BMW's new 2025 M5 has stirred excitement among enthusiasts, not just for its impressive official specifications, but for potentially understating its true power output. A recent dyno test by an owner has revealed that the M5's performance might significantly exceed BMW's claimed figures, suggesting the German automaker may have been conservative in its official power ratings.
Dyno Test Results vs. Official Figures
Official BMW Claims:
- Total system power: 535kW (717 hp)
- Total system torque: 1000Nm (738 lb-ft)
Dyno Test Findings:
- Power at the wheels: 696.13 hp
- Torque at the wheels: 729.59 lb-ft (989 Nm)
Estimated Actual Output:
Accounting for a 15% drivetrain loss, the M5's true output at the crank could be:
- Power: Approximately 820 hp
- Torque: Around 859 lb-ft (1,164 Nm)
Even with a more conservative 10% drivetrain loss estimate, the M5's actual power output significantly exceeds BMW's official figures.
Implications and Analysis
- Conservative Ratings: BMW's official figures appear to be understated, a practice not uncommon among German automakers.
- Performance Potential: The higher output suggests the M5 may be capable of even more impressive performance than officially claimed.
- Comparison to Other Models: The actual output brings the M5 closer to BMW's most powerful production vehicle, the XM Label, which claims 738 hp.
- Future Potential: With the car still in its break-in period during testing, there's a possibility for slight increases in output as the engine settles.
While BMW's official figures for the 2025 M5 are already impressive, this dyno test suggests the actual performance of the vehicle may be even more remarkable. This revelation not only adds to the M5's appeal but also continues the tradition of German manufacturers potentially understating their vehicles' capabilities, leaving room for owners to be pleasantly surprised by their cars' true potential.
