The BMW M5. Just mentioning those two words conjures images of high-performance sedans, track days, and exhilarating driving experiences. But what if you could have all that, with the added practicality of a wagon? Enter the 2007 BMW M5 Touring, or the E61 M5 as it’s known internally. This car takes the already incredible E60 M5 sedan and adds a massive dose of versatility, creating a truly unique and desirable machine.
Is More Choice Always Better? Exploring the 2007 M5 Touring’s Features
Just like its sedan sibling, the 2007 M5 Touring is powered by the same screaming 5.0-liter V10 engine, producing a staggering 500 horsepower. This is the heart of the M5 experience, but BMW didn’t stop there. They offered a dizzying array of customizable settings, which, while impressive, can be a bit overwhelming for some drivers.
You’re presented with choices for damper settings, allowing you to adjust the ride from comfortable to firm. The traction control system offers various levels of intervention, including a full-off mode for the brave (or skilled). Even the seats can be adjusted for different levels of lateral support, hugging you tighter as you select more aggressive settings. And let’s not forget the “power” button, which unlocks the full 500 horses – without it, you’re “stuck” with a mere 400 horsepower. Imagine needing to remember to unleash all the power in your performance wagon!
This abundance of choice extends to the 7-speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) transmission. It offers five distinct modes, ranging from smooth, relaxed shifts at lower RPMs to neck-snappingly quick changes when you’re pushing the V10 to its redline in both automatic and semi-manual modes.
Alt text: Rear view of a 2007 BMW M5 Touring showcasing its wagon body style and quad exhaust pipes, emphasizing its sporty yet practical design.
Fortunately, BMW anticipated the potential for confusion and included a saviour: the M button on the steering wheel. This programmable button allows you to save your preferred settings for engine power, suspension, transmission, and more, letting you instantly switch to your ideal driving mode with a single press. While a traditional manual transmission wasn’t available in the UK for the M5 Touring (and the US manual version was reportedly not well-received), the SMG, once mastered, offers a unique and engaging driving experience.
The Price of Performance and Practicality: 2007 M5 Touring Running Costs
Let’s be upfront: the 2007 M5 Touring isn’t for the faint of wallet. With a hefty price tag when new and potentially expensive running costs, owning one of these performance wagons is a commitment. Fuel economy is, unsurprisingly, a concern. You’ll be looking at figures around 18.8 mpg (miles per gallon) combined, and CO2 emissions are high at 361g/km.
However, consider what you’re getting. You have a vehicle that can genuinely serve as both a high-performance sports car and a practical family wagon. Think about alternatives like the supercharged Range Rover Sport from the same era. While the Range Rover Sport might be considered less fuel-efficient than some SUVs, it’s arguably less practical in terms of cargo space compared to the M5 Touring, and certainly less engaging on a track day. The M5 Touring manages to blend these two worlds in a way few other vehicles can. Its massive 1650-liter boot space is truly cavernous, capable of swallowing luggage for a family vacation or even, as the original article humorously suggests, a grand piano (though maneuvering that might be another challenge!).
Alt text: Open boot of a 2007 BMW M5 Touring highlighting its expansive cargo capacity, emphasizing its practicality as a performance wagon.
Driving the 2007 M5 Touring: Performance on the Road
Once you’ve navigated the initial setup and found your preferred driving modes, the 2007 M5 Touring reveals itself to be a truly exceptional machine, just like the M5 sedan. It’s a car that excels in the right environment, offering a driving experience that’s both thrilling and surprisingly refined.
The SMG gearbox, despite its initial complexity, plays a crucial role in the car’s character. In heavy traffic, selecting a softer, more relaxed mode makes progress smooth and comfortable. However, the downside is that in these gentler modes, responsiveness can feel slightly delayed. If you suddenly need to accelerate quickly, there can be a noticeable pause as the gearbox downshifts and the V10 awakens. This isn’t necessarily a fault, but rather a characteristic of a system designed for both relaxed cruising and high-performance driving. A traditional V8 engine, like those found in some Mercedes-Benz models, might offer more immediate low-end grunt in everyday situations.
However, when you do unleash the M5 Touring, the performance is undeniable. A 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of just 4.8 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph (250 km/h) speak for themselves. This is a seriously fast wagon.
Unleashing the Beast on Back Roads: The 2007 M5 Touring in its Element
Take the 2007 M5 Touring to a winding back road, and it truly comes alive. This is where the car feels most at home, transforming from a practical wagon into a thrilling sports machine. Fuel consumption might take a hit as you explore the upper reaches of the rev range, but the experience is worth it.
The V10 engine, which can sound a bit clattery at idle, transforms into a roaring beast as the revs climb. Induction noise fills the cabin, and aggressive, perfectly rev-matched downshifts from the SMG transmission add to the drama. With peak power arriving at a stratospheric 8250 rpm and peak torque at 6100 rpm, the engine encourages you to explore the upper end of the tachometer.
In corners, the M5 Touring exhibits a neutral balance, with predictable understeer at the limit. However, a quick downshift or two and a generous application of throttle can easily bring the rear end into play, allowing for controlled and surprisingly predictable drifts for such a large car. Using the gear lever in manual mode through tight corners is preferable, as the paddle shifters rotate with the steering wheel.
The steering is weighty and linear, providing excellent feedback. Even in wet conditions, the front-end grip is remarkable, inspiring confidence. The ride, even in the softest damper setting, is firm, reflecting the car’s sporting intentions. The hardest damper setting is likely too stiff for most public roads, reserved perhaps for track days or perfectly smooth surfaces.
2007 BMW M5 Touring: Verdict – A Unique Blend of Performance and Practicality
The 2007 BMW M5 Touring is a truly special car. It takes everything we love about the M5 sedan – the incredible V10 engine, the sharp handling, the exhilarating performance – and adds a significant dose of practicality. While it’s not without its drawbacks – fuel economy can be eye-watering, and the SMG gearbox can be a bit jerky at low speeds – the overall package is incredibly compelling.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can haul your family and luggage in comfort and style, and then transform into a weekend track weapon at a moment’s notice, the 2007 BMW M5 Touring is a rare and rewarding choice. It’s a testament to BMW’s M division’s ability to push boundaries and create cars that are both incredibly capable and surprisingly versatile. For those who appreciate the blend of high-performance engineering and everyday usability, the 2007 M5 Touring remains a highly desirable and iconic machine.
