Here we have two cars that simply put, could not be any more different than they already are. A compact, lightweight, 2-door rear-wheel drive 340PS car vs the latest generation 575PS X5 M? This should be good.
The F85 BMW X5 M is what you’d call unbeatable, when it comes to super-SUVs. Seriously now, we need to get Neil deGrasse Tyson here to explain to us how a 2,350 kg (5,180 lbs) car can get from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds.
If you don’t think that’s amazing in its own right, check this out. You know the Bentley Continental GT right? Before they raised the power output, you could have gotten it with a W12 engine that produced 575PS (just like the X5 M) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque – which was very similar to the X5 M’s 750 Nm (553 lb-ft).
Both these cars also weight about the same, give or take a few kg, and the Bentley is a lot more aerodynamic, obviously. So, how is it that it takes 4.5 seconds for the old Continental GT to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), 0.3 seconds slower than the bigger, less aerodynamic SUV?
This just goes to show what an amazing machine the X5 M really is and it also speaks volumes about its 8 speed gearbox and magnificent xDrive system. Now that we’ve established how awesome the X5 M is, let’s talk about its rival in this particular drag race, the BMW 1M Coupe.
People absolutely adore this car. BMW enthusiasts have called it the “real M3” and certain members of the media almost went as far as to take it to dinner and a movie before consummating their relationship. That’s how good this thing is. You can’t help but want to drive it. It’s a pure rear-wheel drive experience from a 340PS BMW.
We’re not going to spoil it for you and tell you who won and by what margin. The result is somewhat predictable and yet somewhat surprising at the same time.
Take a look below.