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 solely 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, inserting it in a category of its personal. Again in April, we had a short check of an M5 prototype on the monitor, which confirmed that this M5 feels extra like a cushty every 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 quiet German villages, and round twisty backroads. The massive query I sought to reply: does all that further weight actually issues when balanced by probably the most highly effective engine ever supplied within the M5. Let’s dive in.

What’s Transferring 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 a whole lot of engineering tips within the chassis and suspension setup of the 2025 BMW M5. And that’s to be anticipated. Not solely does the automotive want to maneuver that weight ahead, however it additionally wants to maneuver in an M means. What does it imply? The driving dynamics of the automotive ought to be price 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. Further 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 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 automotive boasts a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, barely biased in 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 offers the M5 spectacular agility for such a big automotive. Tight metropolis maneuvers grow to be simpler, and high-speed lane modifications really feel composed and confidence-inspiring. The perfect a part of the rear-wheel steering? It offers the M5 a pure sense of management.

The suspension setup is without doubt one of the finest components of this automotive. The brand new 2025 BMW M5 gives 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 easy, luxurious cruiser, gliding over street imperfections with ease. That is the place the M5 feels most at residence as a every 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 whenever you dial issues as much as Sport or Sport Plus, the suspension tightens, physique roll is minimized, and the automotive 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 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 aren’t nearly adjusting the suspension; they essentially change how the automotive behaves. The default Hybrid mode gives the very best of each worlds, with the V8 and electrical motor working collectively for optimum energy and effectivity. It’s seamless, and in every 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 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 arduous, I returned to residence 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 notice will get angrier, and the automotive feels extra alive. One notably cool function is the Enhance mode, which you activate by holding down the left paddle shifter. Enhance Mode doesn’t enhance energy or torque, however it immediately places the automotive in its sportiest setting for fast overtakes.

If cash no challenge, go for the M Drive Skilled bundle which provides the Dynamic and Dynamic Plus modes which crank up the aggression even additional, optimizing the automotive’s techniques for monitor use. In these modes, the cooling system is primed for sustained excessive efficiency, and the shifts grow to be even faster. These settings are excellent in the event you plan to take the M5 to a monitor or need to expertise the automotive’s full potential on a spirited backroad drive.

Do you want the M Drive Skilled choice? In all probability not, however at $900 within the U.S., it’s arduous to say no—particularly because it contains Enhance 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 automotive 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 methods to transfer. Straight-line acceleration is nothing wanting ridiculous. If you flooring the throttle, it feels so much faster than the marketed dash.

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

In the event you want a break from all that energy, the Driving Assistant Professional bundle gives a Stage 2 driving expertise. This contains options like adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and automated braking. It’s not fairly hands-free, however it’s greater than able to taking a number of the stress out of lengthy freeway drives. In contrast to BMW’s 5 and seven Sequence, which gives 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 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 give attention to steering whereas the automotive dealt with the heavy lifting. It’s an awesome function for long-distance cruising, however whenever you’re within the temper to drive, the M5 is more than pleased 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 no less than operating circles round them, however the M5’s weight does present up in corners. When pushed arduous by 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 completely different driving method.

On curvy roads, the entrance axle that felt a bit not sure on the monitor digs in confidently into the pavement, letting me carry shocking 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 automotive since that large energy means that you can shortly appropriate your entry or exit nook factors.

Total, 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 automotive 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 journey but additionally retains the wheels firmly planted, even below 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. Total, I prefer it. It’s so much simpler to steer the M5 in metropolis facilities whereas offering good precision at increased speeds.

The non-compulsory carbon-ceramic brakes might lack the exact modulation of the usual metal discs, however their lighter weight and superior endurance make them a transparent alternative in the event 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 below 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 standard M automotive 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 posh query, and the reply can fluctuate relying on the motive force. However right here’s my take: contemplating the M5’s vital weight, BMW has executed 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 below arduous cornering. Whilst you’re at all times conscious of the automotive’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 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 healthier suited as a every 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?

In the event you’re searching for a automotive 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 individuals criticize the burden of the brand new 2025 BMW M5? Completely. It’s straightforward to be subjective as of late, particularly in the event you’re not contemplating the angle of an precise M5 proprietor. Certain, some longtime M5 fans 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 automotive 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 area, a few automotive seats, and a daring coloration, and I may be able to commerce in my SUV.