The BMW M5 turns 40 and gains over 800 kilos in the process
The release of the 2025 M5 coincides with the 40th anniversary of the legendary 1985 E28 M5, but it is not necessarily safe to say the new car is a worthy tribute.
BMW
Just as the Mercedes Benz S class has been the benchmark for large luxury sedans, the BMW M5 has always been the benchmark for what a performance sedan is capable of. As a matter of fact, BMW invented the segment with the introduction of the E28 M5 in 1985. BMW's Motorsport division decided to put the potent straight 6 engine of the M1 supercar into a 5 series to create a sort of super-sedan. It must have been a rather bizarre concept at the time, but BMW signaled the green light, and the rest was history. The lineage continued with the E34 M5 and its improved handling and power. Then In 1998, with the E39 M5 and its potent V8 engine. The E60 M5, released in the mid-2000s, brought a high-revving V10 engine, pushing the boundaries even further, and spurring competition in the form of a V10-powered Audi RS6. More recent models, such as the F10 and F90, have introduced advanced electronics and turbocharged engines, ensuring the M5 remains a leader in its class. Yet, for all the talk about power and performance figures, one of the most outstanding things about the M5 has been the handling characteristics and dynamics. An element in which the weight of a car plays a very significant role.
BMW
Like seemingly every automaker this year, BMW has introduced a hybrid powertrain to the M5 moniker, the first time ever in an M car. The 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 of the previous M5 is paired with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor. Combined they produce 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, which pass through the the 8-speed gearbox and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system to launch the new M5 from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. The top speed of the new BMW M5 is limited to 155 mph as standard, however frequent autobahn commuters can opt to raise the limit to 190 mph.
BMW
Well-documented is the fact that automotive batteries and motors are heavy. Given that the M5 is now a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has a large 14.8 kWh battery giving it 25 miles of range, it is no surprise that the new M5 is going to be heavier than its predecessor. This is also not helped by the G60 5 series's growth spurt. The new M5 is 1.2 inches longer overall, 2.7 inches wider, and 2.1 inches taller than the outgoing M5. But even this does not entirely indicate that the new M5 has a curb weight of 5390 lbs ( 2445 kg). Not only does this weigh nearly 530 kilos more than the outgoing M5, it's even heavier than BMW's own fully electric 5 series sedan. This new sports sedan is heavier than the new BMW X5, and the flagship 7 series. Even the full-size X7 SUV is only fractionally heavier than the new M5. It's certain that this new car with its added electrical power will feel quick in a straight line, but even the most optimistic BMW enthusiast has to doubt that any amount of four-wheel steering, anti-roll bars, or suspension refinement can negate that weight penalty.
BMW
The rest of the story is what we've come to expect from an M car. More aggressive exterior design, optional carbon fiber elements inside and out, new wheel designs, sharpened steering, and stiffened suspension. The improvements to the interior and technology of the new M5 compared to its predecessor are shared with the standard 5 series. The highlight of this new M5 is the introduction of the plug-in hybrid system. It's a significant moment in BMW's history. Whether it will be remembered for its astonishing weight figure or not is still yet to be seen, as it is set to make its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, and enter production that same month.
BMW
