BMW is future proofing itself with the nearing launch high tech offerings of BMWi, appealing to the masses with softer more luxurious cars that are selling at record rates all while improving emissions and efficiency. Every thing is as Rosy as a pair of Lennon’s glasses. Is it really though? We have seen the performance numbers of most BMW models continue to improve with each new generation and that is fantastic, the feel and rawness on the other hand have been toned back to luxury car levels. Body roll, decreased steering feel and unwanted extras are all permeating the lineup. The traditional M cars are as good as they have always been although the poshness continues to spread like warm butter on a piece of toast.
When Dr. Kay Segler was at helm of M he proclaimed that M would have “no dogmas”, nothing was set in stone and that the most powerful letter in the world, “M”, would continue to evolve. He was right. M as a brand is becoming much larger and more involved in lesser cars than the M3, M5, M6 and even the 1M.
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BimmerCast 60 is here and we’ve got quite a bit to catch-up on. The M6 is first up (with a proper orange no less) that captured our attention more than any 6 series product before it.
We then move onto the M Line of Performance cars. The car that has us particularly excited is the M135i. It may not be the successor to the 1M that some had hoped but it’s better realized take on the 135i (which was originally meant to be an “is” model). We then move onto MINI’s JCW and how that may have served as the template for the M Performance Line.
And the rumor of BMW buying Saab? Oddly makes sense to us. You’ll want to listen to hear the rational.
We have been reading these things for the past few days, BMW let some of the press drive the newly released M550d xDrive right down the road in Munich. City driving and unlimited autobahn jaunts were the order of business, mind you on the legally required snow tires here in Germany. While we will refrain from setting forth our opinion until we drive this M Performance offering we trust Chris’ opinion.
M-Power (M’s official site) has given us a closer look at the new “Performance” models that are based on standard series cars. What makes them special? Is it the tri-turbo diesel? How about the chassis updates? Autocar’s recent (and fantastic) review would have you believe the latter. But perhaps there’s more to this car than a tri-turbo inline six. Read on for more details.
Official M Power Release: The BMW M Performance Automobiles represent a new category of vehicle from BMW M GmbH. Based on current BMW models, they have been selectively refined in terms of technology and design using the expertise focused at BMW M. They therefore offer greater agility, precision and emotion in BMW M style.
The new vehicle category initially starts with four fascinating models. Others will follow in the course of 2012. These first BMW M Performance Automobiles are fitted with a high-performance diesel engine and the intelligent all-wheel drive system xDrive.
Official Release: Woodcliff Lake, NJ – Driving pleasure, emotion, captivating design, premium quality and groundbreaking efficiency characterize the model range which keeps the BMW brand on track for success in 2012. At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, BMW presents several new production models as well as groundbreaking vehicle concepts whose design and technology pave the way to forms of mobility which are both exciting and sustainable.
The innovative strength of the world’s most successful premium automobile manufacturer enables the development of vehicles which combine an exceptional level of charisma and continuously increasing driving pleasure with a consistent reduction in fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels. With its current model program, BMW sets the benchmark for technological advancement, groundbreaking design and sustainability in the automotive sector. The continuation of this development strategy is embodied in the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept on show in Geneva.
It’s the dawn of a new age at M. Or depending on how you look at it, a return to form (a la the M535i). Either way these new diesels touched by the magic of M look and sounds fantastic. Perhaps more importantly, the numbers look extraordinary; 381 hp and 546 lb-ft from a triple turbocharged inline six. Power is driven through an eight speed automatic gearbox and put down to the pavement via a revised xDrive system. The results as impressive as expected – 0-60 should fall somewhere in the mid four second range.
But all that aside, it’s the engine’s technology that has our mouths watering.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: //M\\, //M\\ Diesels, Opinion Mar 29th, 2012 9 Comments 
