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 truthful, 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 quick check of an M5 prototype on the observe, which confirmed that this M5 feels extra like a snug 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, via 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 on the market 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 5S tires to their traction limits.

How Is The Chassis And Suspension Dealing With The Weight?

There are plenty of engineering methods 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, but it surely additionally wants to maneuver in an M method. What does it imply? The driving dynamics of the automotive 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 could 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 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 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 automotive. Tight metropolis maneuvers develop 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 without doubt one of the greatest elements of this automotive. 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 easy, 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 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 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 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 should not nearly adjusting the suspension; they essentially change how the automotive behaves. The default Hybrid mode provides the most effective 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 via software program adjustments from what I used to be instructed.

For these trying 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 pace 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 onerous, I returned to dwelling base with the identical vary I began with—round 64 km in line 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 notice will get angrier, and the automotive feels extra alive. One notably 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 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 programs for observe use. In these modes, the cooling system is primed for sustained excessive efficiency, and the shifts develop into even faster. These settings are ideally suited if you happen to plan to take the M5 to a observe or wish to expertise the automotive’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 onerous to say no—particularly because it consists of Increase Mode. We did a full video evaluation 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 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 easy methods to transfer. Straight-line acceleration is nothing wanting ridiculous. While 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 type of easy ease you’d anticipate from a real M automotive. The torque supply is instant, 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. Nonetheless, that weight does present up underneath heavy braking so make certain to offer your self a bit extra room than ordinary.

In the event you want a break from all that energy, the Driving Assistant Professional bundle provides a Degree 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 few of the stress out of lengthy freeway drives. Not like BMW’s 5 and seven Sequence, which provides extra superior Degree 2+ autonomy, the M5 has a extra driver-focused ethos, so in line with BMW, they didn’t see the necessity to embrace 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 awesome characteristic 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 staff is often fairly good at “defying” physics, or no less than working circles round them, however the M5’s weight does present up in corners. When pushed onerous 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 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 shocking pace into corners. As I easily apply the throttle, the rear tires hook up and propel the M5 out with spectacular drive. The truth is, I performed round fairly a bit with torque steering on this automotive since that large 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 alternative by BMW’s M division since an air spring received’t be fitted to a automotive 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 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. Total, I prefer it. It’s so much simpler to steer the M5 in metropolis facilities whereas offering good precision at larger speeds.

The elective 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 if you happen to 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 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 fancy query, and the reply can fluctuate relying on the motive force. However right here’s my take: contemplating the M5’s important weight, BMW has executed a unbelievable job. The stability 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 all the time 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 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 healthier suited as a day by 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 on the lookout 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 via metropolis facilities in electrical mode, the M5 proves it might probably do all of it, and it does so with fashion.

Will folks criticize the load of the brand new 2025 BMW M5? Completely. It’s simple to be subjective as of late, particularly if you happen to’re not contemplating the angle 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 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 house, a few automotive seats, and a daring coloration, and I may be able to commerce in my SUV.