The automotive industry’s relentless pursuit of performance has led to a troubling trend: the steady increase in vehicle weight. The 2025 BMW M5, with its impressive 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, is a prime example of this phenomenon.
Despite efforts to reduce weight through the use of lightweight materials and design innovations, the new M5 tips the scales at a staggering 5,390 pounds – a remarking 1,045-pound increase over its predecessor.
This substantial weight gain not only negates the benefits of its hybrid powertrain but also results in a slower 0-60 mph time: 3.4 seconds, compared to the previous generation’s 3.2 seconds. The M5’s weight gain is all the more striking when compared to the 2025 X5, a midsize crossover that weighs 4,998 pounds. While the X5 is no lightweight, it’s a far cry from the performance sedan that the M5 purports to be.
The M5’s bulk raises questions about the priorities of BMW’s engineers. Have they prioritized power over agility and handling? The answer seems clear, as the M5’s weight gain undermines its performance credentials. One can’t help but wonder if BMW is holding back on weight-saving measures for future, higher-performance variants of the M5. If so, they’ll need to muster all the carbon fiber they can get to offset the weight gain.
The M5’s weight gain is a concerning trend that prioritizes brute force over finesse. As the automotive industry continues to push the boundaries of performance, it’s clear that a new approach is needed – one that prioritizes agility, handling, and overall driving experience over sheer power. Until then, the M5’s weight gain will remain a stark reminder of the industry’s misplaced priorities.