[Bostongio]

Looking over the specs for various trims of the new 5 series, and I'm struck at how much weight the new version has gained.

The F10 535xi from 2012 weighed 4233 lbs.

My 2018 540i xdrive weighs just 4019 lbs. Apparently BMW found a way to trim 200+ lbs between the two, and the result is a well-balanced driving machine.

Now in 2024, we've gone back up to some serious weight gain with the addition of the 48v mild hybrid system and dimension changes. 4370 lbs!

The 5 series needs to go on a diet. They need to stop adding size to it, since it's really not much different than an 8 series now (the 840i xdrive gran coupe weighs 4381 lbs and is basically the same dimensions).

I'm not sure why BMW thinks bigger is better, like forever. I've never heard a 5 series owner complain that the car wasn't big enough. It's just astounding this is the direction BMW is going in...

[Deho]

My guess it that they are listening to two general customer demands that are more prevalent than driving pleasure and agility among their buyers:

1. Customers want technology. I know most people here would rather get a bare-bones nice driving car than a fully loaded elephant, but I'm pretty sure that most customers would pass if the car didn't get 360 cameras, CarPlay, a nice sound system, ambient light etc. etc. These things add weight to the car and even a 5 series without any option has a lot of standard tech.

2. Space & practicality. I know that most of us prefer to drive a sedan but I'm sure that many customers cross shop between a 5 series, other sedans and a SUV or two. Having more interior space may tip the balance for many customers who want to fit a child seat and stuff the car for long road trips, holidays or the kids who play sports. Having a bigger 5 series mean some of those customers will choose the 5 series instead of a sedan from another manufacturer or a instead of a SUV. If that customer cares about fuel consumption and driving pleasure selling him a 5 series instead of a X5 is a win for everyone.

[OHV_44]

My 520i will weigh around 1.8 t. That's almost 4,000 lbs. It's okay.

[Scrapula]

I am one of those customers who want all the technology in a vehicle. I bought my Jaguar XE over a 3 series because the 3 was bare bones, pretty stark in comparison. In hindsight, I should have just bought a 5 then. I agree about having to court the families who are buying SUVs. People with families have a lot of stuff to carry with kids playing sports. We bought an SUV just for skiing and snowboarding trips. I’m trading both those vehicles for the i5 because it has the tech I want and the size I need. If I just wanted something small and fun, I’d probably get an M2.

[Salespunk]

If you look back over the years, current 3 series is the same size as the older 5 series like the E39, 5 has the same relationship to the 7.

So if you really want the smaller size then go for the 3 series. Materials have been significantly upgraded compared to the F30, but you will never get the same level as the 5. Just know that going in and understand what is "enough" for you. Don't get hung up on the 3/5/7 naming convention.

[8GranCouper]

I don't think the weight increase is so much due to tech which is nothing more than sensors and CPU's but ever-increasing demands for emissions (hence the mild hybrid battery) and collision safety.

[bmwterp]

Personally, I think this is all overblown. It's really subjective. The luxury EV marketplace is outstanding. Its just what you are looking for. The I5 is not a sports sedan. It's a high tech, luxury sedan with some sports driving capability. If that's not what you are looking for, then It's not going to be the right car for you.

I just got one and I think its fantastic. But, this is exactly what I wanted.

If you want a sports car, then I look at the Porche, Audi and probably Plaid.

[Bostongio]

Wasn't talking about the EV market at all, as I specifically noted ICE model weights (not EV weights, which are much heavier).

The 5 series has always been a luxury sports sedan. When it starts becoming a 7 series, that leaves a lot of folks looking elsewhere for something that offers simple levels of sportiness combined with luxury without having to go to the M5...

[bmwterp]

Originally Posted by Bostongio

Wasn't talking about the EV market at all, as I specifically noted ICE model weights (not EV weights, which are much heavier).

The 5 series has always been a luxury sports sedan. When it starts becoming a 7 series, that leaves a lot of folks looking elsewhere for something that offers simple levels of sportiness combined with luxury without having to go to the M5...

That's probably true.