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, putting it in a category of its personal. Again in April, we had a short take a look at of an M5 prototype on the monitor, which confirmed that this M5 feels extra like a cushty each 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, by means of quiet German villages, and round twisty backroads. The large 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 computerized 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 a variety 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 approach. What does it imply? The driving dynamics of the automobile ought to be price 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. Further reinforcements may 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 further 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 burden, the automobile boasts a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, barely biased in direction of the rear. The engineers added Integral Energetic 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 provides the M5 spectacular agility for such a big automobile. Tight metropolis maneuvers turn into simpler, and high-speed lane modifications really feel composed and confidence-inspiring. The most effective a part of the rear-wheel steering? It offers the M5 a pure sense of management.

The suspension setup is among the finest components 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 street imperfections with ease. That is the place the M5 feels most at dwelling 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 once 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 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 will not be nearly adjusting the suspension; they basically change how the automobile behaves. The default Hybrid mode presents the very 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 means of software program modifications from what I used to be instructed.

For these seeking to maximize effectivity, Electrical mode permits you to 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 wished 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 onerous, I returned to dwelling base with the identical vary I began with—round 64 km in keeping 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 word will get angrier, and the automobile feels extra alive. One notably cool function is the Increase mode, which you activate by holding down the left paddle shifter. Increase Mode doesn’t enhance 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 monitor use. In these modes, the cooling system is primed for sustained excessive efficiency, and the shifts turn into even faster. These settings are supreme when you 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 choice? Most likely not, however at $900 within the U.S., it’s onerous 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 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 find out how to transfer. Straight-line acceleration is nothing in need of ridiculous. Once you flooring the throttle, it feels loads faster than the marketed dash.

On the Autobahn, we shortly hit speeds north of 280 km/h (174 mph) with the sort of easy ease you’d anticipate 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 certain to present your self a bit extra room than ordinary.

If you happen to want a break from all that energy, the Driving Assistant Professional bundle presents a Degree 2 driving expertise. This consists of options like adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and computerized 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. Not like BMW’s 5 and seven Collection, which presents extra superior Degree 2+ autonomy, the M5 has a extra driver-focused ethos, so in keeping with BMW, they didn’t see the necessity to embody 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 deal with steering whereas the automobile dealt with the heavy lifting. It’s an important function for long-distance cruising, however once 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 workforce 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 onerous by means of tight bends, the brand new G90 M5 displays 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 method.

On curvy roads, the entrance axle that felt a bit uncertain on the monitor digs in confidently into the pavement, letting me carry stunning 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 large energy permits you to shortly 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 alternative by BMW’s M division since an air spring received’t be fitted to a automobile on this section.

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 easy experience but in addition retains the wheels firmly planted, even underneath 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 means of from the entrance wheels. General, I prefer it. It’s loads simpler to steer the M5 in metropolis facilities whereas offering good precision at larger 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 alternative when you 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 robust, 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 in regards to the new M5. One query stood out: “Does the brand new M5 retain the standard M automobile values—dealing with, driver suggestions, steadiness 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 differ relying on the driving force. However right here’s my take: contemplating the M5’s important weight, BMW has performed a incredible job. The steadiness between acceleration, braking, and total driving dynamics is well-executed. The braking system successfully handles the M5’s spectacular acceleration, and the dealing with stays composed, even underneath onerous cornering. Whilst you’re at all times conscious of the automobile’s mass—notably in sharper turns—it by no means detracts from the driving expertise.

As I discussed in my video evaluate—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 known as upon. It’s the mature alternative, with simply sufficient rebellious spirit to maintain issues thrilling.

Ought to I Purchase One?

If you happen to’re searching for 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 means of metropolis facilities in electrical mode, the M5 proves it could actually do all of it, and it does so with fashion.

Will individuals criticize the burden of the brand new 2025 BMW M5? Completely. It’s straightforward to be subjective nowadays, particularly when you’re not contemplating the attitude of an precise M5 proprietor. Certain, some longtime M5 fanatics 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, simple roads, I received’t want to fret a lot about its weight throughout cornering. Simply give me some good exhaust notes, respectable cargo area, a few automobile seats, and a daring coloration, and I could be able to commerce in my SUV.