BMW is a brand with the sportiest DNA out of the premium German car manufacturer trio. Even though Mercedes and Audi both offer great options as far as engines go, BMW is somehow the one that offers the best driving experience of them all. Even the slower Bimmers deliver a strong driving experience.
That being said, not all Bimmers are created equal. There are those that complement the excellent driving characteristics with an outstanding power plant that can deliver that extra oomph when you need it the most. With that in mind, here are the fastest BMWs you can find at the moment, arranged from the “slowest”, to the quickest.
BMW M4 GTS — Racetrack Tool with Unique Technology
The BMW M4 GTS is basically a racetrack car that is made street legal. The “regular” M4 is already a hardcore machine but just from the looks alone, the GTS is on another level. The GTS variant focuses on making the regular M4 lighter, and more nimble, resulting in an outstanding track performance with a slight trade-off in ride comfort.
It might even be a great investment car, as the production run was limited to only 700 vehicles. Needless to say, it sold out extremely fast. Moreover, only 300 of them made it to the USA. You will be quite lucky if you can get your hands on one of them. With a 7:28 lap time on the Nürburgring, this car was at the center of almost every car discussion just about everywhere after that run. It’s fair to assume that the M4 GTS will most likely become a legendary BMW model in the near future. To put things into perspective, the Nürburgring time is comparable with that of the Porsche Carrera GT, a proper hypercar. Compared to the base M4, the GTS can circle the track 24 seconds faster.
It is powered by a modified S55 engine from the regular M3 and M4 models. This means that under the bonnet is a 3.0L six-cylinder with two turbos and extreme power output. At 493 hp and 443 lb.-ft of torque, the GTS was the fastest BMW at the time of its introduction in 2016. All examples are paired to a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission, which is known for unbelievably fast gear changes. As a proper BMW, the M4 GTS naturally sends all of its power to the rear wheels, making it fun and terrifying to drive at the same time. The figures tell you just how crazy the car is — 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph.
The most unique aspect of the engine is its nozzle water injection system. According to BMW, it increases engine performance by 8% and reduces fuel consumption by the same figure. As outlandish as it sounds, this system isn’t new. However, the M4 GTS is the first car to use water injection in the past 20 years. The whole system works by injecting water into the intake manifold, directly into the fuel-air mixture.
Doing so effectively reduces the risk of hot spots generating in different parts of the engine, which could ultimately lead to engine detonation or pre-ignition. Additionally, the turbocharger can generate a higher pressure and spark timing can also be adjusted. The BMW M4 GTS is the first production road car to use this technology and the first in almost twenty years since its last use on a track car.
This means it helps the M4 GTS generate an additional 40 horsepower. How does it achieve this? It essentially lowers the temperature of the intake air beyond what the intercooler alone is capable of.
In addition, the GTS model is 60 lbs lighter than the standard M4 Coupe putting the total weight at 3,494 lbs. This was achieved with the vast use of carbon fiber and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. The car also uses a titanium muffler. The weight-saving measures can also be seen in the interior. With paper-thin carbon fiber bucket seats and special lightweight door panels with door pull loops instead of regular handles, the GTS immediately lets you know of its purpose. If you’re looking for a proper track weapon, this is it.
BMW M8 Competition — An Athlete in Suede Shoes
In 2019, when the BMW M8 Competition was introduced, it was the fastest BMW of all time. It held its place for two years when the M5 CS surpassed it. The M8 is available in three body styles, and thus, it is a quite versatile model, which could even be used as a family daily driver, as a 5-door Gran Coupe is offered along with the standard coupe and an open-roof convertible.
Sharing the drivetrain with the BMW M5, the M8 Competition packs some serious heat. The engine, codenamed S63, is a 4.4-liter V8 generating 617 hp and 553 lb.-ft of torque with the use of two turbochargers. Compared to the standard M8, the Competition model produces 26 hp extra. Only one transmission is available, and it is an 8-speed ZF automatic branded as a BMW M-Steptronic. Like other large BMW models, the M8 Competition is equipped with an all-wheel drive system, which ensures perfect traction in all conditions.
With regards to performance, the M8 Competition needs just 3.2 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph, and in 10.8 seconds, it gets to speeds exceeding 120 mph. It can achieve this thanks to the relatively low weight. For such a large car, it weighs in at only 4,156 lbs in the coupe variant and 4,431 lbs in a convertible. The top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph but can be unlocked for an impressive 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package, which adds a number of performance upgrades, such as tires that are rated for such high speeds.
As standard, the M8 Competition offers crazy performance and perfect driving abilities on the track. However, it can be made even better with optional M Performance parts. The standard steel disc brakes can be replaced by large carbon ceramics. Other options include various carbon fiber parts, lighter M-Sport rims, and a larger rear spoiler.
It is impressive how well this model pairs luxury, comfort, and performance. As a replacement for the previously offered 6 Series Coupe, it is essentially a sleeker 7-Series. With drive mode select, adaptive dampers, and an exhaust system, the M8 Competition can be used as a comfortable daily and taken on fast canyon drives on the weekends. As one of the fastest BMWs in the current lineup, it shows off BMWs image as a luxury manufacturer of some of the best performance cars.
BMW M5 CS — The Fastest BMW of All Time
The BMW M5 CS is the fastest BMW of all time. It is surprising that this achievement is reserved for an executive sedan and not a pure sports model like the BMW M8 or M2. That said, the M5 CS is great in corners and does not feel at all like a regular sedan. In fact, the M5 CS is pretty much a supercar.
Under the bonnet is a 4.4L V8 twin-turbo engine found in the regular M5 but with a slight tune. It now generates 635 hp and 553 lb.-ft of torque, which is a 19 hp increase from the M5 Competition. What does this mean? It means that the fastest BMW can get from a standstill to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. This is almost hypercar territory! The Bugatti Chiron is only 0.7 seconds faster and the 2016 Ferrari 488 Spider achieves the exact same 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds. The only difference is that these ultimate sports cars do not offer family practicality. The top speed is electronically limited to 189 mph. At the Nürburgring circuit, it achieved a time of 7:29.57 when driven by one of the most skilled test drivers out there, Christian Gebhardt.
In fact, the M5 CS is just as usable daily as regular 5-Series models. The practicality is identical and with the use of adaptive dampers and quiet exhaust mode, the comfort is not too compromised. Unfortunately, the production run was limited to only one model year, and all units were sold out immediately. Like the M4 GTS, this model will be a collector piece and its prices are already starting to appreciate.
Compared to the M5 Competition model, which is already a step up from the regular M5, the CS is 256 lbs lighter. This is mainly achieved with extensive use of carbon fiber on the hood, front and rear splitter, diffusers, and other exterior panels.
The exterior styling is inspired by motorsport. The CS model is easily distinguishable, as it is the most eye-catching 5-Series out there. With dark green paint and Gold Bronze trim elements, the M5 CS is just stunning. It sits on 20-inch M-Sport forged wheels with 285/35 tires in the rear. Perhaps the most interesting design element is the yellow daytime running lights, which are reminiscent of the GT race cars and replace the standard white LED signature.
The M5 CS is just as impressive on the interior. There, you will find four carbon fiber bucket seats — yes, even in the back. This is the only major utility compromise compared to the regular 5-Series. The CS model is a strict 4-seater but that makes it even better for bringing your family on track days! Carbon fiber trim, red contrast stitching and an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marker make this a true spectacle.
The Evolution of the Fastest BMWs Continues
BMW has always focused on producing luxury cars with a sporty tune. Whether it was the BMW M1 in the late ‘70s, M3 E46 in the 2000s, or the famous V10-powered 5-Series E60 that came not too much later, BMW always had one of the fastest cars on the market. Things are no different today. BMW keeps making huge technological advancements with each new model.
Just for comparison, the E46 M3 CS needed 5.1 seconds to get from a standstill to 60 miles per hour. The much heavier 2022 M5 CS, which is the fastest BMW of today, needs just a fraction of that time. In 5.1 seconds, the M5 will already be at speeds exceeding 90 mph. It is crazy how fast BMWs are getting and despite EVs being less exciting for petrolheads, they will surely move these times even further.
