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The fastest BMW M Series depends on how you define “fastest.” By top speed, the BMW M4 CSL leads at 191 mph[1]. By horsepower, the BMW XM Label Red is the most powerful M car ever at 738 hp[2]. By acceleration, the BMW M5 CS and M8 Competition share the crown at 3.0 seconds 0-60 mph[3]. The new 2025 BMW M5 combines 717 hp with a top speed of 190 mph[4].
Fastest BMW M Cars Ranked
By Top Speed
| Rank | Model | Top Speed | Horsepower | 0-60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW M4 CSL | 191 mph[1] | 543 hp | 3.6 sec |
| 2 | BMW M5 (2025) | 190 mph[4] | 717 hp | 3.0 sec |
| 3 | BMW M5 CS | 190 mph[3] | 627 hp | 2.9 sec |
| 4 | BMW M8 Competition | 190 mph[3] | 617 hp | 3.0 sec |
| 5 | BMW M4 CS | 188 mph[5] | 543 hp | 3.4 sec |
| 6 | BMW M3 CS Touring | 186 mph[5] | 543 hp | 3.5 sec |
| 7 | BMW M4 Competition xDrive | 180 mph[6] | 523 hp | 3.4 sec |
| 8 | BMW X5 M Competition | 177 mph[3] | 617 hp | 3.8 sec |
| 9 | BMW XM Label Red | 175 mph[2] | 738 hp | 3.7 sec |
Top speeds require M Driver’s Package ($2,500) to remove the standard 155 mph electronic limiter[6].
By 0-60 mph Acceleration
| Rank | Model | 0-60 mph | Horsepower | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW M5 CS | 2.9 sec[7] | 627 hp | 190 mph |
| 2 | BMW M5 (2025) | 3.0 sec[4] | 717 hp | 190 mph |
| 2 | BMW M8 Competition | 3.0 sec[3] | 617 hp | 190 mph |
| 4 | BMW M4 CS | 3.4 sec[5] | 543 hp | 188 mph |
| 4 | BMW M4 Competition xDrive | 3.4 sec[6] | 523 hp | 180 mph |
| 6 | BMW M4 CSL | 3.6 sec[1] | 543 hp | 191 mph |
| 7 | BMW XM Label Red | 3.7 sec[2] | 738 hp | 175 mph |
| 8 | BMW X5/X6 M Competition | 3.8 sec[3] | 617 hp | 177 mph |
| 9 | BMW M2 | 3.9 sec[8] | 453 hp | 177 mph |
The Contenders Explained
BMW M4 CSL: Highest Top Speed (191 mph)
The M4 CSL (Competition Sport Lightweight) represents BMW M’s track-focused philosophy: add power, subtract weight[1].
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (S58)[1] |
| Horsepower | 543 hp @ 6,250 rpm[1] |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm[1] |
| Weight | 3,640 lbs (240 lbs lighter than M4 Competition)[9] |
| Power-to-Weight | 6.7 lbs/hp[9] |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 seconds[1] |
| 0-124 mph | 10.7 seconds[1] |
| Top Speed | 191 mph (electronically limited)[1] |
| Nürburgring Lap | 7:20.2 (fastest production BMW ever)[9] |
The M4 CSL achieved its top speed through weight reduction (carbon fiber hood, roof, trunk, and bucket seats) rather than simply adding more power[9]. Limited to just 1,000 units worldwide, it set the fastest lap time ever for a production BMW at the Nürburgring[9].
For more M4 information, see our BMW M4 guide.
BMW XM Label Red: Most Powerful (738 hp)
The XM Label Red holds the title of most powerful BMW M car ever produced[2].
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 + Electric Motor[2] |
| Combined Horsepower | 738 hp[2] |
| Combined Torque | 738 lb-ft[2] |
| Weight | ~6,000 lbs[10] |
| 0-60 mph | 3.7 seconds[2] |
| Top Speed | 175 mph (with M Driver’s Package)[2] |
| Starting Price | ~$185,000[2] |
Despite having the most horsepower, the XM Label Red’s top speed is limited by its substantial weight—over 6,000 pounds[10]. The plug-in hybrid system prioritizes torque and mid-range acceleration over outright top speed. The XM Label Red set a Pikes Peak record for hybrid SUVs in 2023[11].
BMW M5 CS: Quickest Acceleration (2.9 sec 0-60)
The M5 CS (now discontinued) remains the quickest-accelerating production BMW ever tested[7].
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63)[7] |
| Horsepower | 627 hp[7] |
| Torque | 553 lb-ft[7] |
| Weight | 4,189 lbs (230 lbs lighter than M5 Competition)[7] |
| 0-60 mph | 2.9 seconds[7] |
| Quarter Mile | 10.7 sec @ 129.7 mph[12] |
| Top Speed | 190 mph[3] |
Motor Trend’s testing confirmed the M5 CS as the fastest BMW car they’ve ever tested in quarter-mile performance[12].
2025 BMW M5: The New Hybrid Flagship
The all-new G90 M5 introduces plug-in hybrid technology to BMW’s flagship performance sedan[4].
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S68) + Electric Motor[4] |
| V8 Output | 577 hp / 553 lb-ft[4] |
| Electric Motor | 194 hp / 207 lb-ft[4] |
| Combined Output | 717 hp / 738 lb-ft[4] |
| Weight | ~5,390 lbs[4] |
| 0-60 mph | 3.0 seconds[4] |
| Top Speed | 190 mph (with M Driver’s Package)[4] |
| Starting Price | $119,500[6] |
Car and Driver testing revealed the 2025 M5 matches its predecessor’s 3.0-second 0-60 time despite gaining over 1,000 pounds[4]. Real-world Autobahn testing showed the new M5 reaching 313 km/h (194 mph) before the limiter activated[13].
For more M5 details, see our BMW M5 guide.
What Makes These M Cars So Fast?
S58 Inline-Six (M3/M4/M2)
The S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six powers the M2, M3, M4, and their variants[1]:
- Base output: 473 hp (M3/M4 base)
- Competition output: 503-523 hp
- CS/CSL output: 543 hp
- Key features: Twin mono-scroll turbos, closed-deck block, forged internals[1]
S63/S68 Twin-Turbo V8 (M5/M8/X5 M/X6 M/XM)
BMW’s twin-turbo V8 family powers the larger M vehicles[7]:
- S63 (previous gen): Up to 627 hp in M5 CS
- S68 (current gen): 577 hp standalone, 717 hp combined with electric motor in new M5
- Hybrid variants: Combined with electric motors for 717-738 hp system output[4]
Key Takeaways
- The BMW M4 CSL has the highest top speed of any M car at 191 mph, achieved through weight reduction and aerodynamic optimization rather than maximum horsepower
- The BMW XM Label Red is the most powerful M car ever at 738 hp, but its 6,000+ lb weight limits top speed to 175 mph
- The BMW M5 CS remains the quickest-accelerating M car at 2.9 seconds 0-60 mph and 10.7 seconds quarter-mile
- The 2025 BMW M5 combines 717 hp hybrid power with 190 mph top speed and 3.0-second 0-60 acceleration, representing BMW’s new direction for flagship M performance
- All high-performance M models require the $2,500 M Driver’s Package to unlock speeds above 155 mph
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest BMW M car by top speed?
What is the most powerful BMW M car ever made?
The BMW XM Label Red is the most powerful M car ever produced with 738 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque from its plug-in hybrid powertrain[2]. However, its substantial weight (over 6,000 lbs) means it doesn’t translate that power into the highest top speed or quickest acceleration times compared to lighter M models[10].
Which BMW M car accelerates the fastest?
Is the 2025 BMW M5 faster than the M5 CS?
The 2025 M5 produces more power (717 hp vs 627 hp) but is heavier (5,390 lbs vs 4,189 lbs)[4]. In Car and Driver testing, the 2025 M5 achieved 3.0 seconds 0-60 mph compared to the M5 CS’s 2.9 seconds[4]. Both share the same 190 mph top speed. The new M5 closes the gap at higher speeds, hitting 150 mph 0.2 seconds faster than the previous generation[4].
How does the BMW M4 CSL compare to competitors?
The M4 CSL’s 191 mph top speed and 7:20.2 Nürburgring lap time compete directly with the Porsche 911 GT3 (197 mph, ~7:04 Nürburgring) and Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (202 mph, 6:48 Nürburgring)[9]. While not the absolute fastest in its class, the CSL offers the best balance of track performance and daily usability among hardcore BMW M variants.
References
- BMW Group Press. (2022). The all-new BMW M4 CSL – The Re-Edition of a Legend. https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0386533EN/the-all-new-bmw-m4-csl-the-re-edition-of-a-legend
- Kelley Blue Book. (2023). 2024 BMW XM Label Red: Most Powerful BMW Ever Sold. https://www.kbb.com/car-news/2024-bmw-xm-label-red-most-powerful-bmw-ever-sold/
- CarBuzz. (2024). Every BMW M Model Ranked By Its 0-60 MPH Time. https://carbuzz.com/every-bmw-m-model-ranked-by-0-60-mph-time/
- Car and Driver. (2025). 2025 BMW M5 Adds About 100 HP but Isn’t Any Quicker. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a63787388/2025-bmw-m5-test-results/
- encyCARpedia. (2025). The Fastest BMW Cars Ever Top 20. https://www.encycarpedia.com/top/fastest-bmws
- CarBuzz. (2025). Fastest BMW Car Models You Can Buy. https://carbuzz.com/fastest-bmw-cars-ranked-by-top-speed-and-0-60/
- Open Throttle. (2024). BMW M5 CS: The fastest BMW M car ever produced. https://openthrottle.co/blogs/news/bmw-m5-cs-the-quickest-car-bmw-has-ever-produced
- BMW USA. (2024). BMW M Models Lineup. https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/bmw-m/models.html
- Autoweek. (2022). BMW Brings Back CSL in a 191-MPH M4. https://www.autoweek.com/news/sports-cars/a40041751/bmw-m4-csl-coupe-reveal/
- YouTube – Carwow. (2024). Tuned BMW M4 CSL v XM Label Red: DRAG RACE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELsNRhEF4vY
- BMW M. (2023). BMW XM Label Red Peak Power – Pikes Peak Record. https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/magazine-article-pool/bmw-xm-label-red-pikes-peak.html
- Motor Trend. (2025). Blazing Bimmers: The 10 Fastest BMWs MotorTrend Has Ever Tested. https://www.motortrend.com/features/fastest-bmw
- Reddit r/BMW. (2024). AutoTopNL tested new BMW M5 G90 on the unlimited Autobahn. https://www.reddit.com/r/BMW/comments/1gbq7fu/autotopnl_tested_new_bmw_m5_g90_on_the_unlimited/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
