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].
| 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].
| 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 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.
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].
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].
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.
The S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six powers the M2, M3, M4, and their variants[1]:
BMW's twin-turbo V8 family powers the larger M vehicles[7]:
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