Author: Peter Matthews
High sales and production efficiency have always been fundamental to BMW’s operations. Its cars need to be versatile and affordable. But the German carmaker also places importance on pace at the top end of its production line. The cars in this countdown all have top speeds of at least 200 mph.
BMW started as an engine manufacturer in 1917 and became a leading carmaker by the early 1960s thanks to its design and innovation. Its philosophy encompassed speed, comfort, aesthetics and driver satisfaction. Top speeds jumped into triple figures and 0-60 mph times shortened as the brand maintained its reputation for luxury.
Those manufacturing principles remain today. And popular culture took note as BMWs appeared in films such as Pretty Woman and Tomorrow Never Dies. The German manufacturer appeals to a broad market as it offers fast cars at a lower price compared to other luxury brands.
Related
M3 Manhart Racing V10
Top speed: 208 mph
0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
The M3 Manhart Racing’s 5.0-litre V10 engine develops 550 bhp, equipping the car with a top speed of 208 mph. It’s capable of going from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. A diffuser, power steering as well as front and rear spoilers help the car to perform at such high speeds. Alcantara and leather-lined interiors make for a comfortable driving experience inside the car.
M3 Manhart Racing V8R Biturbo
Top speed: 210 mph
0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
The V8R Biturbo hides a power bulge in its hood – this car is visibly built for speed. Its 4.4-litre V8 engine develops 697 bhp and accounts for a top speed of 210 mph. The car has lightening straight-line acceleration with zero to 60 mph taking 3.4 seconds. But it’s only enough to make ninth spot in this countdown.
Content from our partners
M8 E31 Prototype
Top speed: 217 mph
0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
Only one unit was ever made but this supercar has speed that can go toe-to-toe with modern day vehicles. The BMW M8 E31 Prototype was in production for a decade after it was conceived in 1989 but has never made it to customers. It fits a 6.0-litre V12 engine with 550 bhp. Top speed is 217 mph and the car goes from zero to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.
M3 Manhart Racing MH3 V8RS Clubsport
Top speed: 217 mph
0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds
The M3 Manhart Racing MH3 V9RS Clubsport has the fastest acceleration of all BMWs – it does 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Top speed is 217 mph thanks to a 4.4-litre V8 that develops 750 bhp. Carbon fibre forms the chassis and helps to reduce weight while still maintaining rigidity.
M5 G-Power Hurricane RS Touring
Top speed: 224 mph
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
The M5 G-Power Hurricane RS Touring is the world’s fastest estate car with a top speed of 224 mph. It has a 5.0-litre twin-supercharged V10 engine that develops a staggering 750 bhp. The finest leather and Alcantara line the luxurious interior to complement the car’s high-speed performance. BMW has produced just 1,025 of these cars.
M5 G-Power Hurricane RS
Top speed: 228 mph
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
Top speed for the G-Power Hurricane RS is slightly higher than for its Touring model. A V10 twin-compressor engine with 750 bhp powers this four-door sedan. Acceleration is also quick with the BMW taking 4.5 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. It set a record for the fastest sedan around the Papenburg test track back in 2008.
M6 G-Power Hurricane RR
Top speed: 230 mph
0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
The M6 G-Power Hurricane RR is one of the world’s fastest four-seat coupé. A 800 bhp-developing 5.0-litre V10 bi-supercharger engine makes this a powerful machine capable of 230 mph. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes 4.3 seconds. Kjerba Nappa leather lines the seats as the car embodies both luxury and performance.
M6 G-Power Hurricane CS
Top speed: 231 mph
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
The M6 G-Power Hurricane CS is an even faster coupé than the M6 RR. It has slightly less power through a twin-turbocharged V10 generating 730 bhp but engine mapping and weight reduction has helped overall performance. Top speed is 231 mph and it does zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
M5 G-Power Hurricane RRs
Top speed: 231 mph
0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
The M5 G-Power Hurricane RRs is the most powerful of BMW’s Hurricane series. A BI-Kompressor ‘Sporty Drive’ supercharger system helps the V10 engine develop 830 bhp. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and top speed is 231 mph but the RRs just misses out.
M5 G-Power Hurricane RR
Top speed: 231 mph
0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
There’s little to choose between the M5 G-Power Hurricane RR and the RRs. But the original RR manages the same performance with less power. Its twi-supercharged V10 engine develops 800 bhp but still manages a top speed of 231 mph. And it does 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
