/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25507794/2025_BMW_M5_lowRes.jpg?w=1068&resize=1068,0&ssl=1 "BMW M5 gets its first plug — and gains a lot of weight")
The 2025 BMW M5: A Hefty Hybrid with a Heart of Joy
The iconic BMW M5 is getting a massive makeover, ditching its purely gasoline-powered roots for a new era of plug-in hybrid performance. This change marks a significant shift for the brand, promising both invigorating power and a commitment to electrification. But the transition comes with a notable side effect: the 2025 M5 is considerably heavier than its predecessors.
A Heavyweight Champion:
At a staggering 5,390 pounds, the upcoming M5 PHEV tips the scales at almost 1,000 pounds heavier than the 2023 model. This makes it weigh more than several popular SUVs, including the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Range Rover Sport. While the Lucid Air Sapphire, an all-electric sedan, also falls into the heavyweight category, its heft is largely attributed to its sizable battery pack. In contrast, the M5’s battery, despite promising a 25-mile electric range, contributes only a fraction to its overall weight.
Performance and Efficiency:
Despite its heft, the M5 PHEV doesn’t compromise on performance. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package. The electric motor alone provides a respectable top speed of around 87 mph, offering a silent and emission-free driving experience for short distances.
The M5 seamlessly integrates its electric and combustion power, offering the driver control over the power output ratio through the M Setup menu. When the battery charge dips, the engine intelligently kicks in to provide power and recharge the battery.
The Promise of "Heart of Joy":
BMW is not simply adding electric motors to its iconic cars. Instead, the brand is investing heavily in developing its own battery technology and EV motors specifically for its M models. This commitment is demonstrated through the “Heart of Joy” platform, a suite of innovative systems designed to enhance performance and driver engagement.
This platform utilizes a network of sophisticated sensors to capture data about the vehicle’s environment and performance. This data is then processed by the central computer, allowing for real-time adjustments to various aspects of the car’s behavior. BMW claims this system will make its future EVs ten times more responsive than previous models, resulting in faster and more precise reactions to wheelspin, locked brakes, and other driving conditions.
The Heart of Joy platform also promises improvements in stability control, traction control, and overall performance. By leveraging these advancements, BMW aims to ensure that its high-performance EVs retain the legendary M driving experience while embracing the electric future.
Weighing the Trade-offs:
While the M5’s weight is sure to be a topic of discussion, it’s important to consider the broader context. The shift towards electrification is a necessary step for all car manufacturers, and BMW is clearly committed to making this transition as seamlessly as possible. The M5 PHEV represents a significant leap forward in terms of performance and efficiency, even though it comes with a heavier chassis.
The future of the M series:
The unveiling of the M5 PHEV and the development of the "Heart of Joy" platform strongly suggest that BMW is determined to carry its legacy of performance into the EV era. The brand is actively working on developing dedicated electric platforms and developing M-specific EV motors and batteries. This proactive approach indicates that future M models will be designed from the ground up to leverage the unique advantages of electrification, potentially delivering even higher levels of performance and efficiency, without compromising the core values of the M brand.
The 2025 BMW M5 represents a blend of tradition and innovation. It is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance while embracing the inevitable shift towards electrification. While its weight might raise some eyebrows, it is a symbolic step in the evolution of the M series, hinting at an exciting future filled with cutting-edge technology and electrifying performance.
