You may also like:
The BMW M8 Competition is the fastest BMW M car in terms of acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds according to Car and Driver testing[1]. For raw power, the BMW XM Label Red leads with 738 horsepower[2]. And for top speed, multiple M models—including the M5, M8, and M5 CS—hit 190 mph with the M Driver’s Package[1][3].
Fastest BMW M Cars Ranked by Acceleration
“Fastest” means different things to different drivers. Some care about 0-60 times, others want top speed bragging rights, and some prioritize peak horsepower. Here’s how the current M lineup stacks up across all three metrics.
| Model | 0-60 mph | Top Speed | Horsepower | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M8 Competition | 2.5 sec (tested) | 190 mph | 617 hp | ~$140,000 |
| 2022 BMW M5 CS | 2.9 sec | 190 mph | 627 hp | ~$142,000 (limited) |
| 2026 BMW M5 | 3.4 sec | 190 mph | 717 hp | $120,675 |
| BMW XM Label Red | 3.7 sec | 175 mph | 738 hp | ~$185,000 |
| BMW M3 Competition xDrive | 3.4 sec | 180 mph | 503 hp | ~$82,000 |
| BMW M4 CSL | 3.6 sec | 191 mph | 543 hp | ~$140,000 (limited) |
Top speeds with M Driver’s Package where applicable[1][2][3]
The M8 Competition’s 2.5-second sprint came from Car and Driver’s instrumented testing—significantly quicker than BMW’s conservative 3.0-second claim[1]. That makes it faster than cars costing three times as much. Understanding what BMW’s M designation means helps contextualize why these numbers matter.
BMW M8 Competition: The Acceleration King
The M8 Competition earns the “fastest” title for real-world acceleration. Car and Driver clocked it at 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, through the quarter-mile in 10.7 seconds at 129 mph, and to 100 mph in just 6.3 seconds[1].
What Makes It So Quick?
The M8 packs a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque[1]. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system launches with minimal wheelspin, while the 8-speed automatic delivers lightning-quick shifts. The combination works—the M8 hits 170 mph in 22 seconds flat[1].
That said, the M8 has one significant asterisk: BMW discontinued the 8 Series after the 2025 model year[4]. So while it remains the acceleration champ, buying a new one means finding remaining dealer inventory. If you’re considering one, understanding BMW maintenance costs matters for a car with this level of performance complexity.
BMW XM Label Red: Most Powerful M Ever
The XM Label Red holds the title for most powerful production M car ever built. Its hybrid powertrain combines a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor for a combined 738 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque[2].
The catch? All that power doesn’t translate to the quickest acceleration. BMW claims 3.7 seconds to 60 mph—impressive, but slower than the M8 Competition, M5 CS, and even the new M5[2]. The XM Label Red weighs over 6,000 pounds, which explains the gap between power and acceleration figures.
Top speed maxes out at 175 mph with the M Driver’s Package—15 mph slower than the M8 and M5[2]. The XM proves that horsepower doesn’t automatically equal fastest.
2026 BMW M5: The New Super Sedan
The all-new 2026 BMW M5 represents BMW’s vision for high-performance sedans. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain pairs the S68 twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor, delivering 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque[3].
BMW claims 3.4 seconds to 60 mph, with a top speed of 190 mph when equipped with the M Driver’s Package[3]. The hybrid system also delivers approximately 25 miles of all-electric range—handy for daily commuting before unleashing the full 717 horses[5].
Real-world testing from Edmunds showed the new M5 matching its claimed times, making it quicker than its predecessor despite weighing over 5,200 pounds[5]. The M5 Touring shares the same powertrain if you want a fast wagon instead.
2022 BMW M5 CS: The Legend
The M5 CS earned legendary status as the quickest BMW M car ever at its launch. MotorTrend tested it at 10.7 seconds through the quarter-mile—making it the fastest BMW they’ve ever tested[6].
M5 CS Specs
- Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8
- Power: 627 hp, 553 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
- Top speed: 190 mph
- Weight savings: 230 lbs lighter than standard M5[7]
BMW built the M5 CS as a limited production run, and finding one now means paying significant premiums on the used market. But for pure internal-combustion M performance without hybrid assistance, it remains the benchmark[6].
Fastest M Cars by Category
Different definitions of “fastest” yield different winners:
Quickest 0-60 mph
Winner: BMW M8 Competition (2.5 seconds tested)[1]
The M8’s all-wheel-drive launch capability and perfectly tuned 8-speed transmission make it the undisputed acceleration king among current production M cars.
Highest Top Speed
Winner: BMW M4 CSL (191 mph)[8]
The track-focused M4 CSL edges out the M5 and M8 by a single mile per hour when all are equipped with the M Driver’s Package.
Most Powerful
Winner: BMW XM Label Red (738 hp)[2]
Raw horsepower crown goes to the hybrid SUV, though it doesn’t translate to the quickest times due to weight.
Fastest Sedan
Winner: 2026 BMW M5 (3.4 seconds, 717 hp)[3]
Among current four-door M cars, the new M5 combines the most power with legitimate supercar-quick acceleration.
For context on how these compare to non-M models, check out what engines power the 3 Series lineup.
Which Fast M Car Should You Buy?
The “right” fastest M car depends on what you want:
- Choose the M8 Competition if: You want the absolute quickest acceleration and don’t need rear-seat space. Find one before inventory disappears.
- Choose the 2026 M5 if: You want a practical sedan with 717 horsepower, some electric-only commuting capability, and long-term availability.
- Choose the M3 Competition xDrive if: You want 90% of the performance at 60% of the price. The 2025 M3 hits 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and starts around $82,000.
- Skip the XM Label Red if: Your priority is actual speed rather than power bragging rights.
Key Takeaways
- The BMW M8 Competition is the quickest M car ever tested, hitting 60 mph in 2.5 seconds according to Car and Driver—nearly half a second faster than BMW’s official claim[1].
- The XM Label Red is the most powerful M at 738 hp, but its 6,000+ pound curb weight results in slower acceleration (3.7 seconds) than lighter models[2].
- The 2026 BMW M5 combines 717 hp with 3.4-second acceleration, making it the fastest M sedan currently in production and available at dealerships[3].
- Multiple M models share a 190 mph top speed (M5, M8, M5 CS), while the M4 CSL edges them all at 191 mph with the M Driver’s Package[8].
- The M8’s production ended in 2025, so the M5 becomes the performance flagship for buyers wanting new M cars with long-term availability[4].
FAQs
What is the fastest BMW M car 0-60?
The BMW M8 Competition holds the record at 2.5 seconds in instrumented testing by Car and Driver[1]. BMW officially claims 3.0 seconds, but real-world testing consistently shows it’s significantly quicker.
Is the M5 faster than the M8?
Why isn’t the XM Label Red the fastest if it has the most horsepower?
Weight. The XM Label Red weighs over 6,000 pounds—roughly 1,750 pounds more than the M8 Competition[2]. That extra mass overcomes the power advantage, resulting in slower acceleration and lower top speed.
What is the fastest BMW M car you can still buy new?
The 2026 BMW M5 with 717 horsepower is the fastest new M car readily available at dealerships, reaching 60 mph in 3.4 seconds[3]. The M8 Competition (2.5 seconds) is faster but production ended in 2025, so availability is limited.
References
- Car and Driver. (2025). 2025 BMW M8 Review, Pricing and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/m8
- Carbuzz. (2023). BMW XM Label Red Debuts As The Most Powerful M Model Ever. https://carbuzz.com/news/bmw-xm-label-red-debuts-as-the-most-powerful-m-model-ever/
- Car and Driver. (2025). 2026 BMW M5 Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/m5
- BMW Blog. (2024). A Comprehensive Guide to the 2025 BMW M8 Competition. https://www.bmwblog.com/2024/11/19/2025-bmw-m8-competition-buyers-guide/
- Edmunds. (2024). 2025 BMW M5 First Drive. https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2025-bmw-m5-first-drive-review.html
- MotorTrend. (2025). The 10 Fastest BMWs MotorTrend Has Ever Tested. https://www.motortrend.com/features/fastest-bmw
- BMW Akron. (2025). The Most Powerful BMW Ever — 2022 BMW M5 CS. https://www.bmwakron.com/blog/the-most-powerful-bmw-ever-2022-bmw-m5-c
- Cars24. (2025). Top 5 Fastest BMW Cars in 2025. https://www.cars24.com/article/fastest-bmw-cars/
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.
