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 an enormous 5,390 lbs, the brand new G90 M5 Sedan is almost 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 snug 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, by way of 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 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 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 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 5S 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 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 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 automotive 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 velocity. This provides the M5 spectacular agility for such a big automotive. Tight metropolis maneuvers develop into simpler, and high-speed lane modifications really feel composed and confidence-inspiring. One of the best 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 components of this automotive. The brand new 2025 BMW M5 presents 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 highway 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 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 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 should not nearly adjusting the suspension; they essentially change how the automotive 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, largely achieved by way of software program modifications from what I used to be advised.

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 high velocity of 87 mph (140 kph) on this mode. It was excellent for navigating metropolis facilities the place I wished to maintain issues quiet and save gas. 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 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 be aware will get angrier, and the automotive 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 improve energy or torque, however it immediately places the automotive in its sportiest setting for fast overtakes.

If cash no situation, 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 methods for monitor use. In these modes, the cooling system is primed for sustained excessive efficiency, and the shifts develop into even faster. These settings are perfect when you plan to take the M5 to a monitor or wish to expertise the automotive’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 laborious to say no—particularly because it consists of Increase Mode. We did a full video assessment 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 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 easy methods to transfer. Straight-line acceleration is nothing in need of ridiculous. While you flooring the throttle, it feels lots 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 anticipate from a real M automotive. The torque supply is rapid, making high-speed overtakes really feel like youngster’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 certain to provide your self a bit extra room than typical.

For those who want a break from all that energy, the Driving Assistant Professional bundle presents a Stage 2 driving expertise. This consists of options like adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and computerized braking. It’s not fairly hands-free, however it’s greater than able to taking among the stress out of lengthy freeway drives. In contrast to 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 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 automotive dealt with the heavy lifting. It’s an ideal function for long-distance cruising, however whenever 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 group 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 laborious by way of 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 completely different driving strategy.

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. The truth is, I performed round fairly a bit with torque steering on this automotive since that huge energy lets you 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 selection by BMW’s M division since an air spring received’t be suited 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 clean journey but additionally 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 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 way of from the entrance wheels. Total, I prefer it. It’s lots simpler to steer the M5 in metropolis facilities whereas offering good precision at larger speeds.

The non-obligatory 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 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 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 automotive 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 fluctuate relying on the driving force. However right here’s my take: contemplating the M5’s vital weight, BMW has carried out a unbelievable job. The steadiness 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. When 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 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 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?

For those who’re in search of 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 way of metropolis facilities in electrical mode, the M5 proves it may possibly do all of it, and it does so with model.

Will individuals criticize the load of the brand new 2025 BMW M5? Completely. It’s straightforward to be subjective as of late, particularly when you’re not contemplating the angle of an precise M5 proprietor. Positive, 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 automotive 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, respectable cargo area, a few automotive seats, and a daring shade, and I may be able to commerce in my SUV.