17:20 17-01-2026

BMW engines in SUVs, supercars, and niche sports models

BMW engines have long been a phenomenon in the automotive industry. Their precision, power, and ability to handle high loads have made Bavarian powerplants sought-after far beyond the brand itself. Over recent decades, BMW engines have appeared under the hoods of SUVs, supercars, and niche sports models. Below, SPEEDME.RU experts highlight the most striking examples of how one brand became the supplier of 'hearts' for completely different vehicles.

Range Rover and the new wave of British SUVs

One of BMW's most famous partners became Land Rover. For the third-generation Range Rover (L322), the British chose proven units from Munich—a 4.4-liter V8 M62 petrol engine and a 3.0-liter inline-six M57 diesel. These engines gave the SUV high torque reserves and reliability, which is especially important for heavy SUVs.

The successors to Land Rover in using Bavarian power units are the Ineos Grenadier and Grenadier Quartermaster—modern SUVs inspired by the classic Defender. BMW's engineering ethos fit seamlessly into the concept of an honest, utilitarian vehicle designed for heavy-duty use.

McLaren F1—a supercar whose fame grew from a Bavarian V12

An even more striking example is the legendary McLaren F1, one of the fastest cars of the 20th century. Its naturally aspirated 6.1-liter V12 was developed by BMW Motorsport specialists specifically for the project. The engine's power reached nearly 630 hp, with a top speed of 386 km/h, making the model a record-holder and cementing its status as an iconic supercar.

This unit became a symbol of an era: lightweight, high-revving, and engineered to perfection, it gave the McLaren F1 a unique blend of speed, reliability, and handling.

Wiesmann—retro sports cars with BMW character

The German brand Wiesmann, which produced small series of sports cars in a retro-futurist style, also made active use of BMW engines. The range was extensive, from a spirited naturally aspirated V10 to powerful twin-turbo V8s.

BMW power units perfectly matched Wiesmann's philosophy—lightweight bodies, rear-wheel drive, and a focus on driver sensations turned the brand's cars into genuine tools for driving pleasure.

Morgan—a Brit with an accent

If Wiesmann made sports cars 'with a German accent,' Morgan represented the opposite pole—British tradition and restraint. Nevertheless, the brand installed BMW's naturally aspirated V8s and inline-sixes in its cars for decades.

The result was unusual: classic bodies, hand-built assembly, and modern Bavarian engines created a unique symbiosis of a bygone era and contemporary engineering.

The history of various brands collaborating with BMW shows that the reliability and character of Bavarian engines have long become a universal value. These engines have worked successfully in heavy SUVs, unique supercars, and niche sports models, confirming BMW's status as one of the world's strongest engine manufacturers.