New 2025 BMW M5: More Power, More Weight, More Questions

New BMW M5 2025 Sur magazine

BMW has unveiled the new 2025 M5, a twin-turbocharged, V-8, all-wheel-drive hybrid sports sedan boasting a staggering 717 horsepower. However, this performance comes with a significant weight increase, making it heavier than some electric sedans, SUVs, and even a pickup truck. Let’s delve into the details of this groundbreaking vehicle, its surprising weight, and what it means for BMW’s flagship performance sedan.

BMW M5: Breaking Down the Numbers

The 2025 BMW M5’s weight surpasses several notable vehicles, as shown in the table below:

VehicleWeight (lbs)Weight (kg)
2025 BMW M55,3902,444
2023 Mercedes Maybach S-Class5,3462,425
2024 Range Rover Sport5,0902,308
2024 Audi RS6 Avant Performance5,0162,275
2024 Mercedes E63 AMG4,5622,069

This incredible curb weight makes the new M5 slightly slower than its predecessor. BMW claims a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds, compared to the previous model’s 3.2 seconds. Additionally, its power-to-weight ratio is worse, with the new M5 weighing over 1,000 pounds (454 kg) more than the outgoing model.

The Evolution of M5 Weight

Tracking the weight increase across M5 generations, we see a relatively gradual trend until now. The E39 M5, for instance, weighed just 110 pounds (50 kg) more than the E34. Interestingly, the F90 generation lost 17 pounds (8 kg) compared to the F10. The sudden addition of half a ton (approximately 227 kg) in the 2025 model is particularly striking.

Competition Comparison

The new M5’s heft contrasts sharply with its American competitors. The outgoing Dodge Charger Hellcat weighs 4,570 pounds (2,073 kg), 820 pounds (372 kg) less. The latest CT5-V Blackwing, a direct competitor, is a jaw-dropping 1,267 pounds (575 kg) lighter. Even the new fully electric i5 M60, with its substantial battery, is 143 pounds (65 kg) lighter.

Engineering Insights

The massive weight gain can be attributed to various factors, including European emissions regulations and BMW’s platform-sharing electrification strategy. However, from a technological standpoint, this weight increase isn’t necessary. For example, the Corvette E-Ray uses a 1.9-kWh battery pack to achieve 160 horsepower, and hybrids don’t need to be plug-ins. BMW’s decision to integrate a motor into an existing combustion drivetrain adds weight without optimizing efficiency.

Technological Comparison

ModelBattery Capacity (kWh)Power Output (hp)Weight (lbs)Weight (kg)
2025 BMW M5 Hybrid18.67175,3902,444
2024 Audi RS6N/A6214,5752,075
2024 Mercedes E63 AMGN/A6034,7182,140
Corvette E-Ray1.96554,7002,132
2024 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid17.96905,3102,408

Driving Experience

On June 25, 2025, BMW presented the new M5 to journalists and testers, allowing them 3 laps on the Salzburgring Circuit. Opinions varied, but everyone agreed on one thing: the new BMW M5 is incredibly fast in a straight line.

Handling and Performance

The new M5 features a rear-wheel steering system that turns the wheels 1.5 degrees to help with tight corners. This reduces the disadvantage of a long wheelbase, while electronic anti-roll bars and adaptive suspension maintain stability. Despite its weight, the expected “roll” effect is minimal, similar to high-performance SUVs.

Engineering Marvel

BMW has performed engineering miracles, creating a vehicle that handles like an M3 in corners while being a straight-line rocket. However, there are some significant drawbacks:

  1. Physics: BMW only allowed three laps on the track, highlighting excessive tire wear. Despite advanced driving aids, the tires are the only point of contact, making it more suitable for travel than track days.
  2. Steering Feedback: The steering feels “filtered” due to the weight, lacking a strong connection with the asphalt and reducing the car’s dynamic feel.
  3. Plug-in Hybrid Concerns: Real-world battery endurance and the sustained delivery of all 717 horsepower with electric assistance remain unknown, especially under aggressive driving.

Conclusion

The new M5 is worthy of its emblem—fast, comfortable, and equipped with advanced driving aids that give a sense of control. However, if you’re looking for a track day or twisty road companion, it lacks a bit of soul and could benefit from shedding some weight.

Interior and Design

The new M5 boasts a striking interior, with bold color accents and superior seating comfort. The La-Z-Boy-like seats with powered bolsters offer excellent support, making the M5 a pleasant place to sit even when parked. BMW’s interior design now surpasses that of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche.

Interior Features

One of the most important tasks for any M5 is that even when the car is parked, it should be a pleasant place to sit. Mission accomplished here. The new M5 will make its owner—likely to be a big ol’ BMW dork—feel very special indeed. Where the other Germans tend to revel in dour, sleek, monotone spaces, BMW spruces the interior with absurd slashes of color—always the iconic blue, red, purple of BMW’s M division—to lighten the mood.

New BMW M5 G90 interior highlights features

And the seats. They’re fantastic. These thrones have a cushy La-Z-Boy seat bottom, with powered bolsters that’ll hug you as hard as you ask (and then some). They’re so much better at providing comfort and support on a racetrack than the M4 CS’s paltry thrones, you gasp when you fall into one after having sat in the other.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 BMW M5 is a powerful, capable hybrid sports sedan, blending traditional combustion engine prowess with modern hybrid technology. Its weight may raise eyebrows, but BMW has crafted a vehicle that remains a formidable track tool and a luxurious daily driver. We’ll update this site with a thorough test after the car is widely available, starting with production in July of this year. From a cursory look, it sure seems like BMW’s built another great M5. Again.

Stay tuned to Sur Magazine for updates on this impressive new addition to BMW’s M lineup.

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