There are few car manufacturers whose name immediately screams quality regardless of the vehicle they have produced.
However, German manufacturer BMW are not only afforded such a privilege in motoring circles, but they have also reached an iconic level of recognition and success all over the globe.
The motoring factory, which ticks towards 100 years in business, is the epitome of style and cool and continues to see production numbers rocket year on year.
Quality is understandably expensive, and the most costly cars carrying the BMW badge are not simply the latest speed merchants- comfort, style and exclusivity are complicit in the generation of a sky high asking price.
This reputation has been enhanced in no small part by appearances in video games, films and through a raft of famous personnel adopting the German manufacturers as their garage of choice.
George Foreman is not only famous for his meat grilling machine and his status as the oldest man to ever capture a heavyweight world title- the entrepreneur is also a proud BMW owner as shown when he debuted the 2005 BMW 760LI.
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David Blaine, Katy Perry and Eva Longoria are other famous faces to have shown affection for BMW vehicles in recent years.
The ultimate stamp of authenticity, the iconic blue and white logo and its origin has often been the subject of some debate.
Dr. Florian Triebel Executive Board Member of BMW AG sums up the difference in opinion:
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“There are two traditions concerning the significance of the BMW logo and trademark, offering two different interpretations of its sky blue and white fields. One interpretation points to a rotating propeller. The other relates the BMW logo to Bavaria as the place where the products are manufactured”.
Either way, ever since the 1929 Dix became the first BMW to spot the famous logo it has been a standard bearer for quality, comfort and no little speed.
Many vehicles on this list owe both their optimised performance and premium price tags to G-Power- the German car tuning manufacturer based in Bavaria.
G-Power were formed in 1983 and have worked closely with BMW to push the speed envelope as far as possible. The result? A series of extremely powerful, and expensive engines.
BMW M5 Touring G-Power Hurricane RS
The world’s fastest station wagon begins our countdown with a not inconsiderable $410,000 price tag.
Borrowing from the M5 Hurricane RS, this 223mph monster wrenched its accolade from the Mercedes-Benz CLS-based Brabus Rocket- in its own right an incredibly powerful wagon.
G-Power- founded in 1983- have been modifying BMWs for nearly three decades – the M5 Touring is one of many examples on this countdown list.
Often designed with speed as a priority, G-Power’s designs have become so valuable because, more often than not, examples of each model are decidedly rare.
Production for the RS was limited to just over 1,000 units although with an asking price set at over $400,000, the prospects of those numbers being met by hungry consumers were always going to be slim.
Nevertheless, Powered by a 5 liter V10 engine and paired with a twin-scroll, water-cooled intercooler, the RS cruises effortlessly on its 20-inch G-Power Silverstone Diamond wheels and is an attractive addition to both this list and the garage of any dedicated BMW collector.
BMW X5 M G-Power Typhoon
One of two SUVs vehicles on this list, the G-Power Typhoon weighs in at $420,000 and takes ninth place on out countdown.
The Typhoon is noticeable for its orange trim interior and, as another G-Power concept, an overpowering 4.4 liter V8 engine producing 533 kW of electronically regulated torque.
Producing less than cumbersome speeds reaching 186 mph, the Typhoon quite literally blows many other SUVs out of the water with a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds and the ability to generate 725 horsepower.
As with other G-Power constructions, the Typhoon places air intake as a high priority asset- assisting both with the engine’s cooling capacity and overtaking capabilities.
Statistically formidable, the Typhoon more than justifies its place in the upper echelons of its class- whether this will convince you to part with over $400,000, however, is another matter.
BMW X6 G-Power Typhoon S
Taking the X6 M and tinkering with the formula, G-Power managed to incorporate and new body kit with front bumper, vented hood and carbon fiber rear diffuser. G-Power also managed to drop the Typhoon S 30 mm with a new suspension- all of which is intended to make the most of the X6’s aerodynamic gifts.
Not only is the Typhoon S aerodynamically impressive, the 2011 build also weighs in as a major player in the cost stakes- G-Power are asking for a wallet shredding $440,000 for the 186 mph speedster.
With instantly recognisable flared wheel arches adding significant bulk to a car already packing a visual punch, the Typhoon also benefits from a flared hood- another example of G-Power taking their aerodynamic policy to new levels.
Despite the G-Power fitted body kit on the Typhoon S being regarded as one of the more expensive packages on the market, the overall value of the car is only enough for a eighth place on this list.
BMW X6 M G-Power Typhoon WideBody
The WideBoy’s distinctive body kit not only makes the 186 mph force of nature look all the more intimidating, but also helps the WideBody get the most out of its suspension kit.
Adding nearly ten centimetres in width and packing on 23 inch wheels, this $440,000 supercar borrows the G-Power BI-compressor system and combines it with a 5.5 litre engine for maximum space for the water supplied intercooler to take effect.
This allowance combines to improve cooling by 15 per cent and, with a set of 23 inch Silverstone lightweight alloy rims and 725hp fired from its 5.5 litre engine also in the armoury, the WideBody is a creation of which G-Power are understandably proud.
In terms of driver position, the Wideboy strives to give the motorist an experience as close to the road’s surface as possible- dropping the cockpit 30mm on the standard M6.
BMW M5 G-Power Hurricane RR (2010)
Relentlessly tweaked for ultimate speed and performance, the G-Power Hurricane RR features a re-design of the twin supercharged V10 engine.
Capable of a world leading 231mph, the Hurricane RR’s asking price is perhaps not as surprising as it is eye-watering. Weighing in at number seven on this list of costly BMWs, this $440,000 has the benefit of the most powerful street legal engine ever constructed by the German manufacturers.
The 5 liter engine generates 800 horsepower- roughly 7% up on the original- and a neck-breaking 588 kW of torque- enabling this 2010 construct to produce impressive numbers in testing and on the roads.
BMW M6 G-Power Hurricane CS
Another ultra high performance vehicle to reach the top of this countdown, the Hurricane CS has a series of impressive statistics to help justify its $450,000 value.
The CS, which is most commonly viewed in a standout sky blue, was already the fastest BMW Coupe ever produced before G-Power turned its hands to adjusting performance.
The results are extraordinary. Fitting a lighter exhaust, a suspension suspensions that can be adjusted nine different ways, and carbon fiber seats, the CS moves all unnecessary weight to help tip the car’s top speed up to 231mph.
That said, when G-Power recorded the CS’ top speed, they were able to call upon a specifically designed set of Michelin produced high performance Pilot Sport tyres- something not offered as standard to the consumer.
BMW M5 G-Power Hurricane RRs
The joint fastest car on the countdown, the Hurricane RRs is capable of reaching 231 mph and a potential owner would need to pay $470,000 for the pleasure.
G-Power saw the RRs as another outlet for a record breaking attempt and the German based company duly delivered during testing at German motorsport’s famous Nurburgring.
In terms of horsepower, the RRs is also the strongest car ever produced by G-Power- putting 30 hp on its closest rival- and is also modified to allow the inclusion of Staggered BMW wheels.
Despite this, the 2012 model is surprisingly ‘slow’ between 0-60, however it is the RRs’ straight line speed that really grabs the attention and demands nearly half a million dollars.
Matching the iconic McLaren F1 supercar for pace, the RRs does well to stamp its own impression on the speed race and with a desirable set of aesthetics, the RRs is a highly sought after high-performance vehicle.
BMW X5 Le Mans Concept
Powered by a phenomenally powerful V12 engine, the BMW X5 places second on this countdown with a $590,000 price tag.
Generating a frightening 700HP- more than twice the output of this category’s winner- the X5 redefined what could be expected of SUVs.
Despite possessing by far the slowest 0-60 time on this list (4.7 seconds) this remains one seriously impressive vehicle in its own class.
The X5 caused a stir back in 2001 when it broke the eight minute barrier during a circuit of the famous Nurburgring.
Such was the difficulty of the lap that many had suggested that a Sports Activity Vehicle would never break the threshold. That the X5 Concept smashed the record by over 11 seconds sent shockwaves across the motor industry and secured the vehicle’s place in history.
BMW M8 Prototype (E31)
The M8 Prototype holds the distinction of being of only one of three vehicles to make an appearance on both the fastest and most expensive BMW lists.
And for good reason. The M8 is by far the fastest vehicle between 0-60 (3.4 seconds) on this list and with a striking aesthetic M8 is a historical yardstick as well as a high performance supercar.
Another extremely rare vehicle, the M8 was more urban myth than tangible supercar for much of its life, however, nearly 20 years after the concept was first rumoured, a comprehensive series of pictures were made available to the fans of the franchise.
Gauging price was equally tricky, however the M8 was slapped with an estimated cost to the consumer of $590,000. Bearing in mind, however, that the amount of M8 Prototypes in existence is uncertain, that price could be considerably higher.
BMW Nazca M12
Just as with its elderly cousin the M8 Prototype, the BMW Nazca M12 shows that age is no bad thing when it comes to car value.
Originally built in 1991, this Italian designed coupe incorporates a 6.0 liter engine to complement its futuristic beauty.
The M12 was later followed by the Nazca C2and an open-top Spider C2, however it is the original concept that still pulls in the highest asking price.
Capable of reaching speeds about 200mph and with a 0-60 speed comfortably under four seconds, the M12 sits easily in the company of cars that have two extra decades’ worth of technology at their disposal.
In recent years, sightings of the M12 have been rarer than seeing the Atlanta Hawks at the NBA Finals.
In 2011, one collector put what he claimed to be the M12 up for sale from a garage in the Czech Republic. This lead many aficionados to speculate as to exactly how many M12s were produced by BMW as official numbers were never released.
This prevailing sense of mystery, age defying level of speed and performance and enduring exclusivity combines to give the 21-year-old vehicle concept a $650,000 price tag and top slot on our countdown.
