BMW

Why does the new generation of the BMW M5 weigh 2510 kg...more than the old Mercedes X-Class pick-up...

As expected, since this is the strategy adopted by most manufacturers to reduce emissions and increase power, BMW has resorted to electrification to update the new generation of the M5, one of its most powerful and emblematic models, which aims to combining the virtues of a generously sized family saloon with the power and behavior worthy of a sports car. But the German manufacturer's technological choices may have compromised the effectiveness of the latest generation of the model.

The new M5 starts to grow compared to the previous generation, increasing the length to 5.096 m (+11.3 cm), also gaining 6.7 cm in width, 3.7 cm in height and 2.4 cm in the wheelbase. The problem with the new M5 is related to this increase in dimensions, but above all with the adoption of a battery with 22.1 kWh capacity, the electric motor and the entire management and recharging system, which increased the total weight of the 1970. kg of the previous generation, to the current 2510 kg, a very high value which, added to the weight of five adults, their luggage and the 60 liter tank of gasoline, almost forces the driver to have a heavy vehicle license.

Comparatively, we can always say that the old Mercedes X-Class, the pick-up designed on the basis of the Nissan Navara, weighed 2200 kg despite being longer and using a more robust and heavier chassis, and a V6 engine. diesel. Interestingly, this is the same weight as a more powerful sports saloon with a larger battery (100 kWh), as it is exclusively electric, such as Tesla's Model S Plaid, which despite offering 1020 hp and three engines, does not far surpass the 2.2 tons.

To move this mammoth M5, BMW uses a less powerful version of the 4.4 twin-turbo V8, which in the most recent electrified generation contributes just 585 hp and 750 Nm of torque. But the German manufacturer reinforces the power by using an electrical unit installed inside the box that provides 197 hp and a force of 280 Nm, which puts the total power at 727 hp and 1000 Nm of torque, values ​​that should leave behind the Previous generation M5. Which, unfortunately, does not correspond to reality.

The reason for the (negative) surprise is due to the battery that powers the plug-in hybrid system, with a total of 22.1 kWh and 18.6 kWh of useful capacity, to guarantee 69 km in electric mode between charges. And here lies another problem with the new M5 PHEV, since BMW only provided charging in alternating current (AC) and only at 7.4 kW of power, which forces the M5 to be connected to a wallbox for 3h25, certainly dreaming with the option for quick direct current (DC) charging.

The previous BMW M5 was seen as an impressive sports saloon, capable of going from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds (the M5 Performance version surpassed this in 3.3 seconds and the M5 CS in 3.0 seconds ), but the new one, despite having 21.2% more power, does not exceed 3.5 seconds. The disadvantage is the increase in weight by 540 kg, which represents 27.4% more compared to the previous M5, something that penalizes the new model when accelerating, but also when braking and cornering, where it will not be able to stay ahead. height of the model it is replacing.

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