Despite the 727 horsepower generated by the recently presented bmw m5 of the new generation thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the figure that everyone is talking about is its empty weight of 2,510 kilos. This represents a huge increase of 540 kilograms compared to the previous generation M5 Competition. Now, thanks to an interview by Top Gear With Frank van Meel, head of BMW’s M division, we learned more specifically where the two and a half tons of this heavyweight come from.
More power on the table
The culprit, unsurprisingly, is the 14.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, which powers a 145 kW electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Van Meel told the outlet that The battery weighs a whopping 400 kilos.. Even so, the greatest exponent of BMW M justified the move to a plug-in hybrid system: “For us, it makes sense to ‘go all the way’ and take full advantage of electrification rather than accept setbacks.”
He pointed out that a normal hybrid system would still mean between 150 and 200 kilos (Porsche with its new 911 GTS T-Hybrid barely adds 61 kilos), while A plug-in system provides even better performance: “Yes, it is possible to have a temporary boost function, but a plug-in hybrid offers continuous electric power output and energy. And it is a bigger step in performance because we have 69 kilometers of electric range and 200 more horsepower. That is more compelling.”
Will it camouflage all that weight well?
While adding weight is obviously detrimental to performance, van Meel also explained that BMW placed the weight in a way to lessen its impact on the car’s dynamic behavior.. “In racing, ballast is added to the floor of the car to even out the balance of performance. That’s where we add our ‘ballast’ – the battery is on the floor with a lower centre of gravity than the previous M5.” BMW considered making the M5 all-electric, but ultimately decided that current battery technology wasn’t advanced enough for its customers’ performance and range requirements.
Top Gear also asked if BMW had Considered downsizing enginepointing to the Mercedes-AMG C63’s controversial switch from a V8 to a four-cylinder engine: “It would be crazy to have a four-cylinder. Then there is the six-cylinder: it gives a very long front end. And we need a big gearbox to cope with the 1,000 Nm. So the V8 is the best solution, because it is an emotional engine, but also compact.”
While the roar of a V8 is certainly intoxicating, The M5’s increased weight has drawn much criticism and it means that the sports saloon will have to work much harder to maintain its dynamism. We hope to drive the latest M5 in the near future to explore the extent to which the extra weight has affected the agility of the M3’s big brother.
Specialist in motor and technology issues. Passionate about mechanics and four wheels since I was a child, I now try to transmit my experiences to anyone who enjoys the smell of gasoline, the speed, the pleasure of driving, the design and the sound of those engines that make us go crazy. tip
