The M Hybrid V8 is BMW’s entry into the Hypercar and GTP category under WEC and IMSA regulations. It combines a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine with a spec hybrid system, designed according to the LMDh class rules.
The car made its competitive debut in the 2023 IMSA season with BMW M Team RLL. In 2024, BMW expanded its hypercar endurance racing campaign into the WEC with Team WRT.
BMW was one of the first hypercars to appear in sim racing. It was first released at the start of the 2023 Season 1 in iRacing, then in April 2024 for Automobilista 2 as a part of the Endurance Pack 1 DLC, and in June 2024 as a free DLC for Le Mans Ultimate.
Car Specifications & Key Features
In endurance racing, the WEC Hypercar and IMSA GTP classes feature two car types: LMDh (spec chassis, standardised hybrid, rear-wheel drive) and LMH (bespoke prototypes, front-axle hybrid, more design freedom). Balance of Performance (BoP) adjusts energy deployment across both types to ensure parity.
Both are types capped at 500 kW (670 hp) combined power output, but differ in architecture:
- LMDh cars (like the BMW M Hybrid V8) use a 470 kW combustion engine and a 50 kW hybrid system, deploying power constantly through the rear wheels
- LMH cars (like the Ferrari 499P) enable hybrid deployment on the front axle at speeds above 190 km/h, making them AWD at high speeds
The M Hybrid V8 was developed in partnership between BMW Motorsport and Dallara, one of three approved constructors for LMDh cars. The car is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, derived from BMW’s championship-winning DTM engine. BMW’s engine has the lowest rev ceiling among LMDh cars at 8,000 RPM, and this car thrives on revs – make sure to push it high in the power band.
Handling & Performance on Track
Overall, the M Hybrid V8 is neutral, stable over bumps and forgiving. It is ideal if you like predictability and consistency across all tracks.
The BMW’s handling is between the Cadillac and the Porsche among LMDh cars. It has decent mechanical grip, especially in low-speed corners, and doesn’t feel overly twitchy. Unlike the Cadillac, you can get on the power earlier with some steering input. It rotates nicely and stays predictable, which is a huge plus.
As with all LMH and LMDh cars, be careful with the throttle on the corner exit and consider raising the traction control when the tyres are cold.
Another big challenge is braking because brakes on these cars are extremely temperature-sensitive and don’t work well when cold. Stopping power is reduced during night stints with cold tyres and brakes.
The car has tools like brake migration and manual brake bias adjustments to assist with these issues. Brake migration means that the brake balance shifts dynamically through the braking zone. So as you slow down and lose front downforce, the bias shifts rearward to prevent front lockups. It’s incredibly powerful, but also easy to get wrong.
Best Tracks for BMW M Hybrid V8 in Le Mans Ultimate
The BMW M Hybrid V8 is strong on circuits with heavy braking zones and high requirements for low-speed traction, such as Imola, Sebring and Fuji:
- With the right setup at Imola, the BMW is excellent under braking. In the 2025 6h of Imola, BMW M Team WRT scored the first podium of the season, with the other BMW finishing sixth
- Thanks to the good mechanical grip, the BMW delivers a competitive pace in the Fuji technical sections and over Sebring bumps. BMW secured a second at Sebring in the 2023 IMSA season and a podium at Fuji in the 2024 WEC season
Overall, as of April 2025 in Le Mans Ultimate, all LMDh cars are off the pace under the current BoP. Until BoP is adjusted, the Ferrari 499P, Toyota GR010, and 2024 Peugeot 9X8 are the class’s quickest cars.
Setup Recommendations for Optimal Performance
Virtual energy and energy management are two basic setup settings that can easily be set wrong in Le Mans Ultimate. Something Coach Dave gets right.
Virtual energy is a BoP system that limits the amount of energy a car can use per stint, regardless of whether it comes from the internal combustion engine (ICE) or the hybrid system (ERS). The car gets a 100-second stop-and-go penalty if virtual energy runs empty. The remaining virtual energy is shown as a blue bar on the HUD and typically lasts 40–50 minutes. It can only be refilled during pit stops.
Separately, the ERS battery manages electric energy storage: it charges under braking and depletes under acceleration. If the battery empties to 0%, the hybrid boost is lost. The battery cannot be recharged in the pits. You can manage battery usage in MFD with regen level (braking recharge) and motor map (battery drain under throttle) settings.
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How It Compares to Other Cars in the Class
If you want to stick to LMDh cars, there are four alternatives:
- Alpine A424. It tends to understeer slightly and has historically struggled with top speed. It’s best suited for technical circuits like Sebring or Portimao.
- Cadillac V-Series. The Cadillac delivers brutal power but demands a lot in return. It’s difficult to set up, and it tends to spin easily. However, once dialled in, it can be fast.
- Lamborghini SC63. The Lambo is very sensitive to bumps and elevation changes. When the setup is right, it’s potentially the fastest LMDh in the game.
- Porsche 963. The Porsche is the most well-rounded LMDh car. It’s neutral, accessible, and strong across most circuits. While a touch twitchy at high speed, it’s ideal for players who want a reliable and versatile car.
Final Verdict: Is the BMW M Hybrid V8 the Right Choice for You?
The BMW is a solid option if you like a balanced car that’s lively but not overly difficult to control.
| Pros | Cons |
| Neutral and accessible balance out of the box | Struggles for pace compared to LMH cars as of April 2025 BoP |
| Decent mechanical grip, especially in low-speed corners | Natural understeer limits peak performance with the default setup |
| The best pedal feel and feedback of all hypercars |
Wrapping Up
The BMW M Hybrid V8 is a standout example of modern sports prototype engineering. It is the quietest hypercar, but its distinctive front-end design makes it instantly recognisable. The BMW is a solid choice for hypercar beginners because of its neutral and predictable handling.
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Looking for more Le Mans Ultimate car reviews? Check out our reviews to find the perfect racing machine for your driving style!
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LMH and LMDh cars:
