Written byIt was a warm day; I was sitting at a café, sipping my coffee, feeling reasonably cool, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a low-slung growl of a snarling supercar come to a stop at the curb. Heads turned. There was even a whisper of “Lamborghini?” Its design screamed exotic — long and low, with a wide stance and sharp edges. But when the driver emerged and we saw the badge, our jaws dropped. It was no Lamborghini — it was a BMW. The instant turned everything I’d thought about BMWs on its head.
For decades, we’ve known BMW as the purveyor of sexy sedans, luxurious SUVs, and high-performance coupes. But behind that reputation are a few bold machines that could easily be mistaken for something on display in a Lamborghini showroom. Some BMWs are designed with such angular lines, scissor doors, and mean-looking grills that there’s hardly a barrier between German luxury and Italian exotica.
And get this — they aren’t just ideas or one-offs. Some are hybrids, some are SUVs, and some were designed to stop supercar enthusiasts in their tracks and prompt a double-take.
In this article, we take a look at five crazy BMWs that are remarkably similar to Lamborghinis. People will be taking second looks when you roll past their front door, or they spot you driving down the street.
Get ready; you won’t recognize these BMWs.
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#1. BMW M1 – The Original BMW Supercar
The BMW M1 is a legend, the first supercar made by BMW. Produced between 1978 and 1981, it was developed in collaboration with Lamborghini, which is reflected in its exotic design. As a wedge-shaped vehicle with sharp lines and pop-up headlights, the M1 easily passes for an old-school Lamborghini at a glance. The M1 was designed by the legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro (who also designed many Lamborghinis) and is a car that combines German engineering and Italian style.
With its low profile and mid-engine design, it has that unmistakable supercar feel. It still looks like it could stand beside a Lamborghini Countach in a museum or an affluent man’s garage. If you want that unicorn BMW —the one that makes people do a double-take and perhaps has more than a little bit of raw Lamborghini in it —the M1 is it.
#2. BMW i8 – The Futuristic Dream Car
The BMW i8 is a head-turner wherever it goes, packing a whopping 141 miles per gallon equivalent of all-electric range for green cred. It has the low profile, aerodynamic lines, and signature scissor doors of a Lamborghini, not a hybrid. This extra sporty vehicle concept combines a sporty design with high-performance technology and is one of the most extraordinary BMWs ever produced. A friend of mine also took his i8 to a wedding, and guests mobbed it, certain it was a Lamborghini — at least until they spotted the BMW badge.
And while a green engine powers it, the i8 still delivers an exhilarating driving experience, one fully leveraged by electric torque and silky driving dynamics. It’s all the performance you want and all the efficiency you need. If you crave a car that’s equally at ease admiring itself in the mirror and pulling up to the pump, the i8 is a wise and stylish choice.
#3. BMW XM – The SUV That Competes With the Lamborghini Urus
BMW XM is one of the most aggressive-looking SUVs the brand has ever created, and it certainly has some Lamborghini Urus vibes going on. With a massive kidney grille, bold body lines, and futuristic lighting, the XM resembles something from a superhero film. Beneath that bulging hood, it pumps out nearly 740 horsepower, but let’s face it, it would be at home on the Mars Rover unless you take into account that it only sort of runs on electricity.
At car meets and in traffic, people are frequently confusing this truck for a Lamborghini SUV — and for good reason. It is difficult to avoid its presence. When you want luxury, crazy performance, and a gorgeous design in a package that’s an SUV, the BMW XM ratchets up the drama of a L’boro with a Bavarian twist.
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#4. BMW Nazca C2 – The Concept That Shocked Everyone
BMW Nazca C2 (Giorgetto Giugiaro for Italdesign), Early 1990s. This car was intended to stir things up and push the boundaries of BMW’s design language, and it did so famously. With its carbon-fiber construction and low-slung, aerodynamic body, the Nazca C2 looked more outlandish than any of its contemporaries, even a Lamborghini. It was fitted with the 5.0-litre V12 engine of the BMW 850CSi, which produced approximately 380 hp (283 kW).
The car was given a further futuristic feel with the inclusion of see-through roof panels and scissor doors. It was never produced, and only three prototypes were created, making it a scarce and highly sought-after object. The Nazca C2 remains a confident reminder of BMW’s playful side.
#5. BMW X6 M – A Sporty SUV That Looks Exotic
The BMW X6 M is a high-performance luxury SUV that combines the sports car looks of a coupe with the utility of a truck. Its muscle-bound rear and aggressive front fascia, paired with a coupe-like silhouette, can make it resemble a Lamborghini from some angles, especially when cloaked in bold colors, such as matte red. It boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, producing 617 horsepower under the hood, which delivers blistering speed and a thunderous exhaust note.
Inside, the cabin is filled with high-quality materials, sporty trims, and the latest technology, including a curved display and the iDrive system. The X6 M turns in with razor-sharp precision, thanks to all-wheel drive and an adaptive suspension that make it practical for daily use. If it’s SUV comfort with supercar vibes you’re after, the X6 M nails it.
Final Thoughts: BMWs That Turn Heads Like a Lambo
Not all BMWs fade away into traffic like that. Some models make their performance and style evident — so much so that they’re often mistaken for Lamborghinis. Starting with the legendary BMW M1 to the modern i8 and angular BMW XM, these cars demonstrate that the Bavarian brand can flex at least as hard as the Italian exotics. Featuring chiseled lines, powerful engines, and a strong road presence, these BMWs command attention as they pass.
Why drivers love them:
- Exotic design that rivals a Lambo
- High-performance engines that roar
- Luxury features with everyday usability
- A fraction of the price of a Lamborghini
Whether it’s sitting at a meeting or cruising down the highway, these BMWs make a statement without compromising comfort and drivability. They are designed to make you feel like you’re in a supercar without the limitations of owning one.
Pro Tip: Are you looking to turn heads at every stoplight? Take one of these BMWs for a test drive if you want to pretend you’re headed to a Lamborghini dealership. You get all the flash — without the wallet drain.
Which BMW would you take home? Let us know! So forward this list to your friends who worship rides and head over to your local. BMW showroom. Your dream ride could be closer than you think.
