BMW M5 hybrid's weight sparks debate but promises thrill

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

The new BMW M5 is substantially heavy on paper, weighing around 2,510 kilograms, which seems quite excessive for a sports sedan. It's no surprise that the internet is full of critical comments about the vehicle's weight. BMW representatives have now addressed this issue.

In an interview with "Bimmer Today," M division chief Frank van Meel mentioned that one should not judge the car solely by its specifications, which are merely numbers in a table. He explained that the key is the driving experience, and the M5 is designed in such a way that the driver does not feel the high weight.

He added that this weight is the result of the inclusion of a plug-in hybrid system, which had to be implemented to help meet strict emissions standards and keep the 4.4-litre V8 engine in production.

The M Sport chief recalled that this is not the first time BMW has faced criticism for the increased weight of its vehicles. It was similar with the introduction of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which eventually gained public acceptance. Van Meel predicts that it will be similar with the hybrid M5.