Driving force — A look back at M!

When it comes to the history of M vehicles, which started as race cars and stands for “Motorsport,” power undoubtedly is at its roots! For five decades, enthusiasts have not only looked to M as its top driving force, but also have relished in an aerodynamic design which makes it suitable for every excursion, both on and off the track. From the racing scene to the iconic letter thats meaning runs deep, see how M developed and how it continues to find its place at the top!

Here’s more…

The earliest days!

1972

It was this year that the BMW M got its start, created as a division of BMW’s racing teams. At this time, the BMW Motorsport literally roared onto the scene, bringing just a year later the BMW 3.0 CSL, which took first place at Nurburgring.

1978

This year marked the BMW M1, the namesake of BMW M vehicles and the start of one letter taking on the greatest meaning. It also became an icon of design and still is synonymous for leading performance and success. Only 430 of these models were built through 1980.

1983

It was in this year that BMW won its first title — the Formula One World Championship — in a Brabham BMW driven by Nelson Piquet. The winning vehicle boasted an incredible 790 hp.

1984

BMW introduced in this year the first luxury sports car of its kind — the BMW M635 CSI, a vehicle that embodied both elegance and top power. The M5 also made its historic debut, with the sports car becoming the first street-legal high-performance sedan of its kind.

1986

The M3 took center stage, introduced initially as a street version of the champion touring car, thus bringing motorsport performance to every-day roads.

1998

Two-seater sports cars were realized this year, with the BMW M Coupe bringing forth a whopping 321 hp. Also, the third generation M5 debuts at this time, considered one of the most powerful vehicles ever built by the German automaker. It was the first to be powered by an impressive 8-cylinder engine which had a capability of 400 hp.

2000

The M3 coupe made its debut as the most powerful naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine. This vehicle featured an impressive and unique front spoiler as well as the classic coupe design, delivering once again top thrills on the open road.

2001

Drivers let the beauty of the open air right in with the M3 Convertible, considered one of the most powerful of its type. The M3 GTR also got its start this year, with a 450 hp engine that resulted in top honors at the American Le Mans Sierras in its first year.

2005

A five-seater sedan with five-liter displacement and a 507 hp high-revving concept was born, with the V-10 engine paired with the 7-gear SMG Drivelogic transmission. Luxury is coupled with exceptional power here. This year also saw the BMW M6 Coupe, developed with lightweight materials like carbon, resulting in a top-notch power-to-weight ratio making it to the top of its class when it comes to sport coupes.

2008

The M3 sedan, an extremely spacious vehicle chock full of power, dynamics and responsiveness, made its debut as did the M Dual-Clutch transmission with Drivelogic. This gave the vehicle the ability to instantaneously transfer engine power to the road without disruption and while making the most of the power to the rear wheels.

The M3 Convertible is presented, offering a unique and sporty driving experience complete with an open top and full engine sounds.

2009

The X5 M, a vehicle that served to reinvent the Sports Activity Vehicle, is brought forth, with ample space, comfort and the sportiness that M has come to signify. The X6 M also debuted as a high-performance SAV with a clear coupe-like design and strong presence.

2011

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe, complete with 340 hp and a strong appearance, is brought forth with top power and impressive dynamics. This same year saw the birth of the BMW M3 CRT, made for the driving circuit but still perfect for the roadway and considered to be a small, yet powerful M3 spin-off. The M5 Sedan with M TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder engine boasts a maximum power of 560 hp. The M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic and innovative Active M differential means that performance and traction are nothing short of optimal.

2013

The M6 Gran Coupe, presented as a new BMW M flagship, is not only a prime example of exclusivity but luxury and elegance as well.

2016

The M2 Coupe, in all sizes, marks the arrival of the first coupe with an M TwinPower inline 6-cylinder engine and a specially adapted M sport chassis. The M4 GTS also makes its way to the lineup, utilizing innovative water injection as a means to achieve top performance.

2021

The M3 and M4, reborn with more power than ever before, generate up to 500 hp and, for the first time, are available with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system which results in maximum handling and dynamics on the racing circuit and on every day roads. Introduced the year prior, these Competition vehicles with their inline six, reached 62 mph in just 2.7 seconds.

2022/2023

The Z3 M Roadster and M8 Competition Coupe is presented with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 which brings forth an incredible 617 hp.

More on the M!

— The classification of M, such as with the M3, M5, M6 and M8) signifies a vehicle that is of the highest performance. M Performance models like the M850i are true performers, standing above standard versions. With these M vehicles come a wide variety of branded packages, accessories and trims, all of which are highlighted by the blue-violet-red M badge.

— There are also M cars that are Art Cars, with about eight of the more than 20 Art Cars meeting this definition. Not only are they top racers, but they are eye catchers, painted by top artists such as Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, Frank Stella and Andy Warhol.

— Exclusivity is a given with the M cars, which also boast top performance and all out power and luxury.

— At the launch of M, the group had just 35 employees, which grew to 400 by 1988. Key to this early jump and success was the 3.0 CSL, also known as the Batmobile which dominated the European Touring Car championships in the 1970s.

Credibility is built through performance, with the exclusivity of the M badge only growing year after year. With just one letter, the German automaker over 50 years made it way to clear success and a reputation rooted in power and performance. A driving force, M remains an icon through the decades!