FYI: The 2025 BMW M5’s hefty weight challenges the conventional ideals of performance sports cars. How will it measure up with its advanced hybrid powertrain?
Sports Cars Keep Swelling in Size
Cars have been getting larger over the decades—a trend we’ve come to accept under the guise of enhanced performance, technology, and safety. Modern sports cars have set benchmarks with sub-3 second 0-60 mph times, active suspension, advanced aerodynamic elements, and cutting-edge safety features, balancing versatility for both road and track use.
2025 BMW M5 Breaks the Mold
The 2025 BMW M5 sends mixed signals about acceptable weight limits for performance cars. While the new plug-in hybrid powertrain is undeniably impressive, the M5 weighs 5,390 lbs—a weight typically reserved for some trucks and SUVs, including some from BMW’s own lineup.
Why Weight Matters
Weight has always been a critical aspect of high-performance car engineering. While performance EVs like the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S have faced criticism for their weight due to heavy batteries, they still manage to undercut the M5 in weight despite lugging around a 1,300 lb lithium-ion battery. Even the BMW i5 M60 EV is lighter, despite not being labeled a high-performance vehicle like the M5.
Performance Metrics to Consider
Despite its heft, BMW insists the new M5 will still set high-performance benchmarks. The plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers up to 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a 14.8 kWh battery pack paired with a 4.4L V8 engine. This setup not only improves fuel efficiency but also allows for about 25 miles of electric-only driving, an attractive feature in today’s hybrid market.
Public Perception
The reception of this hefty M5 has been mixed. The performance gains, including an increase of about 100 hp over its predecessor, are notable. However, with a starting MSRP of $120,675 USD, potential buyers are likely to scrutinize the vehicle’s weight-to-performance ratio carefully. A probable Touring variant would add even more weight, potentially negating the extra horsepower advantage.
The Weight Debate: Does It Still Matter?
An important discussion point is whether car enthusiasts should worry about heavier cars. Historically, added weight has brought additional safety and technology benefits. However, the question remains whether luxury performance sedans should breach the boundaries of weight acceptability. Performance-oriented EVs manage to stay under 5,000 lbs, which calls into question whether the M5’s weight is due to its hybrid complexity or other factors.
Future Implications
Looking ahead, advancements in automotive technology may address current weight dilemmas. However, it’s unlikely we’ll see a return to the sub-3,000 lbs days for performance sedans. Whether we establish a new weight ceiling at 4,000 lbs or 5,000 lbs remains to be seen, but it’s clear automakers must innovate to balance weight and performance better.
Final Thoughts
The debate on the weight of modern cars continues to be pertinent. The new BMW M5, despite its impressive specs, challenges the perceptions of what a performance vehicle should weigh. What are your thoughts on this evolution? Does car weight influence your buying decision?
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William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
