Chris Harris is very good at talking about cars. Knowledgeable, entertaining, and frequently witty, it’s clear why he’s had success in the video review format. However, when discussing his newest acquisition, the E61 BMW M5 Touring, he exudes an infectious excitement reminiscent of a thrilled 10-year-old—and we say that in the most complimentary manner possible.
The experienced car reviewer can hardly contain his excitement about the performance wagon, which he covers in great detail in his latest video for Collecting Cars. Throughout the footage, he meticulously discusses his intentions for the car, highlights its virtues and shortcomings, and treats us to his inaugural drift experience.
However, he admits that he’s a bit nervous about the maneuver. Now an older car with about 128,000 miles (205,996 km) of driving under its belt, he worries that the differential might go bang if he performs more than one or two drifts for the camera.
Read: 2025 BMW i5 And 5-Series Touring Debut With Big Boot And Up To 593 HP
But all ends well for the driver and the M5, and Harris professes his love for the BMW soon after. Indeed, the naturally-aspirated V10 engine that generated the drift is one of its big appeals. Although it may not seem as ludicrously powerful today as it once did, it remains a delightful thing.
“This engine is 15, 16-years-old in this car. It is magnificent,” he explains. “I know it’s not very fast by today’s standards — everything’s got 650 hp (485 kW / 659 PS) — but a 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS), normally-aspirated V10 is a thing of wonder. In an estate car… Ah, we were so lucky to have these things.”
But the engine isn’t the only appeal. Harris says that the M5 Touring will be used as a “dog car” and excitedly talks about the wear on the rear scuff plates and how he believes that patina is an important part of old vehicles.
“I mean come on, look at it. I wouldn’t be more pleased if I had a brand-new, super-duper brand-new car,” he says, buzzing. “I’m a happy boy.”
Harris emphasizes that the knicks, dings and challenges of vintage cars contribute significantly to their romantic allure for him. In fact, he may be asking for problems to present themselves, as he claims he has big plans for the car. Although they don’t include a manual swap, he plans to do “something historical in it.” We can’t wait to find out what.