Does Weight Actually Matter? Let’s Discover Out!

Tank, boat, airplane—these are just some of the phrases that flooded social media when describing the brand new 2025 BMW M5. And, to be honest, they’re not totally off the mark. Weighing in at a large 5,390 lbs, the brand new G90 M5 Sedan is sort of 1,000 lbs heavier than the outgoing F90 mannequin, inserting it in a category of its personal. Again in April, we had a short check of an M5 prototype on the observe, which confirmed that this M5 feels extra like a cushty each day driver than a observe weapon.

However final month, we returned to Munich to expertise the brand new M5 as an on a regular basis buyer would possibly—on the autobahn, by quiet German villages, and round twisty backroads. The massive query I sought to reply: does all that further weight actually issues when balanced by essentially the most highly effective engine ever supplied within the M5. Let’s dive in.

What’s Shifting The Weight?

The 4.4-liter twin-turbo S68 V8, mixed with an electrical motor, delivers a monstrous 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. The S68 V8 makes 577 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) by itself. The height torque is obtainable between 1,800 and 5,400 rpm. The engine delivers its most output from 5,600 to six,500 rpm and has a rev restrict of seven,200 rpm. Constructed into the eight-speed automated transmission, the e-motor produces 194 hp and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm). On paper, the M5 rockets from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in simply 3.4 seconds, or 3.5 seconds to 62 mph (100 km/h). In my check, it clocked 3.6 seconds to 62 mph, however the chilly 10°C (50°F) morning and less-than-grippy floor pushed the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires to their traction limits.

How Is The Chassis And Suspension Dealing With The Weight?

There are plenty of engineering tips within the chassis and suspension setup of the 2025 BMW M5. And that’s to be anticipated. Not solely does the automobile want to maneuver that weight ahead, nevertheless it additionally wants to maneuver in an M method. What does it imply? The driving dynamics of the automobile needs to be value of the M badge, whatever the driving scenario. And it begins with chassis reinforcements. On the entrance, there’s a shear panel bridges the spring strut towers with the bulkhead. There additionally custom-designed tower-to-front-end struts. Extra reinforcements might be discovered within the central and rear sections of the engine compartment.

On the rear, the brand new 2025 BMW M5 boasts distinctive underfloor bracing parts, together with a cross-bar and a shear panel, alongside extra stiffening parts for the load compartment. BMW says the connections between the chassis and physique, in addition to the steering linkage to the entrance axle subframe, are designed to supply distinctive torsional rigidity.

BMW knew what it was doing when it engineered the chassis for this new M5. Regardless of the load, the automobile boasts a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, barely biased in the direction of the rear. The engineers added Integral Lively Steering, which turns the rear wheels both in sync with or reverse to the entrance wheels (as much as 1.5 levels), relying on velocity. This provides the M5 spectacular agility for such a big automobile. Tight metropolis maneuvers develop into simpler, and high-speed lane modifications really feel composed and confidence-inspiring. The perfect a part of the rear-wheel steering? It provides the M5 a pure sense of management.

The suspension setup is likely one of the greatest components of this automobile. The brand new 2025 BMW M5 affords a variety of adaptive suspension modes, from Consolation to Sport Plus, every with a definite character. In Consolation mode, the suspension softens, and the M5 turns into a clean, luxurious cruiser, gliding over street imperfections with ease. That is the place the M5 feels most at house as a each day driver, providing a surprisingly cushioned experience that belies its efficiency capabilities. That is the place it shines in comparison with the F90 M5 Competitors.

However while you dial issues as much as Sport or Sport Plus, the suspension tightens, physique roll is minimized, and the automobile takes on a extra aggressive persona—able to assault corners and supply that quintessential M-car expertise. Switching to Sport Plus noticeably stiffens the suspension, however except you’re driving aggressively, the experience would possibly really feel too agency for on a regular basis consolation.

Driving Modes: Hybrid Efficiency and Electrical Effectivity

The driving modes within the 2025 BMW M5 G90 usually are not nearly adjusting the suspension; they basically change how the automobile behaves. The default Hybrid mode affords one of the best of each worlds, with the V8 and electrical motor working collectively for optimum energy and effectivity. It’s seamless, and in each day driving, you’ll discover this mode to be the candy spot between efficiency and luxury. It’s additionally extra refined than the one within the BMW XM, principally achieved by software program modifications from what I used to be informed.

For these seeking to maximize effectivity, Electrical mode lets you run on battery energy alone. The M5 can journey as much as 25 miles (EPA-rated) / 64 km (WLTP) on electrical energy, with a prime velocity of 87 mph (140 kph) on this mode. It was excellent for navigating metropolis facilities the place I needed to maintain issues quiet and save gasoline. Nevertheless, the second you want extra energy, the V8 kicks in, making certain you’re by no means left wanting. Regardless of a number of high-speed runs on the Autobahn and driving the M5 exhausting, I returned to house base with the identical vary I began with—round 64 km based on the WLTP vary.

In Sport and Sport Plus, the V8 dominates, and the electrical motor dietary supplements with torque when wanted. The throttle response turns into razor-sharp, the exhaust be aware will get angrier, and the automobile feels extra alive. One significantly cool function is the Enhance mode, which you activate by holding down the left paddle shifter. Enhance Mode doesn’t improve energy or torque, nevertheless it immediately places the automobile in its sportiest setting for fast overtakes.

If cash no problem, go for the M Drive Skilled bundle which provides the Dynamic and Dynamic Plus modes which crank up the aggression even additional, optimizing the automobile’s programs for observe use. In these modes, the cooling system is primed for sustained excessive efficiency, and the shifts develop into even faster. These settings are very best if you happen to plan to take the M5 to a observe or wish to expertise the automobile’s full potential on a spirited backroad drive.

Do you want the M Drive Skilled possibility? Most likely not, however at $900 within the U.S., it’s exhausting to say no—particularly because it contains Enhance Mode. We did a full video assessment on simply the M Drive Modes which you’ll be able to watch it right here.

Driving Expertise: Managing the Weight

Let’s get to what actually issues: how does the BMW M5 G90 drive? We already established this automobile isn’t any light-weight—removed from it. So sure, you do really feel that heft, particularly when transitioning from the previous-generation F90 M5 Competitors. However, right here’s the factor: regardless of the additional bulk, the brand new BMW M5 is aware of find out how to transfer. Straight-line acceleration is nothing in need of ridiculous. Whenever you ground the throttle, it feels so much faster than the marketed dash.

On the Autobahn, we rapidly hit speeds north of 280 km/h (174 mph) with the form of easy ease you’d count on from a real M automobile. The torque supply is instant, making high-speed overtakes really feel like baby’s play. Moreover, the M5 felt shockingly composed. The massive sports activities sedan was glued to the tarmac delivering a really assured experience. Nevertheless, that weight does present up beneath heavy braking so be sure to provide your self a bit extra room than typical.

When you want a break from all that energy, the Driving Assistant Professional bundle affords a Degree 2 driving expertise. This contains options like adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and automated braking. It’s not fairly hands-free, nevertheless it’s greater than able to taking a few of the stress out of lengthy freeway drives. In contrast to BMW’s 5 and seven Collection, which affords extra superior Degree 2+ autonomy, the M5 has a extra driver-focused ethos, so based on BMW, they didn’t see the necessity to embody these extra superior radars and sensors.

In observe, the Driving Assistant system works seamlessly. We examined it on the Autobahn, the place it took care of the acceleration and braking, permitting us to deal with steering whereas the automobile dealt with the heavy lifting. It’s an ideal function for long-distance cruising, however while you’re within the temper to drive, the M5 is very happy to place you again within the driver’s seat.

However Do You Really feel The Weight?

BMW’s engineering staff is normally fairly good at “defying” physics, or at the very least working circles round them, however the M5’s weight does present up in corners. When pushed exhausting by tight bends, the brand new G90 M5 reveals some physique roll, reminding you of its dimension. In comparison with the a lot lighter F90, the brand new M5 requires extra restraint and a barely totally different driving strategy.

On curvy roads, the entrance axle that felt a bit uncertain on the observe digs in confidently into the pavement, letting me carry stunning velocity into corners. As I easily apply the throttle, the rear tires hook up and propel the M5 out with spectacular power. In actual fact, I performed round fairly a bit with torque steering on this automobile since that huge energy lets you rapidly appropriate your entry or exit nook factors.

General, the M5’s weight turns into noticeable solely in moments when it shifts over the rear axle, however even then, the suspension steps in to take care of management. Talking of the the suspension, the 2025 BMW M5 depends on progressive-rate coil springs, a deliberate selection by BMW’s M division since an air spring received’t be fitted to a automobile on this phase.

Naturally, BMW’s problem was balancing firmness with sufficient wheel journey to take care of management and luxury. The answer? A setup that delivers 100mm of suspension journey, permitting the M5 to glide over bumps with out compromising the efficiency of its dampers. This design not solely ensures a surprisingly clean experience but in addition retains the wheels firmly planted, even beneath vertical forces.

The steering feels mild within the Consolation mode, and once more, that’s by design. As with most fashionable BMWs, it solely involves life in its highest settings. The Sport steering provides heft and a bit extra precision, but not a lot suggestions is coming by from the entrance wheels. General, I prefer it. It’s so much simpler to steer the M5 in metropolis facilities whereas offering good precision at greater speeds.

The non-obligatory carbon-ceramic brakes might lack the exact modulation of the usual metal discs, however their lighter weight and superior endurance make them a transparent selection if you happen to plan to push the M5. The usual compound brakes function 410-mm entrance discs, whereas the carbon-ceramics improve to bigger 420-mm discs. The pedal really feel stays sturdy, with constant stopping energy and no signal of fade, even beneath heavy use.

Is It Nonetheless An M5?

Earlier than heading to Munich, I reached out to the BMW group for questions concerning the new M5. One query stood out: “Does the brand new M5 retain the standard M automobile values—dealing with, driver suggestions, stability of dynamic parts like thrust, braking, and cornering—the place braking matches the acceleration, and the dealing with retains tempo with out being overwhelmed?”

It’s a fancy query, and the reply can range relying on the motive force. However right here’s my take: contemplating the M5’s vital weight, BMW has accomplished a improbable job. The stability between acceleration, braking, and general driving dynamics is well-executed. The braking system successfully handles the M5’s spectacular acceleration, and the dealing with stays composed, even beneath exhausting cornering. When you’re all the time conscious of the automobile’s mass—significantly in sharper turns—it by no means detracts from the driving expertise.

As I discussed in my video assessment—which I encourage you to observe for extra particulars on the driving dynamics—the brand new G90 M5 differs considerably from the earlier F90 M5. The F90 was extra of a track-ready machine, simply shifting from street to circuit. In distinction, the 2025 BMW M5 is healthier suited as a each day driver—a extra refined luxurious sports activities sedan with moments of uncooked efficiency when referred to as upon. It’s the mature selection, with simply sufficient rebellious spirit to maintain issues thrilling.

Ought to I Purchase One?

When you’re in search of a automobile that blends luxurious, tech, and outrageous energy in a single bundle, the 2025 BMW M5 G90 is it. Whether or not you’re on the Autobahn at triple-digit speeds or quietly cruising by metropolis facilities in electrical mode, the M5 proves it may well do all of it, and it does so with fashion.

Will folks criticize the load of the brand new 2025 BMW M5? Completely. It’s straightforward to be subjective as of late, particularly if you happen to’re not contemplating the attitude of an precise M5 proprietor. Positive, some longtime M5 lovers might really feel nostalgic for the lighter, extra agile earlier generations, however many others will see the shift towards electrification as a pure evolution—whether or not we prefer it or not.

Personally, I’m excited to drive the M5 Touring as a household automobile in Chicago. With its flat, easy roads, I received’t want to fret a lot about its weight throughout cornering. Simply give me some good exhaust notes, first rate cargo area, a few automobile seats, and a daring colour, and I is perhaps able to commerce in my SUV.