Taycan GTS ST (2025) vs M5 Touring

[wilho]

hi,

considering between these two, haven't found any comparison videos yet and M5 is not yet available for test drive, at least here in Finland. M5 has more trunk space for sure, but I could live with the ST as well.

Opinions?

I5 M60 was a disappointment, too heavy feeling, too much plastic. Audio horrible compared to X5 B&W etc. M5 has similar interior...

GTS, reliability, depreciation?

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[ze_shark]

GTS would be J1.2 and therefore a chance at J1.1 problems being behind. HVAC, charger and power electronics, PCM, cells. J1.1 has a somber reputation, but if .2 changes deliver, that could turn around, and the Taycan still seems to have massive appeal.

A matter of taste but i find the M5 fugly and the new 5 interior horrible and cheap.

Depreciation wise, i am not sure that an M5 is expected to hold value better.

 

[Scandinavian]

hi,

considering between these two, haven't found any comparison videos yet and M5 is not yet available for test drive, at least here in Finland. M5 has more trunk space for sure, but I could live with the ST as well.

Opinions?

I5 M60 was a disappointment, too heavy feeling, too much plastic. Audio horrible compared to X5 B&W etc. M5 has similar interior...

GTS, reliability, depreciation?

Two quite different propositions really. The M5 is appealing for me , due to being an M5. I just sold my 2016 F10 M5 and already miss it. One of the best cars, most comfortable and practical and totally reliable since 2016.

The new M5 will be even more complex than a Taycan and is untested waters a bit. From a very short test drive I managed to get, it does not feel so complete as my 2020 Taycan interior. The ride also felt a bit harsch compared to the air suspension in Taycan. Some different feel in quality of stalks and finish. Feel the Taycan is better. But practicality is much better in the BMW. The size feels more like a 7 series though, not from wafting, but just size.

But boy was it powerful! And the V8! Bit quiet though.

I am still very much considering changing to that instead of my Taycan. I am not going to update to J1.2 since there will be a new platform in a few years time. And Porsche can not keep up with one platform for J1.x Taycan, another for EV Macan and a third for new Taycan. All different platforms.

You can only find out what suits you one way

TEST DRIVE!

I agree with you about the i5 M60.

 

[McgR]

If you don’t go on holidays by car I would go for the gts. If you do lots long of trips abroad I would still consider a PHEV. Long trips are possible with the Taycan but with it takes (some) time and planning. For each to decide if it is worth it. In summer times it was ok for me in the winter much less. Just returned from the Alps in my Panama’s and it was almost 2 hours quicker and less fuss.

I would also consider a bmw 550e. Much cheaper than the M5 and still more than enough power. I tested a i5 60 with rws and professional dampers etc and it was a very nice drive. Agree on the plastics. Range and charge speed were too low. May have considered if range and charge speed were at the level of the new A6 etron. Did you consider that ? A6 Quattro / S6 ? Also looks good.

 

[FirkeyAegis]

hi,

considering between these two, haven't found any comparison videos yet and M5 is not yet available for test drive, at least here in Finland. M5 has more trunk space for sure, but I could live with the ST as well.

Opinions?

I5 M60 was a disappointment, too heavy feeling, too much plastic. Audio horrible compared to X5 B&W etc. M5 has similar interior...

GTS, reliability, depreciation?

If the M5 appeals to you for its trunk space and overall feel, but you're concerned about its interior, it's worth considering how it compares to the GTS in terms of reliability and depreciation. The M5 is known for its incredible performance, but some people find its interior a bit lacking in premium feel compared to competitors like the X5 with Bowers & Wilkins. If you were disappointed by the I5 M60's heavy feeling and plastic interior, it might be worth exploring if the M5's interior quality feels better in person, despite having a similar design.

As for the GTS, it’s a great performance car, and while reliability can vary, Porsche generally has a solid reputation. Depreciation might be a little steeper compared to the M5, but Porsche models often hold their value better than other brands.

 

[Johan Meert]

I tested the i5-m60 before going for a j1 ii st turbo. I 100% agree with your findings on the i5.

 

[W1NGE]

hi,

considering between these two, haven't found any comparison videos yet and M5 is not yet available for test drive, at least here in Finland. M5 has more trunk space for sure, but I could live with the ST as well.

Opinions?

I5 M60 was a disappointment, too heavy feeling, too much plastic. Audio horrible compared to X5 B&W etc. M5 has similar interior...

GTS, reliability, depreciation?

Both are EVs so remove depreciation from the equation as both will tank.

5 Touring is getting good press in general but skip the inevitable cognitive dissonance and get the GTS.

 

[Scandinavian]

Both are EVs so remove depreciation from the equation as both will tank.

5 Touring is getting good press in general but skip the inevitable cognitive dissonance and get the GTS.

No the M5 is not an EV, its a hybrid.

 

[wilho]

Hi all,

thanks for your comments, currently I have X5 45e which is a good car and has been very reliable, the car I have had for longest. But I'm quite disappointed to BMW that they have removed some important features like Night Vision, laser lights and BMWs overall have been becoming more and more plastic inside. I particularly do not like the very cheap looking plastic strips inside for ambient lighting. Otherwise I might consider yet another face-lifted X5

M5 hybrid tech is based on XM and other models so it should work well.

I'm going to test drive the base RWD Taycan in near future and just heard that the M5 should be available for test drive at eof Feb by my dealer. It's cold (down to -23C for the weekend) and slippery here so the conditions are best for test drive Last week I drove with J1.1 CT with about 60tkm with worn studless nordic winter tyres and still got a good experience how well Taycan performs even in tough winter conditions.

And indeed the GTS would be J1.2

 

[d00d]

They discontinued NV before the facelift version of the last M5, but I bought it anyways.
Cheap feeling interior, thin plastic trim cracked when installing radar wiring.
It felt tippy on the highway, the Taycan with NV that replaced it is way more planted.

BMW wouldn't let Chris Harris review the latest M5 on track, that may say something about its hybrid obesity.

 

[Charmander]

If you don’t go on holidays by car I would go for the gts. If you do lots long of trips abroad I would still consider a PHEV. Long trips are possible with the Taycan but with it takes (some) time and planning. For each to decide if it is worth it. In summer times it was ok for me in the winter much less. Just returned from the Alps in my Panama’s and it was almost 2 hours quicker and less fuss.

I would also consider a bmw 550e. Much cheaper than the M5 and still more than enough power. I tested a i5 60 with rws and professional dampers etc and it was a very nice drive. Agree on the plastics. Range and charge speed were too low. May have considered if range and charge speed were at the level of the new A6 etron. Did you consider that ? A6 Quattro / S6 ? Also looks good.

I testdrove the A6 etron S-Line performance while deciding between i5 M60, second hand Taycan and Macan.

The A6 interior is a cheap disaster. And the car does not deliver in driving experience.
The i5 M60 was a nice driving experience, I was still just a little bit let down by the interior.
Second hands Taycan, I'm still watching autoscout.. Ideally I'd pick up a 2023+ 4S under 80k, but hard to find with the specs I want. It'll be on my company as a freelancer.
The Macan 4S was nice. The interior was great. But I'm not sure at 125k it's worth it.

 

[Pete85]

I live in the same country as OP. I have had almost 20 BMW:s between me and my wife in the past. I have always loved the brand and they still make some great cars, M340i, M3CS and M5CS ( probably one of the best cars BMW ever made) just to name a few. The G80 platform is great with its unlimited tuning possibilities and they hide their weight incredibly well. Also like the last gen Z4.

But the new M5 really doesn't appeal to me at all. It looks "fat" and also is with its weight of over 2,5 ton kg. The interior isn't that great either.

After almost 4 years with my Taycan 4S I would definitely choose the GTS over the new M5. Though for a family f.ex. with 3 kids the M5 Touring probably is the better choice. If it's going to be the main car.

And btw I do all my road trips from Espoo with my Taycan. Every year 1-2 times to Bavaria and back. Ionity in Europe serving so well.

 

[wilho]

Thanks Pete85! I am coming to the same conclusion. The M5 test drive date is confirmed at end of Feb and even the local dealer made me a very good offer from my X5, I'm leaning towards the GTS ST. I have adult kids now so only occasional need for 4or 5 seater

 

[Nrgy]

I recently picked up the new M5, having not been on my radar at all. I will say the car hides it's weight very well. The car is very agile and playful, it's hard to believe it weighs as much as it does. For spirited driving, it feels lighter than a '21 Taycan Turbo S despite weighing more, for comparison.

But it is a big car as everyone knows, the upside being very roomy and comfortable in the rear. Yeah there is a lot of shiny black plastic and led lights, as well as soft plastic material on the doors and dash. Sure it's not the most premium interior, but overall it's still quite nice and I don't give it a second thought.

I do like the hybrid aspect of the car, it's like 2 cars in 1. Range is only about 33 miles in EV only mode, and surprisingly has decent acceleration. Of course that's not the point of the car, and regen seems sufficient to maintain enough battery so full power is always on tap in the various hybrid modes.

I haven't taken delivery of my Turbo GT WP yet so I can't compare with Active Ride, but I am curious if the new suspension will make the car feel as light and agile as the M5. Not sure if they did anything to improve the steering feel in the J1.2 also?

 

[wilho]

I test drove M5 roughly a week ago in rough nordic winter condition, it was not really cold only couple of minus degrees (C) but some fresh snow on unpaved country roads, plus cold and wet highway.

I was actually really surprised how well the car hides the weight, the suspension works very well. It had Nokia R5 studless winter tyres, and the grip was amazing, the best ever I have experienced with studless tyres. I'm from Finland I spend 6-7 months per year driving with winter tyres. But anyway I was really not able to drive so fast on tight country roads to get the car sliding, the grip was so enormous. Hybrid system was working flawlessly, like my current X5.

Engine and exhaust noise were also nice, in sport mode there is a low band boom, even with artificial noises removed.

all digital stuff, display, are really good in BMW - and work reliably all the time (same than in X5 and iX1)

Cons

I'm afraid that I would be commuting with electric mode, keeping the very nice V8 as heavy extra weight, even it is really nice
Audio quality is not that good than X5, lacking bass
No night vision
Seats were bit wide, no side bolster adjustment
Plastic interior

Then I drove the 2025 4S on same conditions and the power delivery on slippery conditions is amazing, similar experience on than with M5. Very good suspension and actually tiny amount more comfortable than M5.

I know these are not very direct comparison but will order Taycan GTS based on this.

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