Is the New BMW M5's Weight Gain a Power Move or a Pitfall?

Debuting last week, the latest generation of the BMW M5 has made headlines—not just for its remarkable hybrid V-8 powertrain, but for its jaw-dropping curb weight. Weighing in at a hefty 5,390 pounds, this seventh-gen super sedan is over 1,000 pounds more than its predecessor. While this substantial increase might raise eyebrows, it's a move that shouldn't come as a total surprise. Let's delve into why BMW has taken this weighty direction.

Size Matters

The M5 'G90' has upsized significantly. At 200.6 inches long, 77.6 inches wide, and 59.4 inches tall, this massive vehicle is 4.2 inches longer, 2.7 inches wider, and 1.6 inches taller than the previous 'F90' model. Coupled with a longer wheelbase to accommodate new suspension geometry, the M5 is not just larger than its predecessor but even surpasses the regular 5 Series it’s based upon.

Its broader wheel tracks compared to the standard 5 Series also hint at the beastly construction beneath. Just a glance at the dimensions would have indicated the M5 was bound to gain a few pounds in the transition.

The hybrid variant of the 5 Series, the 550e xDrive, with its 3.0-liter inline-six engine, weighs in at 4,751 pounds. The new M5's V-8 setup, with a larger 4.4-liter engine and twin-turbochargers, adds to the bulk, but there's more at play than just engine size.

Hybrid Heft

Beyond its size, the M5's hybrid tech profoundly impacts its weight. The plug-in nature of the M5 includes an 18.6 kWh battery, designed to boost performance while attempting to meet stringent emissions regulations. It comes as no surprise then that the M5's 5,390-pound curb weight is compared unfavorably with the all-electric i5 M60’s 5,247 pounds. That comparison becomes even more striking when you consider the i5 M60 packs a significantly larger 81.2 kWh battery.

Despite similar battery capacities across the M5 and 550e, their weight differences underscore the added heft of the high-performance plug-in hybrid system. This hybrid setup alone adds approximately 882 pounds to the M5, according to BMW M division head Frank van Meel.

The Art of Balance

Weight is more than a number; it's about balance and performance. BMW boasts a nearly perfect 50:50 weight distribution for the M5, but the reality is likely more nose-heavy, given the weight of the V-8 engine. Weight distribution plays into the handling dynamics that BMW's M series is famed for, but this time around, it seems to be a slight concession to accommodate the powerful hybrid system.

Looking ahead, weight concerns will only grow with the upcoming M5 Touring, expected to be even heavier due to its wagon configuration. BMW aficionados, however, might find solace in knowing that the touring version, known as 'G99,' will be available stateside.

The Broader Picture

Could BMW have opted for a different route? Theoretically, a pure V-8 setup sans hybrid elements might have reduced the curb weight, but it would have failed to align with today’s stringent emissions and taxation standards, especially in markets like Europe. Meeting these regulations often mandates higher-efficiency, lower-emission powertrains, which the hybrid system delivers.

Upsizing the M5 beyond the inline-six was also driven by necessity. A smaller engine would compromise torque, a crucial performance aspect—737 pound-feet, to be exact—demanding a specialized gearbox to harness this immense power.

A Necessary Evil?

The M5’s expansion reflects not just a shift in automotive design paradigms but a broader adherence to regulatory and performance demands that face today’s luxury sports sedans. As BMW phases out older models like the M550i, the new M5 emerges as the sole 5 Series model with eight cylinders, underscoring its exotic status while paying the 'weight penalty' for its electrified powertrain.

So, while the M5’s weight might initially seem a drawback, its design and engineering choices ensure it meets the high standards of performance, compliance, and luxury. Perhaps, in this case, the added weight is a necessary compromise for the future of high-performance sedans.