The 2025 BMW M5: A Performance Plateau?
For decades, automotive performance has been on an upward trajectory—boosting power, enhancing grip, yet adding weight. However, with the new 2025 BMW M5, it seems we may be reaching a tipping point. This latest model boasts an impressive increase of 117 horsepower compared to its forerunner. But what about curb weight? Is it, at least, getting lighter?
BMW has highlighted its efforts to reduce weight in the all-new M5 by lightening components such as the transmission and transfer case, as well as substituting a plastic oil pan to save on mass—though cost considerations may play a significant role in that decision. The company also provides an optional carbon fiber roof that can save about 66 pounds, presumably because the standard roof is exceptionally heavy. Moreover, the available carbon ceramic brakes shed an additional 55 pounds, all of which contributes to the vehicle’s rotating mass. Unfortunately, these changes do not compensate for the M5’s substantial weight increase.
To put things in perspective, the previous generation M5 weighed in at 4,345 pounds when it was updated in 2021. While that was hefty, it wasn’t unreasonable amid contemporary competition like the Dodge Charger Hellcat. In stark contrast, the 2025 M5 has ballooned to 5,390 pounds, reflecting a weight gain of 1,045 pounds or an increase of 24 percent. Remarkably, this weight gain parallels a similar increase I’ve experienced, but unlike the M5, I alone can claim the excuse of stress-eating.
Part of the additional weight for the new M5 is attributed to its hybrid system, elevating total output to 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. However, the previous generation, with its 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, still enjoyed a superior power-to-weight ratio. Consequently, the latest M5 experiences a decline in acceleration from zero to 60 mph, taking 3.4 seconds compared to the 2021 model’s 3.2 seconds—and it’s notably slower than the M5 Competition’s swift 3.1 seconds.
Another telling comparison lies in the weight of the 2025 X5, which tips the scales at 4,998 pounds. While that’s not light, it belongs to the midsize premium crossover category, whereas the M5 is a performance sedan. It appears BMW is reserving its most powerful versions of the M5 for future releases. However, they will need to employ significantly more carbon fiber to offset the heft of this latest M5 iteration.
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