Is BMW’s New M5 Really Worth Your Attention? Here’s What You Need to Know
When BMW unveiled the latest iteration of the M5, car enthusiasts were eagerly awaiting the experience of this iconic sports sedan. Traditionally, M cars command a universal respect and admiration, cherished for their blend of luxury, performance, and innovative engineering. However, the reception of the 2025 M5 was met with skepticism and mixed reviews, with chatter revolving around its significant weight and styling choices. In this article, we delve into what’s new for the M5, the factory performance parts aimed at enhancing its desirability, and whether it can rekindle the passion that previous models ignited.
Understanding the Controversy
BMW’s reputation for crafting cars that captivate the hearts of driving enthusiasts appeared under threat with the G90 M5. Able to tip the scales at an astonishing 5,390 pounds, it draws concern over rather unimpressive dynamics that fly in the face of M division lineage. Critics have raised eyebrows at its plug-in hybrid configuration, questioning whether this shift compromises the visceral driving experience that M cars are renowned for. With these factors weighing heavily, the question arises: can the addition of M Performance Parts elevate this well-intentioned offering?
The Power of M Performance Parts
Available right at launch, BMW is aiming to sweeten the deal with an array of performance upgrades that may entice fans back into showrooms. Among these, the addition of carbon fiber accents throughout the M5’s curvaceous body sees fittings such as a front spoiler lip, side skirts, and a split rear diffuser. Designed to accentuate the visual appeal while cutting down on weight, these enhancements aim to infuse a dose of sportiness into the hefty design. However, one has to wonder, will such changes be substantial enough to meaningfully impact performance or simply serve as cosmetic upgrades?
Weight Management: Fact or Fiction?
Although carbon fiber replacements are a step in the right direction, they pale in significance compared to the M5’s considerable heft. While options like a carbon-fiber fuel cap and sill extensions are indeed alluring, they do little to combat the fundamental challenge posed by the car’s overall weight. To put this into perspective, switching to a carbon roof removes only 66 pounds, and the carbon-ceramic brake option sheds another mere 55 pounds—hardly groundbreaking for a luxury performance sedan. It raises the question, why not adopt a more aggressive weight reduction strategy, akin to that taken with the previous M5 CS, which managed a substantial weight loss of 230 pounds?
Appealing Aesthetics with Functional Upgrades
The 2025 M5 boasts a vivid list of aesthetic upgrades that give it a more aggressive stance on the road. Matte black side decals and a distinct aramid shark fin antenna can be specified, while lightweight alloy wheels adorned with M Performance logos are set to become available next summer. Even the valve stem caps have adopted the iconic “M” branding, pushing the customizable performance attitude further. An embossed “M5” logo integrated into titanium-carbon exhaust tips is a small but noteworthy touch that symbolizes the performance pedigree.
Missing Pieces: The Speculation Game
Despite BMW's flourish of factory upgrades, the absence of key optional features has not gone unnoticed. Notably, the much-coveted carbon bucket seats, previously available on the CS edition, will be absent upon launch, deflating some of the anticipation from enthusiasts eagerly awaiting their arrival. Additionally, while center-lock wheels are accessible on the smaller M3 model, M5 enthusiasts will be left wanting as they are notably missing from the performance lineup.
The Upcoming M5 Touring: Anticipation Builds
For aficionados holding out hope for an enhanced variant of the M5, good news is on the horizon. The highly anticipated M5 Touring is inching closer to its United States debut and is likely to hit the market before the end of the year. While expected to carry a higher price tag than the sedan, which begins at $120,675, the addition of unique options and M Performance Parts could present a compelling argument for investment. For many, the Touring variant signifies a brighter future for the M lineup, blending family practicality with performance allure.
Conclusion: Is the New M5 Worth It?
The new BMW M5 presents a dichotomy that both excites and troubles its loyal fanbase. With weight-saving performance parts struggling to keep pace with the sedan's overall heft, enthusiasts are left pondering whether BMW's latest offering can recapture the magic of its predecessors. Nonetheless, the ongoing evolution of the M brand, coupled with future promises such as the M5 Touring, reflects a well-intentioned commitment to delivering performance. Whether the M5 can regain its hallowed place in hearts and garages alike ultimately remains to be seen.