New BMW M5: better performance, less weight

turbocarclub.com – The next iteration of the BMW M5, with a potent blend of hybrid technology and exceptional performance, is poised to create waves in the automotive industry. A powerful 717-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a hybrid technology powers the 2025 BMW M5. But the vehicle’s curb weight—which hits the scales at 5,390 pounds—has drawn a lot of attention. As a result, the new M5 weighs around 1,153 pounds more than the old model. Although this weight increase may cause some concern, there are a number of factors that have led to this modification, chief among them being the new hybrid technology.

Where Does All the Weight Come From?

The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the 2025 BMW M5 is primarily responsible for its notable weight rise. The main component of this system is a 14.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, which increases the vehicle’s weight by about 882 pounds. The car’s eight-speed automatic transmission integrates a 194-horsepower electric motor, which is powered by this battery. Although this configuration adds a significant amount of weight, BMW thinks that the benefits in terms of economy and performance will exceed the drawbacks of the additional bulk.

Power from BMW M5 Hybrid System

With the M5, BMW decided to go with a plug-in hybrid system as a calculated decision to balance emissions, economy, and power. The head of BMW’s M division, Frank van Meel, has defended this decision by highlighting the drawbacks of conventional hybrid systems. He clarified that even a typical hybrid system would increase the weight of the vehicle by 330 to 440 pounds while providing less advantages than a plug-in hybrid.

Advantages of the Plug-in Hybrid System:

1. Consistent Power Delivery: Unlike traditional hybrids, which offer a quick burst of power, plug-in hybrids provide a more consistent power output. This continuous power delivery helps in achieving smoother acceleration and better overall performance.
2. Enhanced Performance: The plug-in hybrid system in the new M5 not only adds an electric boost but also contributes over 200 horsepower on its own. This allows the M5 to deliver a substantial electric-only range of up to 25 miles. This range is beneficial for accessing zero-emission zones in urban areas, making the M5 not only powerful but also more versatile and environmentally conscious.

Managing the Added Weight

Weight increase usually has an impact on a car’s handling qualities, which is important for a performance car like the M5. BMW has taken steps to guarantee that the M5’s agility is not jeopardized by the additional weight. The battery pack is low in the chassis, as a deliberate design choice to assist reduce the center of gravity of the car. This deliberate positioning aids in preserving the M5’s agility and balance, which are critical qualities for a vehicle in this performance class.

The V8 Engine Stays

While several automakers are switching to smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, BMW has decided to keep the V8 in the M5. According to Van Meel, the constraints of existing battery technology make an all-electric M5 impractical at this time since it would not live up to consumer expectations regarding performance and range. Reducing the engine size to a four-cylinder or smaller was also explored, but eventually discarded.

Challenges with Engine Downsizing:

1. Lack of Emotional Appeal: A four-cylinder engine lacks the visceral, emotional appeal that a V8 provides, which is a hallmark of the M5 experience.
2. Packaging and Handling Concerns: A six-cylinder engine, while offering a balance between power and efficiency, would lead to a longer front end. This would negatively impact the car’s handling dynamics.
3. Transmission Requirements: The M5’s hybrid system generates a significant amount of torque—737 lb-ft, to be exact. Managing this torque requires a robust transmission system, which further justifies the use of a V8 engine that can accommodate the power and size requirements effectively.

Verdict: The Wait-and-See Approach

Both admirers and detractors have debated the M5’s increased weight. The real-world driving tests will ascertain if the new M5 can sustain the agility and driving enjoyment its predecessors were renowned for, despite the fact that the pairing of an electric motor and a V8 engine promises amazing power and performance. The real test will be to see how effectively the car’s enhanced power offsets its higher weight and whether or not it can maintain the thrilling driving experience that M5 enthusiasts have grown accustomed to.

Key Specifications of the 2025 BMW M5:

• Weight: 5,390 pounds
• Horsepower: 717 hp
• Powertrain: Twin-turbo 4.4L V8 hybrid
• Electric Range (Estimated): 25 miles
• Battery Weight: 882 pounds
• Electric Motor Output: 194 hp
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Looking Ahead: The M5 and the Future of High-Performance Electrification

The introduction of the 2025 M5 is a significant moment in the evolution of high-performance sedans. The incorporation of a plug-in hybrid system raises important questions about the future of performance cars and the role of electrification.

Balancing Performance and Electrification:

• Can automakers successfully integrate electric power into high-performance vehicles without sacrificing driving dynamics? The M5’s hybrid approach provides valuable insights into this ongoing challenge. Future iterations might explore lighter battery technologies or more innovative design solutions to maintain or even enhance performance while reducing weight.

The Rise of High-Performance Electric Vehicles:

• As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to advance, some already offer performance that rivals traditional sports cars. For instance, the Tesla Model S Plaid boasts acceleration times that surpass many conventional high-performance vehicles. The critical question is whether EVs can replicate the emotional and engaging driving experience provided by traditional engines like the M5’s V8. Manufacturers will need to focus not just on raw power figures but also on aspects such as steering feedback, sound engineering, and overall driver involvement.

Consumer Preferences and Market Segmentation:

• The debate over the M5’s development reflects the diverse preferences within the high-performance car market. Some consumers prioritize pure speed and power, while others seek a balanced vehicle that offers both performance and efficiency. Manufacturers may need to diversify their offerings to cater to these varying tastes. The future of the M series might include a range of options—from purely electric M models to hybrid variants and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Technological Advancements:

• Continuous advancements in battery technology promise higher energy densities and lighter weights. These developments are promising for the future of high-performance EVs. As battery technology improves, we can expect electric vehicles that not only match but exceed the capabilities of traditional performance cars, not only in acceleration but also in overall driving experience.

Conclusion

The development of premium performance cars has advanced significantly with the introduction of the new BMW M5. Its hybrid technology-related weight gain is a topic of criticism, but it also provides an insightful look into the challenges of incorporating electricity into high-performance vehicles. The future of the M5 and the larger high-performance car market will be determined by technological breakthroughs, creative engineering solutions, and a better comprehension of customer preferences in a quickly evolving automotive environment. The BMW M5, which combines classic power with cutting-edge innovation, continues to be at the forefront of the electrification trend that will continue to influence the automotive industry’s future.