BMW M5 (2025): more powerful, heavier and slower…

For purists, following the evolution of the BMW M5 has not been easy. Over the generations, it has changed engine architecture several times (6, 8 and 12 cylinders), adopted turbos and even went from pure rear-wheel drive to an all-wheel drive system.

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We could also say that it has always known how to live with the times and always offer more performance and comfort without denying its genes. This new generation is doing exactly the same thing: it is in tune with the times… which will make some people scream (including yours truly).

Obligatory passage

It is difficult these days to sell such a model without a hybrid system. If this still adds a significant weight, it is accompanied by substantial reductions in official consumption, although this is likely to change very soon.

Here, the new BMW M5 takes over the powertrain of the XM, with a few minor modifications. The package includes a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine delivering 577 hp and 750 Nm of torque, coupled to a 197 hp and 280 Nm electric motor (up to 450 Nm via a pre-gear stage). Once combined, there are still 727 hp and 1000 Nm available under the right foot.

So first of all, let’s rejoice, BMW is still putting a thunderous V8 under the hood, which will not fail to light up the faces of the most skeptical with a smile. Better still, the 18.6 kWh battery allows you to drive up to 69 km WLTP in electric mode and the official combined consumption of 1.7 liters/100 km (39 g of CO2) keeps the big V8 sedan away from any ecological penalty.

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But, while the previous generation had lost 8 kg, the newcomer gained… 463 kg (2445 kg vs 1971 kg). Yes, that’s almost half a ton more, or, put another way, 24% more weight for just 16% more power.

We can trust the wizards of Munich to erase the impression of heaviness, but we will have to take the wheel to be sure. In the meantime, 0 to 100 km/h loses speed, going from 3.3 to 3.5 seconds, which is imperceptible. In terms of maximum speed, we are talking about 250 km/h as standard or 305 km/h with the M Driver pack.

Finally, power is sent to all four wheels, but if you want to do the classic stunts behind the wheel of a BMW M, you have a whole range of settings that allow you to choose the level of power to the rear axle, going up to ‘100 %.

Aesthetics: it could have been worse

It’s an understatement to say that the BMWs of recent years have caused ink to flow with their divisive style. The new 5 Series, although less daring, has moved away from the conservative appearance linked to the segment to move towards something more marked.

We might have expected something more eloquent, but the styling is less impressive than one might have feared, although we would have a hard time calling this car pretty.

The grille, which is too bulky and can be illuminated, displays a closed glossy black cover housing the many driver assistance systems. In addition, the BMW M5 gains curves at the wings in order to integrate wider tires (285/40 ZR20 at the front and 295/35 ZR21 at the rear).

The rear gets an M spoiler and black chrome M twin tailpipes. You’ll also notice the aerodynamic mirrors and an M5 badge installed on the D-pillar.

The brakes are huge, at 406mm in diameter at the front and 399mm at the rear, and are clamped by six-piston calipers at the front and a single-piston floating caliper at the rear. You can, very futilely, reduce the weight of your car by 25 kg by opting for the expensive M carbon-ceramic brakes.

For the price, in France, you will have to offload, before options, €159,000.

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