11 Fastest BMW-Powered Cars That Aren’t Actually BMWs

BMW

has spent decades building some of the most iconic performance engines in the world. But its reach goes far beyond its own lineup. Several other automakers – some obscure, some legendary – have tapped into BMW’s powertrain magic to bring their own high- performance

machines to life. These aren’t just rebadged Bimmers, but unique vehicles that used BMW engines to achieve something special.

This list explores ten non-BMW cars that borrowed a BMW heart and ran with it – fast. Some are luxury cruisers, others are hardcore track weapons, but all of them showcase what BMW’s motors can do in the hands of other visionaries.

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11

Bentley Arnage Green Label

0–60 MPH: 6.4 seconds

Bentley Arnage Green Label Key Specs

Source: Bentley

The

Bentley Arnage Green Label
was Bentley’s first modern attempt to update its aging flagship using outside help – specifically from BMW. Under its massive hood sat a 4.4-liter twin-turbo BMW V8. It made around 350 horsepower and gave the big Arnage a respectable 0–60 mph time of 6.4 seconds.

That might not sound quick today, but in 1998, moving nearly 5,500 pounds of British leather and wood that fast was no small feat. The Green Label was only in production briefly before Bentley reverted to its old-school 6.75-liter V8. That makes the BMW-powered version a unique chapter in Bentley’s history.

10

Rolls-Royce Phantom

0–60 MPH: 5.1 seconds

Rolls-Royce Key Specs

Source: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW, but its vehicles are engineered and built separately – making them fair game. The

Phantom
uses a naturally aspirated 6.75-liter V12 developed by BMW. It makes around 453 horsepower and helps the 5,600-pound sedan hit 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.

This isn’t a car for launching at stoplights, but its speed is more impressive given its size and silence. It’s power delivered with grace – true to both Rolls-Royce and BMW philosophy.

9

De Tomaso Guarà

0–60 MPH: 5.0 seconds

De Tomaso Guara Key Specs

Source: De Tomaso

The

De Tomaso Guarà
came from a brand best known for the Pantera, but this ‘90s oddball was something else. Designed by Carlo Gaino (who penned the Ferrari Mythos), the Guarà had an ultra-light carbon-kevlar body and a BMW M60 V8. The 4.0-liter engine made around 280 horsepower.

It could hit 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, thanks to its low weight and mid-engine layout. While its handling was sharp and focused, the Guarà’s looks were polarizing, and it never caught on. Still, it’s one of the more obscure uses of BMW power – and all the more interesting for it.

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8

Toyota Supra MKV (2.0)

0-60 MPH: 4.8 Seconds

Supra 2.0 MKV Specs

Source: Toyota

Often slammed as the Supra’s underpowered sibling that never should have existed, the four-cylinder MKV Supra is currently one of the most underrated entry-level sports cars on the market. We mean that literally – despite featuring two fewer cylinders, the 258-hp four-cylinder B48 makes a lot more power than advertised, just like its larger B58 sibling. There are virtually no exterior or interior differences from the 3.0-liter version aside from different rims and smaller exhaust tips, and brake calipers. The 2.0 Supra even gets the same 8-speed ZF transmission and large 275-section rear tires. This, paired with loads of turbocharged torque, helps the 2.0 Supra launch to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. That’s some serious sports car territory.

7

Ascari Ecosse

0–60 MPH: 4.0 seconds

Ascari Ecosse Key Specs

Source: Ascari

Ascari
was a short-lived British brand, but it produced some highly capable cars. The Ecosse used a BMW 4.4-liter V8 tuned to around 300 horsepower. With a curb weight well under 3,000 pounds, it could go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat.

Ascari designed the Ecosse for the enthusiast who wanted exotic car looks with serious track capability. Though Ascari never reached mainstream success, the Ecosse is still admired by collectors for its rarity and raw feel.

6

Wiesmann GT MF5

0–60 MPH: 3.9 seconds

Wiesmann GT MF5 Key Specs

Source: Wiesmann

The

Wiesmann GT MF5
took things even further than the MF4. Instead of a V8, it used the BMW M5’s 5.0-liter V10 – one of the greatest high-revving engines ever built. With 507 horsepower and a 3.9-second 0–60 mph time, the MF5 was both brutal and beautiful.

It combined this blistering performance with Wiesmann’s usual flair – curvy bodywork, hand-built craftsmanship, and rear-wheel-drive fun. It’s rare, raw, and refined all at once.

5

Morgan Plus Six

0–60 MPH: 3.9 seconds

Morgan Plus Six Key Specs

Source: Morgan

While it looks like it rolled out of the 1940s, the

Morgan Plus Six
is thoroughly modern under the skin. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged BMW inline-six (from the Z4 M40i) pushes out 335 horsepower. Combined with a lightweight aluminum chassis, it hits 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.

Morgan’s secret weapon is that power-to-weight ratio. There’s no excess – just a stripped-down, raw driving experience with a strong BMW backbone.

4

Toyota Supra MKV (3.0)

0–60 MPH: 3.9 seconds

Toyota Supra Key Specs

Source: Toyota

The

Toyota Supra MK5
stirred plenty of debate when it launched – mainly because of its BMW roots. Under the skin, it shares its platform and powertrain with the BMW Z4 M40i. That means it uses a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six making 382 horsepower.

Despite the partnership, the Supra has its own look and feel. And it’s seriously fast, hitting 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. BMW power, Japanese tuning, unmistakable results.

3

Range Rover Sport SV

0–60 MPH: 3.6 seconds

Range Rover Sport SV Key Specs

Source: Land Rover

The latest

Range Rover Sport SV
might be a luxury SUV, but it has serious muscle under the hood. For 2024, Land Rover dropped in BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 626 horsepower. The result? A full-size SUV that hits 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

Despite weighing over 5,500 pounds, the Range Rover Sport SV is faster than most sports sedans. It’s a quiet monster – refined, luxurious, and ferociously quick thanks to the borrowed Bavarian heart.

2

McLaren F1

0–60 MPH: 3.2 seconds

McLaren F1 Key Specs

Source: McLaren

The

McLaren F1
isn’t just fast – it’s historic. It was the fastest production car in the world for years, and part of that magic came from its BMW-sourced engine. BMW’s Motorsport division built a 6.1-liter V12 specifically for the F1, making 618 horsepower.

It could go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds – a crazy number for the ‘90s. More than that, the F1 was light, balanced, and thrilling at every speed. It’s the ultimate expression of what happens when BMW’s engineering ends up in something truly ambitious.