BMW has been tearing up roads and racetracks for over a century now. From their humble beginnings as aircraft engine makers to becoming one of the most respected performance car manufacturers in the world, BMW’s need for speed runs deep in their DNA.
Ever wondered what’s currently the fastest BMW you can buy? Well, buckle up because the crown belongs to the insanely powerful BMW M5 CS, capable of hitting 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds! That’s quicker than you can say “Bayerische Motoren Werke”!
Why does speed matter so much to BMW fans like us? It’s simple – that heart-pounding acceleration, the symphony of a finely-tuned engine, and the engineering excellence that makes it all possible. There’s nothing quite like piloting the fastest BMW on an open stretch of highway, right?
In this guide, you’ll discover not just which BMW models claim the speed throne, but also how they’ve evolved over time, what makes them so darn fast, and which ones you should consider if you’re in the market for a speed demon with a BMW badge. Ready to dive in? Let’s hit the gas!
The Current Title Holder: BMW M5 CS
The undisputed speed king in BMW’s current lineup is the extraordinary M5 CS. This beast isn’t just fast – it’s supercar territory fast. With its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing a monstrous 627 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the M5 CS doesn’t just accelerate – it launches.
The numbers speak for themselves: 0-60 mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds, a quarter-mile time of around 10.6 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 190 mph (which can be increased to 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package). According to BMW’s press release when launching the M5 CS, it’s the quickest and most powerful production car they’ve ever built.
What makes the M5 CS the fastest BMW yet? It’s not just raw power – it’s also 230 pounds lighter than the standard M5 Competition thanks to carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, including the hood, front splitter, mirror caps, and rear spoiler. The standard carbon ceramic brakes not only reduce weight but provide exceptional stopping power for this 4,100-pound sedan.
Perhaps most impressive is how the M5 CS packages this performance. Unlike many supercars, this fastest BMW seats four people in race-inspired bucket seats and offers everyday usability alongside its mind-bending performance.
BMW’s Fastest Production Cars Ranked
The speed hierarchy at BMW is always evolving, but here’s how their production cars currently rank in the speed department:
- BMW M5 CS – The current champion clocks 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds with its 627-hp twin-turbo V8. Have you ever felt what nearly 3G of acceleration feels like? This is your chance!
- BMW M8 Competition – Nipping at the heels of the M5 CS, the M8 Competition hits 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds. With the same basic 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 (tuned to 617 hp) and a more aerodynamic coupe profile, it’s razor-close to the top spot. According to Car and Driver testing, some M8 Competition models have even broken into the 2.8-second range in perfect conditions!
- BMW M5 Competition – The “standard” M5’s hotter brother gets to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with 617 horses under the hood. Not too shabby for a luxury sedan that can comfortably fit your whole family, huh?
- BMW M4 CSL – The lightweight special edition of the M4 hits 60 mph in 3.6 seconds despite being rear-wheel drive (unlike the AWD models above). With 543 hp and weighing only 3,640 pounds, it’s the purist’s choice for speed.
- Rounding out the top five is the all-wheel drive M3 Competition, reaching 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with its 503-hp twin-turbo inline-six. It proves that the fastest BMW models don’t always need eight cylinders! Want to know more, visit our website…
Fastest BMW Limited Production Models
Beyond regular production cars, BMW occasionally creates limited-run speed machines that push performance boundaries even further:
BMW M4 GTS – This track-focused special from 2016 was limited to just 700 units worldwide and featured water injection technology to boost its 3.0-liter twin-turbo six to 493 hp. It hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, which was blistering at the time. BMW’s press materials claimed it lapped the Nürburgring in an impressive 7:28, a full 24 seconds faster than the standard M4!
BMW M3 GTS – Back in 2010, this orange track monster packed a 4.4-liter V8 with 444 hp. Only 135 were built, making it one of the rarest fast BMWs ever. Did you know it came without a radio or air conditioning to save weight? Now that’s commitment to speed!
BMW M1 – The original BMW supercar from the late 1970s deserves mention. With a mid-mounted 3.5-liter straight-six producing 273 hp, it was good for 162 mph – astounding for its era. Fun fact: the M1 was actually developed in collaboration with Lamborghini before BMW took over the project entirely!
BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R – Although technically a concept, this spectacular machine pays homage to BMW’s iconic “Batmobile” race car from the 1970s. If it went into limited production, its rumored 500+ hp would certainly make it one of the fastest BMWs ever.
Fastest BMW Concept Cars and Prototypes
BMW’s concept cars often showcase the ultimate expression of speed without production constraints:
BMW Vision M NEXT – This futuristic hybrid concept promised 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds with a combined 600 hp from its gas-electric powertrain. Sadly, BMW confirmed in 2020 that production plans were canceled due to cost-cutting measures, according to a report from Automotive News.
BMW Nazca C2 – Designed by Italdesign in the early 1990s, this mid-engine supercar featured a modified BMW V12 producing 350 hp. With its sleek aerodynamics, it was capable of 203 mph! Wouldn’t it be amazing if BMW revisited this concept today?
BMW H2R Hydrogen Race Car – Breaking nine FIA speed records for hydrogen-powered vehicles, this experimental racer hit a top speed of 186 mph while emitting only water vapor. Talk about fast AND environmentally conscious!
BMW’s Fastest Motorcycles
The fastest BMW isn’t necessarily on four wheels. BMW Motorrad produces some seriously quick bikes:
BMW M 1000 RR – The first motorcycle to wear BMW’s hallowed “M” badge isn’t messing around. With 212 hp in a package weighing just 423 pounds, it hits 60 mph in approximately 3.1 seconds and can exceed 189 mph. That’s faster than nearly every BMW car ever made!
BMW S 1000 RR – The “non-M” version is barely slower, with 205 hp and similar acceleration. When BMW introduced the original S 1000 RR in 2010, it revolutionized the superbike segment with its asymmetrical design and cutting-edge electronics.
How do these bikes compare to BMW’s fastest cars? While top-end cars like the M5 CS have higher top speeds, the power-to-weight ratio of these motorcycles gives them incredible acceleration. The M 1000 RR produces over 500 hp per ton – more than double the power-to-weight ratio of most BMW cars!
Historical Context: BMW’s Speed Evolution
The quest for the fastest BMW title has evolved dramatically over decades:
In the 1970s, the BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile” was considered extremely fast with its 206 hp taking it to 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Can you believe that’s slower than today’s entry-level 3 Series?
The 1980s saw the introduction of the first M5, which disguised a 286 hp race-derived engine in a subtle sedan body. It could hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds – impressive for its time, but now matched by BMW’s diesel models!
By the 1990s, the E36 M3 was pushing boundaries with its 240 hp inline-six. Then came the V8 era, followed by turbocharging in the 2010s that dramatically increased power outputs across the lineup.
The technological advancements enabling these speed increases are fascinating. Modern BMWs benefit from twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct injection, lightweight materials like carbon fiber, sophisticated launch control systems, and quick-shifting transmissions. According to BMW’s technical papers, the latest M models can shift gears in just 150 milliseconds – that’s faster than you can blink!
How BMW Achieves These Speeds
What’s the secret sauce that makes the fastest BMW models so quick? It’s a combination of several key factors:
Engine technologies – BMW’s mastery of forced induction is evident in their twin-turbocharged powerplants. The M division’s S58 and S63 engines feature cross-bank exhaust manifolds, 3D-printed cylinder heads, and indirect charge air cooling systems that minimize turbo lag while maximizing power. Did you know the M5’s engine builds up to 1.5 bar (21.7 psi) of boost pressure? That’s like having a small jet engine under the hood!
Aerodynamics – The fastest BMW models slice through air efficiently. The M8 Competition achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.33 despite its high-performance requirements for cooling and downforce. Wind tunnel testing results from BMW’s development team show that advanced features like active air flaps, underbody paneling, and carefully sculpted body panels make a massive difference in high-speed stability.
Lightweight construction – Carbon fiber, aluminum, and high-strength steel come together in what BMW calls “intelligent lightweight design.” The current M5 CS shaved off 230 pounds compared to the regular M5, improving its power-to-weight ratio significantly. Every 110 pounds reduced improves acceleration by roughly 0.1 seconds to 60 mph!
Electronic systems and driver aids – The fastest BMW models feature sophisticated launch control, adaptive suspension, and intelligent all-wheel drive systems like xDrive with 2WD mode. These electronic aids ensure that every bit of power gets translated to forward motion without wasteful wheel spin.
What Makes a BMW Fast? Beyond Top Speed
When discussing the fastest BMW, we often focus on headline numbers, but true performance is more nuanced:
Acceleration metrics – Beyond the 0-60 mph time, the fastest BMW models excel in in-gear acceleration. The M5 CS can accelerate from 50-75 mph in just 2.6 seconds – perfect for highway overtaking! Isn’t it amazing how usable this performance is in everyday situations?
Handling and cornering capabilities – Speed isn’t just about going fast in a straight line. The fastest BMW models can carry tremendous speed through corners thanks to sophisticated suspension designs, perfect weight distribution (nearly 50:50 in most models), and advanced electronics. The M4 CSL generates over 1g of lateral acceleration in corners – enough to make your face stretch!
Track performance – The true measure of speed often comes on the racetrack. The fastest BMW road cars regularly post sub-7:30 Nürburgring lap times, with the M4 CSL clocking an impressive 7:20.2. According to BMW’s racing division, their GT3 race cars can exceed 180 mph on the back straight at Daytona!
Real-world drivability – What sets the fastest BMW models apart from dedicated supercars is their everyday usability. As Car and Driver noted in their M5 CS review: “It’s as comfortable taking the kids to school as it is setting lap records.”
Buyer’s Guide: Fastest BMWs You Can Buy Today
Looking to put a fast BMW in your garage? Here’s what’s available now, ranked by performance:
- BMW M5 CS – Starting at approximately $142,000, this limited-production super sedan offers the ultimate in four-door performance. Act fast though – production is limited!
- BMW M8 Competition – Available as a coupe, convertible, or four-door Gran Coupe starting around $130,000. For my money, the Gran Coupe offers the best balance of practicality and style.
- BMW M5 Competition – At about $111,000, it’s nearly as fast as the CS but more widely available and with a more comfortable standard setup.
- BMW M4 CSL – Around $140,000 gets you this limited-edition track-focused machine. Only 1,000 will be built worldwide, according to BMW’s announcement.
- BMW M3/M4 Competition xDrive – Starting around $77,000-$79,000, these offer perhaps the best performance value in the lineup.
If budget is a concern, consider the used market. A 2018-2019 M5 delivers nearly the same performance as new models for about 40% less cost. According to recent auction results from Bring a Trailer, low-mileage F90 M5s have been selling in the $70,000-$85,000 range – not bad for a car that’s just a half-second slower than the latest models!
Upcoming Speed Demons: Future Fast BMWs
The race for the fastest BMW title never stops. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
BMW XM Label Red – This new flagship performance SUV packs a hybrid system delivering 738 hp, making it the most powerful production BMW ever. Early press reports suggest 0-60 mph in around 3.7 seconds despite its substantial weight.
All-electric M models – BMW has confirmed that fully electric M cars are in development. The experimental BMW i4 M50 shows the potential with its 536 hp and 3.9-second 0-60 mph time. According to BMW’s head of development Frank Weber in an Automotive News interview, “The future of M is electric, and it will be even faster than today.”
BMW’s Vision for speed – Looking further ahead, BMW’s concept studies suggest they’re exploring new powertrain technologies, advanced materials like carbon nanotubes, and active aerodynamics that could push the fastest BMW benchmark even higher. The company’s recent patent filings hint at solid-state batteries potentially offering both weight savings and more power – a perfect combination for performance!
Conclusion
So, what is the fastest BMW? As of 2025, the M5 CS holds the crown with its blistering 2.9-second 0-60 mph time and 190 mph top speed. But what makes the fastest BMW models special isn’t just raw speed – it’s how they deliver that performance without compromising the luxury, technology, and everyday usability that BMW is known for.
The future looks even brighter (and faster) with electrification bringing instant torque and potentially even quicker acceleration times. BMW’s commitment to performance continues to evolve, but their philosophy remains consistent: creating driver’s cars that thrill at any speed.
Whether you’re a longtime BMW enthusiast or just curious about these ultimate driving machines, there’s something special about a car company that’s been obsessed with performance for over a century. After all, when the fastest BMW keeps getting faster, we all win!
FAQ Section
What is BMW’s fastest 0-60 time? The fastest BMW 0-60 mph time comes from the M5 CS at 2.9 seconds officially, though some independent tests have recorded times as low as 2.7 seconds in ideal conditions. That’s supercar territory from a four-door sedan!
Which BMW has the highest top speed? The BMW M5 CS and M8 Competition both reach an electronically limited top speed of 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package. Without electronic limits, these cars could theoretically go even faster!
Is the BMW M5 CS faster than the M8 Competition? By a hair! The M5 CS edges out the M8 Competition with a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds versus 3.0 seconds. The CS also has 10 more horsepower (627 hp vs. 617 hp). In real-world driving, you’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference.
What is BMW’s fastest SUV? Currently, the BMW XM Label Red claims the title as fastest BMW SUV with 738 hp from its hybrid powertrain and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 3.7 seconds. That’s remarkably quick for a vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds!
How do BMW’s fastest cars compare to competitors like Mercedes-AMG and Audi RS? The fastest BMW models are very competitive with their German rivals. The M5 CS (2.9 sec to 60 mph) is quicker than the Mercedes-AMG E63 S (3.2 sec) and Audi RS7 (3.0 sec), according to manufacturer claims. However, Mercedes-AMG’s GT 63 S E Performance hybrid now manages 0-60 mph in a claimed 2.8 seconds, showing how quickly this performance race is evolving!
What is the fastest BMW under $100,000? The M3 Competition xDrive is the fastest BMW under $100,000, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a base price of approximately $77,000. It offers nearly 90% of the M5’s straight-line performance for almost half the price – now that’s what I call a performance bargain!
