BMW M5 Touring Wins Wards 10 Best Engines Award
The high-performance wagon earns a spot on the 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The 2026 BMW M5 Touring has been named to the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list for its sophisticated hybrid powertrain. The vehicle delivers a combined output of 717 horsepower through a unique blend of combustion and electric power.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the engineering achievement of creating a unified driving experience by masking turbocharger lag with instantaneous electric motor torque. It serves as a benchmark for how performance-focused automakers are successfully integrating hybrid technology into traditional high-output engines.
The vehicle features a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine paired with a 14.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, producing 738 lb-ft of torque. It weighs 5,500 pounds and offers 67 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.
The players
BMW
A German luxury automotive manufacturer known for producing high-performance vehicles and pioneering advancements in engine technology.
Wards
An automotive industry organization that publishes expert analysis, data, and prestigious annual awards regarding vehicle propulsion and design.
The details
An electric motor bridges power delivery gaps before the V-8 turbochargers reach full stride, while an xDrive all-wheel-drive system manages torque across both axles. This allows the heavy wagon to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds while providing up to 24 miles of all-electric range.
Timeline
The BMW M5 Touring earned its Wards 10 Best award in 2026.
Roadmap
The BMW M5 Touring signifies a transition where luxury manufacturers prioritize electrification to enhance, rather than replace, internal combustion performance. This approach positions BMW as a leader in maintaining legacy power standards while meeting modern efficiency demands.
Drivers can expect a high-performance vehicle that balances heavy-duty cargo utility with the ability to operate in an all-electric mode for short trips. The integration of the electric motor provides immediate throttle response that significantly improves daily drivability compared to traditional V-8 models.
The takeaway
This vehicle demonstrates that hybrid technology can effectively eliminate the traditional lag associated with high-output turbocharged engines. For enthusiasts, the success of the M5 Touring suggests that future performance models will increasingly rely on electric assistance to maximize power delivery.
Further reading
Explore more industry trends on the Electric Vehicles section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ward's Communications Online.
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