2025 BMW M5: Can Its Power Overcome the Weight? Find Out Here
Weight has always been the nemesis of performance in the automotive world. To counterbalance the increasing bulk, carmakers are infusing machines with almost absurd amounts of horsepower, a strategy that doesn’t always hit the mark. The 2025 BMW M5 stands as a testament to this gravity-defying endeavor. Capable of accelerating to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds, this new iteration is actually a tad slower than its predecessor. In specific terms, it's a tenth of a second behind the previous generation's standard model and 0.2 seconds off from the M5 Competition's time. When pitted against the M5 CS, it's half a second slower, all thanks to its weight gain of approximately 1,045 lbs (474 kg).
Ludicrous Power on Demand
Under the hood, the M5 boasts a monstrous 717 hp and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque, but even these potent figures can't fully counteract the car's added heft. In a recent demo, BMWBLOG got a firsthand look at this powerful beast in Austria at the Salzburgring. The vehicle in question was a near-production prototype, fully camouflaged, ready to show its mettle. Despite its weight, the G90 is anything but sluggish, as evidenced by the video footage from the test drive.
Edge Cases and Sweet Spots
While the new M5 may not outpace the M5 CS in conventional metrics, it’s no slouch when it comes to mid-range acceleration. BMW claims that it can vault from 50 to 75 mph (80 to 120 km/h) in fifth gear in just 2.9 seconds, a full 0.3 seconds faster than the M5 CS. Drop it down to fourth gear, and the time improves to 2.2 seconds, outpacing the M5 CS by 0.1 seconds.
Mastering the Launch
During our trial run, we didn’t clock a timed 0 to 124 mph (200 km/h) sprint, but the car felt undeniably quick despite its size. BMW ensured we had all the right tools at our disposal, including a launch control system for optimal performance. The new M5 also features a unique function dubbed ‘Boost Control’ that operates between 19 to 93 mph (30 to 150 km/h). Activating it is as simple as holding the left shift paddle for more than a second, automatically setting all parameters to the sportiest settings.
The Road Ahead
The G90 M5 is just at the beginning of its journey. Production will commence next month and is expected to continue until early 2031. This extensive manufacturing window provides ample opportunity for BMW to introduce more aggressive variants with even greater power outputs. The recently introduced XM Label generates 738 hp, which is 21 hp more than the new M5. Although this additional horsepower might not drastically change performance metrics, BMW engineers surely have more innovative performance boosts in store.
Balancing Act: Performance and Handling
Acceleration numbers are only one part of the equation that defines a performance car. Handling ranks equally high on the list for automotive enthusiasts. Ultimately, it’s the customers who will determine if BMW has managed to effectively mitigate the extra weight added by the larger size and hybrid V8 powertrain. Their purchase decisions will be the ultimate litmus test for this modern super sedan's overall appeal.
With its impressive power and still-formidable performance figures, the 2025 BMW M5 offers a sneak peek into the future of high-performance sedans. Will it redefine the segment despite its increased girth? Only time, and the open road, will tell.