Does Weight Actually Matter? Let’s Discover Out!

Tank, boat, airplane—these are only a few 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 take a look at of an M5 prototype on the observe, which confirmed that this M5 feels extra like a cushty day by 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 may—on the autobahn, by means of quiet German villages, and round twisty backroads. The large query I sought to reply: does all that further 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 offered 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 number of engineering methods 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 manner. What does it imply? The driving dynamics of the automobile must 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. Further 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 components, together with a cross-bar and a shear panel, alongside further 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 burden, 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 turn into simpler, and high-speed lane adjustments 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 provides a spread 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 dwelling as a day by day driver, providing a surprisingly cushioned journey 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 journey 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 essentially change how the automobile behaves. The default Hybrid mode provides the very best 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 by means of 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 high 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. Nonetheless, 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 laborious, I returned to dwelling base with the identical vary I began with—round 64 km in response to 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 function is the Increase mode, which you activate by holding down the left paddle shifter. Increase Mode doesn’t enhance energy or torque, but it surely immediately places the automobile in its sportiest setting for fast overtakes.

If cash no situation, 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 programs for observe use. In these modes, the cooling system is primed for sustained excessive efficiency, and the shifts turn into even faster. These settings are preferrred when you plan to take the M5 to a observe or need to expertise the automobile’s full potential on a spirited backroad drive.

Do you want the M Drive Skilled possibility? In all probability not, however at $900 within the U.S., it’s laborious to say no—particularly because it contains Increase Mode. We did a full video evaluation 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 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 learn how to transfer. Straight-line acceleration is nothing in need of ridiculous. If you flooring the throttle, it feels rather a lot 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 big sports activities sedan was glued to the tarmac delivering a really assured journey. Nonetheless, that weight does present up beneath heavy braking so make sure that to offer your self a bit extra room than typical.

In the event you want a break from all that energy, the Driving Assistant Professional package deal provides a Stage 2 driving expertise. This contains options like adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and computerized braking. It’s not fairly hands-free, but it surely’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 provides extra superior Stage 2+ autonomy, the M5 has a extra driver-focused ethos, so in response to 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 give attention to steering whereas the automobile dealt with the heavy lifting. It’s a fantastic 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 workforce is normally fairly good at “defying” physics, or no less than operating circles round them, however the M5’s weight does present up in corners. When pushed laborious by means of tight bends, the brand new G90 M5 reveals 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 completely 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 drive. In truth, I performed round fairly a bit with torque steering on this automobile since that large energy means that you can 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 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 journey but additionally retains the wheels firmly planted, even beneath 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 by means of from the entrance wheels. General, I prefer it. It’s rather a lot simpler to steer the M5 in metropolis facilities whereas offering good precision at greater speeds.

The elective 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 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 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 neighborhood for questions concerning the new M5. One query stood out: “Does the brand new M5 retain the normal M automobile values—dealing with, driver suggestions, stability of dynamic components 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 driving force. However right here’s my take: contemplating the M5’s vital weight, BMW has completed 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 laborious cornering. Whilst 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 evaluation—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 street to circuit. In distinction, the 2025 BMW M5 is best 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?

In the event you’re on the lookout 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 by means of metropolis facilities in electrical mode, the M5 proves it could actually do all of it, and it does so with model.

Will folks criticize the burden of the brand new 2025 BMW M5? Completely. It’s straightforward to be subjective lately, particularly when you’re not contemplating the angle of an precise M5 proprietor. Certain, 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, simple roads, I received’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 coloration, and I could be able to commerce in my SUV.