Der Neue BMW M5 (2024): Ein Schwergewicht in der Hybrid-Ära – Verpasste Chancen oder notwendige Evolution?

The 2024 BMW M5's hybrid system tips the scales at over 400 kilograms

Was there really no other option than to pack almost half a Twingo's weight into this high-performance vehicle?

The latest BMW M5 has arrived and the murmurs of discontent have begun. Shortly after its debut, online searches for the new vehicle surged. But that's not all – a sharp increase in interest regarding the car's weight soon followed, dominating the trending discussions.

Why exactly has the latest BMW M5 packed on the pounds? Tipping the scales at 2,435 kilograms, it's a hefty 500 kilograms heavier than its predecessor. Frank van Meel, head of BMW's M division, points to the hybrid system as the primary source of the weight gain. In a discussion with Top Gear, van Meel justified the choice for a full plug-in hybrid system over a mere assistive function, despite the added bulk.

According to van Meel, in a conversation with Top Gear, it's logical for them to commit fully and leverage all the benefits of electrification rather than compromising. "Indeed, the [PHEV] system adds an additional 400 kg of weight, yet a standard hybrid system already carries an extra weight of about 150-200 kg."

Photo Gallery: 2025 BMW M5

The topic of the M5 G90's weight is a hot one on social media. On platform "X", user Graham Smales even makes a noteworthy comparison, saying, "It's incredible that the E28 BMW M5 weighs almost a ton less than the very latest version. It's like the additional weight of a Golf GTI Mk2. Is this really progress?" Comparisons of weight with American pickup trucks such as the Ford F-150, as well as spec face-offs with Tesla's Model S, have also surfaced.

Weight alone isn't the only critical factor; the distribution of weight, particularly a vehicle's center of gravity, holds more significance. Additionally, comparing vehicles from the 1980s to modern ones is not straightforward due to advancements in safety and technology.

Van Meel added, "We've documented the impact of weight and pinpointed where we need to be to achieve a different performance range. In racing, weight is added to the vehicle's floor to balance the 'Performance Balance.' That's where we've placed our 'ballast.'" Consequently, the battery in the floor results in a lower center of gravity than the previous M5 could offer.

Upcoming 2025 Model of

If it weren't for the hybrid technology, the latest M5 model would tip the scales at about 400 kilograms lighter. While it would still be quite hefty, it would be more on par with potential rivals. Incorporating a mild-hybrid system might have seen the vehicle weighing in at roughly 2,200 kilograms. Are these alternatives out of the question?

Van Meel explained to Top Gear that they were unable to present a compelling proposal without a plug-in hybrid system. He acknowledged the possibility of incorporating a boost feature, but he noted that a plug-in hybrid consistently provides electrical power and energy, which offers more than just a boost. It represents a significant advancement with the addition of electrical range and an extra 200 horsepower, making it a much more persuasive option.

When asked about the implications of switching to four-cylinder engines, van Meel disclosed to Top Gear that his team briefly toyed with the idea of incorporating a straight-six cylinder to reduce weight. This consideration followed observations made from the Mercedes AMG C 63's transition. However, in the end, they opted to retain the distinctive V8.

Van Meel believes it would be ludicrous to opt for a four-cylinder engine. He suggests a six-cylinder would result in an excessively long front end. Additionally, a sizable transmission is required to handle 1,000 Nm. Therefore, he concludes that the V8 is the optimal choice due to its emotional appeal and compactness.

Increased Bavarian M-Performance

And now, brace yourselves for a moment: van Meel reveals that BMW considered making the M5 fully electric. Are you still in your seat, or have you fallen back in shock? However, according to Top Gear, this concept was ultimately discarded. Can anyone even begin to imagine the consequences? The online world would likely have needed a complete shutdown. An internet blackout caused by an M5 – now that's a headline!

According to van Meel, current technology does not meet the sustained performance and sufficient range that consumers expect from an M5, leading BMW to forgo this option. Perhaps we'll revisit this topic in a few years since, ironically, a fully electric M5 could have potentially been lighter. Social Knock-Out!

Source: Top Gear

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