The BMW X5 M and M2 are at reverse ends of the M lineup however the two have been surprisingly shut in a current observe battle. Automobile and Driver’s Lightning Lap 2024 version on the Virginia Worldwide Raceway pitted the 2 M fashions in opposition to one another, and there wasn’t a lot between them. That’s regardless of the actual fact one is a brawny SUV whereas the opposite is a compact coupe, separated clearly by an enormous weight hole.

Now offered strictly as a Competitors mannequin, the 2024 BMW X5 M wanted 2 minutes and 58.1 seconds to finish the 4.1-mile course. The nimbler M2 G87 was just one.2 seconds faster, crossing the end line in 2 minutes and 56.9 seconds. It’s price noting that each M vehicles had Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, however that’s just about the place the similarities finish.

A better have a look at the numbers reveals some noteworthy variations. The luxobarge weighed 5,468 kilos whereas the child M with the automated transmission tipped the scales at 3,857 kilos. Sure, the SUV is 1,611 kilos heavier, however it does have a bonus of 164 hp over the compact M mannequin, 617 hp vs 453 hp. As examined by Automobile and Driver, the vehicles have been fairly costly – $141,445 for the X5 M Competitors and $67,745 for the M2.

These weren’t the one BMW M vehicles to participate within the Lightning Lap 2024 check because the limited-run M3 CS particular version of the tremendous sedan was additionally at VIR. It took 2 minutes and 50 seconds to finish the job, and but it wasn’t the quickest BMW on the observe. That title goes to the M 1000 RR bike with a lap time of two minutes and 42.7 seconds.

The fastest-ever BMW automotive examined by Automobile and Driver on the circuit was the M4 CSL final yr when it completed in 2 minutes and 47.5 seconds. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how the upcoming M4 CS will carry out contemplating it’s going to have all-wheel drive and the identical energy because the CSL, though it’ll be heavier because it’ll maintain the rear seats and add xDrive.

Supply: Automobile and Driver