0-60 head-to-head · Sourced figures
Is the BMW M850i xDrive faster than a BMW M3 Competition xDrive?
No. The 2025 M3 Competition xDrive is quicker, hitting 60 mph in 3.4 s vs 3.6 s for the 2019 M850i xDrive (manufacturer figures).
By CarWhere Research · Figures checked 2026-11-14 · Every number links to its source · How we compare
M850i xDrive 0-60
3.6 s
BMW-claimed
M3 Competition xDrive 0-60
3.4 s
BMW-claimed
M850i xDrive power
523 hp
AWD
M3 Competition xDrive power
523 hp
AWD
M850i xDrive vs M3 Competition xDrive: 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.
| 2019 BMW M850i xDrive | 2025 BMW M3 Competition xDrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years | 2019–2025 | 2025–present |
| Figures quoted for | 2019 model year | 2025 model year |
| Powertrain | 4.4L twin-turbo V8, 8-speed automatic | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6, 8-speed M Steptronic automatic |
| Drive | AWD | AWD |
| Body | coupe | sedan |
| Horsepower | 523 hp[1] | 523 hp[2] |
| Torque | 553 lb-ft[1] | 479 lb-ft[2] |
| Curb weight | 4,478 lb[1] | 3,990 lb[2] |
| Pounds per hp | 8.6 | 7.6 |
| 0-60 mph (manufacturer) | 3.6 s[1]BMW-claimed | 3.4 s[2]BMW-claimed |
| 0-60 mph (instrumented test) | 3.3 s[3]tested by Car and Driver | Not published |
| Quarter mile | Not published | Not published |
| Top speed | 155 mph[1]BMW-claimed · electronically limited | 155 mph[2]BMW-claimed · electronically limited |
| Launch MSRP | $111,900[1]2019 base MSRP · excl. destination | $85,300[2]2025 base MSRP · excl. destination |
Which is quicker?
0-60 mph
The M3 Competition xDrive is quicker to 60 mph by 0.2 s: 3.4 s vs 3.6 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 M3 Competition xDrive carries less weight per horsepower (7.6 vs 8.6 lb per hp).
Other versions
The answer can flip with the trim. Other BMW 8 Series and BMW M3 versions in our dataset:
Price new and what buyers paid
- BMW M850i xDrive: launched at $111,900 (2019 base MSRP). No longer sold new (last model year 2025).
- BMW M3 Competition xDrive: launched at $85,300 (2025 base MSRP).
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
BMW M3 Competition xDrive
More head-to-heads
FAQ
Is the BMW M850i xDrive faster than a BMW M3 Competition xDrive?
No — the 2025 M3 Competition xDrive is quicker, hitting 60 mph in 3.4 s vs 3.6 s for the 2019 M850i xDrive (manufacturer figures).
What is the 0-60 time of the BMW M850i xDrive?
3.6 seconds (BMW-claimed) for the 2019 model year, from 523 hp.
What is the 0-60 time of the BMW M3 Competition xDrive?
3.4 seconds (BMW-claimed) for the 2025 model year, from 523 hp.
Which has the higher top speed, the M850i xDrive or the M3 Competition xDrive?
Both top out at 155 mph.
Which costs more new, the M850i xDrive or the M3 Competition xDrive?
At launch, the 2019 M850i xDrive started at $111,900 and the 2025 M3 Competition xDrive at $85,300 (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 PressClub USA — The All-New 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2025 BMW M3 — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.
- Car and Driver, “Car and Driver — 2023 BMW 8-Series Review, Pricing, and Specs”.
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2021 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.