This Shocking Detail About the New BMW M5 Will Leave You Speechless

When BMW first teased the latest iteration of their iconic M5, many enthusiasts knew to brace themselves for a bit more heft. After all, blending the raw power of a V8 with a plug-in hybrid system isn’t exactly a recipe for featherweight construction. The result? A sensationally powerful albeit undeniably heavier super sedan. Depressing for purists perhaps, but in a world where emissions regulations are increasingly stringent, this leap was almost inevitable.

The Weight Factor: A Colossal Beast

The 2025 BMW M5 tips the scales at an eye-popping 5,390 pounds in the U.S., a whopping 1,045-pound increase over its F90 predecessor. To put it another way, this new M5 carries an additional 1,276 pounds compared to the M5 CS special edition, a car already revered for its ethereal balance of performance and agility. What's even more intriguing is that the European version manages to weigh slightly less at 5,368 pounds—though it’s still leagues heavier than its earlier incarnations.

For perspective, the previous E60 M5 with its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine was svelte in comparison. It’s not just the hybrid technology that’s responsible for this bulk. The entire car has grown in stature, precariously close to becoming an unofficial M7. Indeed, this new M5 is a heavyweight contender, flaunting its brawn with a kind of unapologetic audacity.

Bigger, But Not Alone

If you’re reaching for a silver lining here, then consider this: the M5 is still lighter than BMW’s XM, weighing in at a staggering 6,062 pounds. Sharing the same plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain, the XM is essentially a rolling testament to how heavy modern performance cars can get. It comfortably retains the title of BMW’s heftiest vehicle that isn’t armored. While it may not offer much solace, it's a reminder that weight isn't always a hindrance in today's automotive landscape.

Shaving Off the Pounds: BMW’s Clever Weight-Loss Tactics

Acknowledging the mass, BMW offers optional packages to trim some of that excess weight. Opt for the M carbon-ceramic brakes and you’ll shed about 55 pounds. Throw in the M Carbon Package which includes a carbon roof and that's another 66 pounds lighter. Combined, you’re looking at a weight reduction of 121 pounds, bringing the curb weight down to a slightly more palatable 5,247 pounds. However, even with these modifications, the new M5 still pushes boundaries in the performance-focused realm.

The Electrified Path Forward

For all its heft, the 2025 M5 might just represent a new era for BMW. Performance enthusiasts may bemoan the added weight, but it's crucial to remember the increasing pressure on automakers to reduce emissions. Without this hybrid component, the M5 might have faced a future with a downsized engine—think inline-six instead of the beloved V8. Such a change would likely have been met with a disheartened response from fans. The hybrid adaptation is BMW's compromise in maintaining performance while embracing modern regulatory demands.

Conclusion: A New Chapter

While it’s easy to fixate on the weight gain, the 2025 BMW M5 still exemplifies a thrilling blend of power, luxury, and modern technology. It might not be the lean super sedan of yesteryear, but it represents a bold stride into a hybrid future without sacrificing too much of its iconic essence. Time will tell if this gamble pays off, but for now, the new M5 stands as a fascinating chapter in BMW’s illustrious M-series.