0-60 head-to-head · Sourced figures
Is the BMW M5 faster than a BMW M8 Competition?
No. The 2020 M8 Competition is quicker, hitting 60 mph in 3.0 s vs 3.4 s for the 2025 M5 (manufacturer figures).
By CarWhere Research · Figures checked 2026-11-14 · Every number links to its source · How we compare
M5 0-60
3.4 s
BMW-claimed
M8 Competition 0-60
3.0 s
BMW-claimed
M5 power
717 hp
AWD
M8 Competition power
617 hp
AWD
M5 vs M8 Competition: specs side by side
Manufacturer figures first; a named instrumented test only where the automaker publishes none (or as context). Bracketed numbers link to the source.
| 2025 BMW M5 | 2020 BMW M8 Competition | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years | 2025–present | 2020–2025 |
| Figures quoted for | 2025 model year | 2020 model year |
| Powertrain | 4.4L twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid, 8-speed M Steptronic automatic | 4.4L twin-turbo V8, 8-speed automatic |
| Drive | AWD | AWD |
| Body | sedan | coupe |
| Horsepower | 717 hp[1] | 617 hp[2] |
| Torque | 738 lb-ft[1] | 553 lb-ft[2] |
| Curb weight | 5,390 lb[1] | 4,295 lb[2] |
| Pounds per hp | 7.5 | 7 |
| 0-60 mph (manufacturer) | 3.4 s[1]BMW-claimed | 3.0 s[2]BMW-claimed |
| 0-60 mph (instrumented test) | Not published | 2.5 s[3]tested by Car and Driver |
| Quarter mile | Not published | Not published |
| Top speed | 155 mph[1]BMW-claimed · electronically limited | 155 mph[2]BMW-claimed · electronically limited |
| Launch MSRP | $119,500[1]2025 base MSRP · excl. destination | $146,000[2]2020 base MSRP · excl. destination |
Which is quicker?
0-60 mph
The M8 Competition is quicker to 60 mph by 0.4 s: 3.0 s vs 3.4 s (manufacturer figures).
Quarter mile
Neither automaker publishes a quarter-mile time, and we have no named instrumented test for both, so we leave it blank rather than estimate.
Top speed
Both top out at 155 mph.
Why
The M8 Competition carries less weight per horsepower (7 vs 7.5 lb per hp).
Other versions
The answer can flip with the trim. Other BMW M5 and BMW M8 versions in our dataset:
Price new and what buyers paid
- BMW M5: launched at $119,500 (2025 base MSRP).
- BMW M8 Competition: launched at $146,000 (2020 base MSRP). No longer sold new (last model year 2025).
Deal medians are model-level discounts from approved, deduplicated CarWhere buyer deal sheets (snapshot 2026-11-08), shown only with 5+ deals. More on what people paid.
How we compare
We compare like with like: two automaker claims when both exist, otherwise two instrumented tests, and we say so when we have to mix them. Where a source lists several configurations, we lead with the quickest one it states (and name it). Acceleration times depend on surface, temperature, tires, fuel and launch technique, so a gap of 0.1 s is within the noise.
No figure here is simulated or estimated. Blank cells mean no automaker figure and no named instrumented test we could cite. Figures are for the model year shown; later updates can change them.
More on these cars
More head-to-heads
FAQ
Is the BMW M5 faster than a BMW M8 Competition?
No — the 2020 M8 Competition is quicker, hitting 60 mph in 3.0 s vs 3.4 s for the 2025 M5 (manufacturer figures).
What is the 0-60 time of the BMW M5?
3.4 seconds (BMW-claimed) for the 2025 model year, from 717 hp.
What is the 0-60 time of the BMW M8 Competition?
3.0 seconds (BMW-claimed) for the 2020 model year, from 617 hp.
Which has the higher top speed, the M5 or the M8 Competition?
Both top out at 155 mph.
Which costs more new, the M5 or the M8 Competition?
At launch, the 2025 M5 started at $119,500 and the 2020 M8 Competition at $146,000 (base MSRP before destination and options).
Sources
Automaker press releases and spec sheets first; instrumented tests are credited to the publication that ran them.
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The all-new 2025 BMW M5 — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.
- BMW Group PressClub USA — The New 2020 BMW M8 Coupe and Convertible — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.
- Car and Driver, “Car and Driver — 2023 BMW M8 Review, Pricing and Specs”.
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new BMW M5 CS — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2021 BMW M5 Sedan — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.