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 an enormous 5,390 lbs, the brand new G90 M5 Sedan is sort of 1,000 lbs heavier than the outgoing F90 mannequin, putting it in a category of its personal. Again in April, we had a quick take a look at of an M5 prototype on the monitor, which confirmed that this M5 feels extra like a cushty day by day driver than a monitor weapon.

However final month, we returned to Munich to expertise the brand new M5 as an on a regular basis buyer may—on the autobahn, via quiet German villages, and round twisty backroads. The massive query I sought to reply: does all that additional weight actually issues when balanced by essentially the most highly effective engine ever provided 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 accessible 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 take a look at, 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 numerous 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, but it surely 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 state of affairs. 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 will 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 elements 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 pace. This offers the M5 spectacular agility for such a big automobile. Tight metropolis maneuvers change into simpler, and high-speed lane adjustments really feel composed and confidence-inspiring. The most effective a part of the rear-wheel steering? It provides the M5 a pure sense of management.

The suspension setup is without doubt one of the finest elements of this automobile. The brand new 2025 BMW M5 presents 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 easy, luxurious cruiser, gliding over highway imperfections with ease. That is the place the M5 feels most at residence as a day by 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 until you’re driving aggressively, the experience may 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 presents the perfect of each worlds, with the V8 and electrical motor working collectively for optimum energy and effectivity. It’s seamless, and in day by 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 via software program adjustments from what I used to be instructed.

For these trying to maximize effectivity, Electrical mode means that you can 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 pace of 87 mph (140 kph) on this mode. It was good for navigating metropolis facilities the place I needed to maintain issues quiet and save gas. 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 arduous, I returned to residence base with the identical vary I began with—round 64 km in accordance with 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 observe will get angrier, and the automobile feels extra alive. One significantly cool characteristic is the Increase mode, which you activate by holding down the left paddle shifter. Increase Mode doesn’t improve energy or torque, but it surely immediately places the automobile in its sportiest setting for fast overtakes.

If cash no challenge, go for the M Drive Skilled package deal which provides the Dynamic and Dynamic Plus modes which crank up the aggression even additional, optimizing the automobile’s methods for monitor use. In these modes, the cooling system is primed for sustained excessive efficiency, and the shifts change into even faster. These settings are perfect for those who plan to take the M5 to a monitor 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 arduous to say no—particularly because it consists of Increase Mode. We did a full video evaluate 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 is not 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 the right way to transfer. Straight-line acceleration is nothing in need of ridiculous. Whenever you ground the throttle, it feels lots faster than the marketed dash.

On the Autobahn, we rapidly hit speeds north of 280 km/h (174 mph) with the sort of easy ease you’d count on from a real M automobile. The torque supply is fast, making high-speed overtakes really feel like little one’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 underneath heavy braking so be sure to offer your self a bit extra room than regular.

Should you want a break from all that energy, the Driving Assistant Professional package deal presents a Stage 2 driving expertise. This consists of options like adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and automated braking. It’s not fairly hands-free, but it surely’s greater than able to taking a number of the stress out of lengthy freeway drives. Not like BMW’s 5 and seven Collection, which presents extra superior Stage 2+ autonomy, the M5 has a extra driver-focused ethos, so in accordance with BMW, they didn’t see the necessity to embrace these extra superior radars and sensors.

In follow, 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 concentrate on steering whereas the automobile dealt with the heavy lifting. It’s an excellent characteristic 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 often fairly good at “defying” physics, or not less than operating circles round them, however the M5’s weight does present up in corners. When pushed arduous via tight bends, the brand new G90 M5 displays some physique roll, reminding you of its measurement. In comparison with the a lot lighter F90, the brand new M5 requires extra restraint and a barely totally different driving method.

On curvy roads, the entrance axle that felt a bit uncertain on the monitor digs in confidently into the pavement, letting me carry shocking pace into corners. As I easily apply the throttle, the rear tires hook up and propel the M5 out with spectacular power. In truth, I performed round fairly a bit with torque steering on this automobile since that huge energy means that you can rapidly right 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 keep up 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 gained’t be fitted to a automobile on this section.

Naturally, BMW’s problem was balancing firmness with sufficient wheel journey to keep up 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 easy experience but in addition retains the wheels firmly planted, even underneath vertical forces.

The steering feels gentle within the Consolation mode, and once more, that’s by design. As with most trendy 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 via from the entrance wheels. General, I prefer it. It’s lots simpler to steer the M5 in metropolis facilities whereas offering good precision at greater speeds.

The non-compulsory carbon-ceramic brakes could lack the exact modulation of the usual metal discs, however their lighter weight and superior endurance make them a transparent selection for those who plan to push the M5. The usual compound brakes characteristic 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 underneath 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 posh query, and the reply can differ relying on the motive force. However right here’s my take: contemplating the M5’s vital weight, BMW has achieved a implausible 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 underneath arduous cornering. When you’re at all times 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 evaluate—which I encourage you to look at 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 highway to circuit. In distinction, the 2025 BMW M5 is healthier suited as a day by 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?

Should you’re searching for a automobile that blends luxurious, tech, and outrageous energy in a single package deal, the 2025 BMW M5 G90 is it. Whether or not you’re on the Autobahn at triple-digit speeds or quietly cruising via metropolis facilities in electrical mode, the M5 proves it may do all of it, and it does so with type.

Will folks criticize the load of the brand new 2025 BMW M5? Completely. It’s simple to be subjective lately, particularly for those who’re not contemplating the attitude of an precise M5 proprietor. Positive, some longtime M5 fans could 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 gained’t want to fret a lot about its weight throughout cornering. Simply give me some good exhaust notes, first rate cargo house, a few automobile seats, and a daring colour, and I could be able to commerce in my SUV.