The Fast And Furious BMW M114d: Discovering The True Top Speed

Taking BMW’s High-Performance Legacy to New Heights

Throughout its illustrious history, BMW’s legendary M division has created some of the most iconic high-performance vehicles on the planet. When auto enthusiasts think of the ultimate combination of speed, luxury, and cutting-edge German engineering packed into one incredible package, models like the M3, M5 and M8 Coupe come immediately to mind.

BMW is now poised to add another future collectible to the brand’s hallowed halls of high-revving, Autobahn-devouring machines: the all-new M114d Coupe. With its unique exterior styling, luxury appointments and a specially tuned drivetrain that thrusts drivers into the seat when the accelerator is flattened, the M114d looks set to become a classic M car for the ages.

But in the ceaseless one-upmanship world of high-end performance vehicles, one key question always remains: Exactly how fast can this new M Coupe really go at full throttle?

Let’s take a deep dive into what gives the BMW M114d its incredible acceleration, top speed potential, and ability to deliver absolutely savage levels of speed when unleashed on an unrestricted highway. This review will uncover everything you need to know about the M114d’s powertrain, design, handling capabilities and safety features that allow it to comfortably achieve velocities well in excess of 180 mph.

At Full Throttle, the M114d Can Eclipse 186 MPH

The M114d Coupe’s electronically-limited top speed is an astonishing 186 mph – or 300 km/h for those who think in metric. This makes it one of the fastest BMW production cars ever built for everyday use on public roads. The vehicle can sustain this maximum velocity effortlessly as long as the road conditions allow.

So how does BMW manage to extract such extreme high-velocity performance out of the M114d? A closer look at the Coupe’s engineering and design reveals the secrets behind its ability to comfortably travel at speeds usually reserved for prepped race cars and exotics.

Engineered for Power: The M114d’s High-Output Drivetrain

The M114d maintains BMW M’s tradition of using specially tuned engines that provide tremendous amounts of usable power across the entire rev range. Let’s look under the hood at the source of this Coupe’s speed.

TwinPower Turbo Inline 6-Cylinder Engine: The Heart of the M114d

3.0-liter displacement produces nearly 500 naturally aspirated horsepower
Twin-scroll turbocharger boosts output to 480 HP at 5,500 RPM
406 lb-ft of torque from just 1,800 RPM for immense low-end punch

The centerpiece of the M114d is its modified 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, based on the powerplant in the standard BMW 3 Series but taken to new levels of performance by BMW M GmbH.

With its 3.0 liters of displacement and power-enhancing forced induction, this engine generates a prodigious 480 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. But it’s the engine’s immense torque – the force that thrusts you back into the driver’s seat – that enables the M114d to deliver such incredible acceleration. The peak torque output of 406 lb-ft is available from just 1,800 all the way up to 5,000 RPM, giving the Coupe immense pulling power regardless of engine speed or gear.

This torque-rich engine offers several key advantages in achieving higher speeds:

Generous low-end and mid-range torque prevents unwanted downshifts at high speeds while overtaking, merging or climbing inclines
Redline increased from 7,000 RPM on the standard 3 Series engine to 7,200 RPM on the M114d for stronger high-RPM output
Twin-scroll turbocharger virtually eliminates turbo lag for instant throttle response

The end result is an ultra-responsive, high-revving, and surprisingly efficient engine that maintains peak power across a very wide RPM band – an ideal characteristic for high velocity stable cruising.

M-Tuned 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

Instantaneous gear changes via M Steptronic auto with Drivelogic
Closely spaced gear ratios keep the engine in the power band
Launch control and rev matching for maximum acceleration

While the engine supplies the power, it’s the M114d’s specially developed M Steptronic 8-speed automatic transmission that allows the driver to effectively harness all that grunt.

The advanced M-Tuned transmission offers significant advantages in achieving triple-digit speeds:

Closely spaced gear ratios keep the engine precisely in its peak torque RPM range when upshifting through the gears at high speed.
Smooth, instantaneous gear changes enabled by the M Steptronic auto with Drivelogic.
Launch control and perfectly-matched rev-matching downshifts provide unmatched acceleration from a standstill.

The transmission plays a major role in helping the M114d maintain its composure and stability even while approaching 200 mph on demand. This allows the driver to fully exploit the capabilities of the powerful engine.

M xDrive All-Wheel Drive: Putting the Power Down

A high-performance coupe with 480 horsepower is nothing without the ability to put that power cleanly down on the pavement.

That’s the function of the BMW M114d’s M xDrive AWD system, specially calibrated by BMW M’s engineers to provide tenacious grip and agility:

Active M Differential distributes torque between rear wheels to maximize traction off the line. This helps achieve the 3.1 second 0-60 mph time.
Central control unit constantly redistributes torque front-to-rear to improve handling and control at the limit.
Rear-bias provides a rear-drive feel while maintaining all-weather grip.

The finely tuned AWD gives the M114d surefootedness at speeds that would turn most rear-drive performance coupes into twitchy, wheel-spinning beasts. Combined with dynamic stability control and ABS, M xDrive is indispensable to maintaining control when traveling at autobahn velocities for extended periods.

Designed to Cheat the Wind: The M114d’s Aerodynamic Edge

While horsepower provides the thrust, aerodynamic design is what allows the BMW M114d to eclipse 180 mph with stability. Let’s examine the key exterior design elements that enable this slippery vehicle to pierce through the air with minimal turbulence.

Functional Exterior Design Cuts Through the Air

The M114d’s exterior styling isn’t just for show – it serves an important functional purpose in achieving high speeds:

Iconic kidney grille and front air curtain intakes optimize airflow cooling to the engine and help reduce aerodynamic drag.
Front splitter and unique side sill intake ducts channel air efficiently around the front wheels to minimize turbulence.
Carbon fiber roof panel reduces overall weight by 50 lbs while lowering the center of gravity for better high-speed handling.
Irregular quad exhaust tips, rear diffuser and subtle trunk lid spoiler all help smooth airflow at the rear.
0.26 drag coefficient is one of the lowest among performance coupes, reducing wind resistance at high velocities.

Active M-Aerodynamics: Adjustable on the Fly

But the M114d’s most ingenious aerodynamic weapon is its active M-Aerodynamics system. This automatically deploys several drag-reducing features at 75 mph:

Active air flaps in the kidney grille and air intakes close to smooth airflow to the engine bay
Small front spoiler extension optimizes airflow around the front wheels
Subtle rear spoiler rises to reduce lift and turbulence.

The active aero gives the M114d two personalities: slippery coupe around town, but a veritable air glider above highway speeds. This adaptive system reduces fatigue on long high-speed journeys by letting the M114d slice through the relatively undisturbed air.

Bred for Handling: How the M114d Stays Planted Above 150 mph

For most ordinary vehicles, traveling faster than 150 mph for any length of time can be a frightening – and often fatal – affair. But the BMW M114d maintains its composure even at these extreme velocities, allowing the driver to focus solely on the road ahead.

Here are some of the key engineering and design highlights that enable the M114d to remain stable and instill confidence at extralegal speeds:

Dialed-In M Suspension

M Sport suspension with high camber stiffness keeps the tires glued to the pavement
Adaptive dampers instantly adjust firmness and ride height for any condition
Strong five-link rear axle prevents squatting under hard acceleration

The advanced M suspension soaks up pavement imperfections and keeps all four wheels firmly planted using performance car essentials like stiff anti-roll bars, short sidewall tires, and perfectly dialed-in camber settings.

Load-leveling air suspension at the rear maintains a consistent ride height during hard acceleration and sudden weight transfers to prevent bottoming out the rear axle. This retired military technology helps keep the M114d tracking straight even cresting small hills at over 170 mph when entering the momentum zone.

Massive M Sport Brakes for Repeated Speed Shedding

6-piston fixed front calipers with 15.5″ vented discs provide tremendous stopping force
Electronic brake distribution dynamically apportions braking force for optimized stopping distance
Ceramic discs available for fade-free braking from high speeds

A top speed run is only useful if the car can also scrub off velocity quickly using its brakes.

The standard M Sport disc brakes offer plenty of fade-resistant stopping power, but the optional carbon ceramic M brakes are the ultimate choice for maintaining braking performance after repeated drops from 155+ mph down to legal speeds. Six-piston front calipers clamp down on massive 15.5 inch vented and cross-drilled discs to provide the deceleration needed when your next turn is rapidly approaching.

Staggered Performance Tires Engage Every Horsepower

255/35R19 front and 275/35R19 rear tire widths enhance grip
Summer high performance tire compound sticks like glue in warm conditions
Lightweight forged wheels reduce unsprung weight for better response

The wide, low-profile tires specially developed for the M114d play an important role in maintaining high-speed stability. The staggered sizing with extra-wide rear tires allows more power to be transmitted to the pavement while enhancing wet weather traction.

Upgraded ultra-high performance tires are essential to remain in the lane when tracking straight at over 150 mph. The stock summer tires offer plenty of dry grip, but track-focused enthusiasts may opt for sport cup tires for the most tenacious grip when driving 10/10ths.

Cruise Missile Control: Safety Features That Build Confidence at Autobahn Speeds

While most drivers may never have the chance to experience the BMW M114d’s top speed, it’s reassuring to know the vehicle has an array of safety technology to avoid getting into trouble:

Comprehensive Airbags for Occupant Protection

Front, side, and knee airbag deployment for driver and passenger in a high-speed collision
Rollover protection system with retractable bars
Rear side airbags give rear passengers a fighting chance

Hopefully the M114d’s massive brakes will be sufficient to rapidly shed speed in an emergency. But if the worst should happen, occupants are cocooned by eight standard airbags along with an advanced restraint system. Side curtain airbags help mitigate T-bone collision forces, while the rollover system helps prevent ejection in the highly unlikely event of a flip at high speed.

Advanced Driving Assists Keep You in Your Lane

Lane departure warning detects drift and applies corrective steering
Blind spot detection helps you avoid careless lane changes
Automatic high beams dim for oncoming cars at night

At consistently high speeds, it only takes a momentary lapse of attention for disaster to strike. So the M114d employs advanced driver assistance technology to avoid accidental drifting or dangerous lane changes. Specialized cameras and radar constantly monitor lane position and proximity to other vehicles, keeping the driver alert.

Cruise Control Takes the Effort Out of Speed

Dynamic cruise control automatically maintains a constant speed
Radar-based sensors slow the M114d smoothly in traffic
Junction warning reads road signs and adjusts cruise speed

The M114d’s sophisticated cruise control enhances high-speed cruising by maintaining a constant speed set by the driver. When traffic is encountered, it automatically brakes and accelerates to keep pace with the flow. Junction warning reads speed limit signs and adjusts velocity accordingly. This technology reduces the fatigue associated with manually performing small throttle and braking adjustments at sustained velocites.

Conclusion: BMW M Cements Its Legacy of Legendary Performance

With its specially developed powertrain, active aerodynamic enhancements, and advanced driving aids, the all-new BMW M114d has clearly earned its place among fabled company. When unleashed on an unrestricted Autobahn, this ultimate driving machine has the engineering and raw capability to comfortably hit speeds well in excess of 180 mph.

The M114d represents the pinnacle of BMW M GmbH’s mission to build the world’s most capable high-performance coupes equally at home on the racetrack and daily commute. While only a tiny fraction of owners will ever tap into its full potential, it’s reassuring to know the BMW M114d stands ready to deliver a ten-cylinder punch – and then some.

This unique M car continues BMW’s legacy of blending cutting-edge technology with visceral driving enjoyment. Rest assured, the M114d’s top speed capabilities will remain a secret known only to those with a need for speed, an empty stretch of pavement, and the skill to fully exploit this BMW’s performance boundaries with precision and responsibility.