Very few words or phrases let alone letters can get the heart racing like the letter M. Standing for the passion for cars infused with the essence of motorsports. We attended the Mfest media day to see what BMW SA has planned and to check out some of the goodies they brought along from Munich
Power to the letter
BMW has claimed the letter M completely for their range of high-performance vehicles. This letter has gone on to become synonymous with a pure driving experience delivered by a motor vehicle imbued with the technology and spirit of motorsport.
This is the theme that runs through this year’s MFest, one of the largest gatherings for all things M in the world. As well as a monstrous show at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit that will have just about every vehicle carrying the M badge on show, BMW SA used the festival as a launch pad for 3 brand-new M vehicles that have been waiting in the wings. BMW also took the opportunity to fill in the media about some of the other exciting tied bits that are in the works such as images and information relating to their IMSA and WEC entry that will be racing at Le Mans as well as initial developments surrounding a brand new all-electric M powertrain that is destined for future vehicles.
Major hints were also dropped about plans being put into place that would see the Rosslyn plant building an all-electric vehicle in the near future but as is the norm BMW played their cards close to their chest, and we were then swiftly ushered into the amphitheater for the main attraction.
The new M2
Hot on the heels of the official media release, the M@ received its global premiere right here in SA, with much fanfare the vehicle rolled out resplendent in its Zandvoort blue paintwork. It is no secret that opinion is heavily divided when it comes to BMWs new design cues and the grille design has always been a massive talking point when it comes to new models. When it concerns the M2 it is no different with many bemoaning the choice of styling.
We can however confirm that pictures do not do the M2 justice as it looks completely different in the metal, a camera lens just cannot capture the lines and aggressive stance that the M2 exudes. As reported the m@ is powered by a 3.0 straight six turbocharged petrol engine mated to either an 8-speed auto box or still available with a 6-speed manual, should you so desire. Power output sits at 335kW and 550Nm with a 4.1 sec 0-100 and a claimed top speed of 280km/h
The new M2 is longer, wider, and heavier than the outgoing model and will have new and exciting tech to keep you entertained while burning off tyres. BMW says that we expect the vehicle sometime between Q2 and Q3 of 2023.
The M4 CSL
When it comes to the M4 CSL there is some good news and some bad news. This new Competition Sport Lightweight will have a run of 1000 units globally, sadly every single one of them is spoken for and South Africa’s allocation of 22 units has been snapped up.
Decked out in all the carbon fiber BMW could muster up and equipped with fixed-position carbon bucket seats, the M4 CSL has no rear seats, only a place to store two racing helmets. This one is for enthusiasts only and that is all we have to say about that.
The XM
Besides the M2 the other talk of the show would be the new monstrous BMW XM, a powerhouse of a machine that sits somewhere between the X5 and the X7 in terms of size but way further ahead in terms of performance. The XM will employ a new pug=in hybrid drivetrain that makes use of 14,2kW electric motor and a powerful V8 engine that will make for a combined 480kW and 800Nm that will be sent to all four wheel via an xDrive system.
The XM rolls on 23-inch wheels that cover up the massive braking system developed for the vehicle. Performance figures are scant as the XM still needs to be tested properly. Onto the subject of styling, the XM saw the BMW designers and engineers come together to ensure that the design followed function. Most reactions have been the same with purists balking at the massive front grille and its new lighting signature.
As with the M2 the more time you spend around the XM in the metal the more the design grows on you and the more sense it makes. There is an edgier, aggressive feel to the vehicle, and if it moves as fast as BMW says it does this is going to be the new hybrid to have.
Celebration of M
Details are still emerging about these vehicles we will get as much as we can to you if you search AutoTrader. MFest is going to be off the hook this year as we were barely able to see most of the exhibits and show that the organizers have planned. Most of the tickets have been sold and the VVIP section is completely sold out. If you want to see more of the cars that were unveiled and more of what BMW’s M division has to offer and has given us thus far, you absolutely must get down to Kyalami and see for yourself.
Lawrence MinnieLawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.View News & Reviews
Keyword: BMW unveils 3 new models at BMW M Festival 2022