The drag race game has evolved substantially over the last decade with the introduction of electric cars that can launch rapidly and dismantle super sedans and supercars alike. We've become accustomed to seeing Teslas destroying mid-engined Lamborghinis as just another day on the internet, so when we see high-speed races that don't involve anything electric, we tend to take notice a little more.
Today's race, in particular, piqued our interest, not just because it features the world-beating McLaren 720S, but because it lines up against a BMW M5 tuned to deliver 840 horsepower. Place your bets…
The video, which appears to be a full review of the 720S really takes off at around the 17-minute mark, however, when we're introduced to the BMW M5 it's set to take on. In stock form, the BMW produces up to 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, sending that power to all four wheels via M Drive, with the option to become RWD-only.
The McLaren is substantially more potent, developing 710 hp and 568 lb-ft from a mid-mounted twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, sending power exclusively to the rear wheels. While the BMW can achieve the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.1 seconds, the McLaren manages it in 2.8 seconds, and from there, it would usually just keep extending its lead.
But this isn't an ordinary M5, and with an additional 130 hp over the McLaren, things could be very different indeed. While the BMW has a definite power advantage, as well as a traction advantage, the McLaren is a lightweight, built-for-purpose machine that has been proving time and time again that it punches way above its weight. To jump straight into the action, jump to the 21-minute mark in the video, and get ready for an explosive drag race.