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The 101st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb witnessed a daring pursuit by BMW as they aimed to break the record for the fastest production SUV. Unfortunately, their high-performance luxury SUV, the BMW XM Label Red, met with a crash during the race. Despite the setback, driver Matt Mullins emerged unharmed, and BMW of North America has expressed their determination to repair the vehicle and make another record attempt later this summer.
As BMW set its sights on dethroning the reigning champion, the Lamborghini Urus, which holds the record with a time of 10 minutes and 32.064 seconds, they had high hopes for the more powerful XM. However, the absence of an electrified powertrain in their competitors may have given them an edge. The XM’s electric motor, boasting 194 horsepower, would have offered consistent performance at higher altitudes, a valuable advantage during the challenging ascent.
Although the crash prevented the XM from showcasing its true potential, BMW still had reason to celebrate this eventful day. Pikes Peak veteran Rhys Millen achieved a personal best for production cars, conquering the demanding course in 10 minutes and 12 seconds.
Millen’s choice of vehicle, the BMW M8, was carefully selected based on its engine-to-weight ratio and four-wheel drive capabilities, which proved crucial in scaling the treacherous hill. While other competitors opted for lightweight vehicles, Millen’s decision aimed to strike a balance between power and performance, with the BMW M8 Competition weighing nearly 4,000 pounds.
