New Hybrid BMW M5: Heavy speculations, light on the road

The new generation M5 evokes mixed feelings, mainly due to the use of a hybrid system, which significantly increases the weight. However, M division chief Frank van Meel claims that the critics are wrong.

On paper, the new BMW M5 is an extremely heavy car - weighing as much as 2,510 kilograms, which seems decidedly excessive for a sports saloon. It's no surprise that the internet is full of critical comments about the vehicle's high weight. BMW representatives have finally addressed this issue.

In an interview with "Bimmer Today," M division chief Frank van Meel stated that one should not judge the car solely by its specifications, which are nothing more than figures on a sheet. He explained that the key is the driving experience, and the M5 was designed in such a way that the driver does not feel the high weight.

He added that this is the result of the use of a plug-in hybrid system, which had to be implemented to help meet strict emission standards and keep the 4.4-litre V8 alive.

M Sport chief recalled that this is not the first situation in which BMW has been criticised for the increased weight of its vehicles. It was similar with the use of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which eventually gained social acceptance. Van Meel predicts that it will be similar with the hybrid M5.