications, so I’ll begin there.
1. Its Distinctiveness Is Attractive
Primarily, I value this car for its uniqueness. BMW hasn’t produced a touring model in the U.S. since the 3 Series Wagon quietly exited the market, and this is the first M wagon the brand has launched in the U.S. across any generation. The E34 M5 Touring was never accessible here, nor were the E39 or E60/E61 models, despite their presence in Europe. For years, if you wanted M performance in a BMW wagon, you had to relocate to Germany or forgo it. This alone elevates the G99’s significance, even before contemplating its driving qualities.
2. Dakar Yellow II Is Eye-Catching
The color deserves its own mention. Dakar Yellow II on a vehicle of this size may draw playful remarks, but I’ve embraced it. It ignites conversations wherever I park, often leading to chats with inquisitive strangers. When designing a car this vibrant and dynamic, it’s logical to select a color that embodies its essence. We took an adventurous route, and I have no regrets. Significantly, we had a variety of colors to choose from when selecting the M5 Touring for evaluation.
3. EV Mode Took Me by Surprise
I expected to merely tolerate the hybrid system, but I’ve come to appreciate it. In Chicago traffic, characterized by frequent stop-and-go situations, gliding on electric power alone is unexpectedly enjoyable, and I find myself utilizing it instinctively. The Touring’s official EV range is in the upper 20-mile bracket, but I’m achieving nearly 40 miles in combined city driving. What shifted my viewpoint is realizing that I don’t have to meticulously plan my day around charging; sufficient highway driving replenishes the battery, enabling me to depend on electric power during urban excursions without plugging in.
4. Spacious Enough for a Family of Four
Although the battery pack does slightly limit cargo capacity and the vehicle rides a bit higher than my preference due to its build, it hasn’t posed an issue in practice. With two car seats installed, we still have space for luggage on trips, and the Touring effortlessly handles grocery runs without any cargo reorganization. This remains a family vehicle with 717 horsepower, and after 2,
