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Munich. With BMW M Ignite technology, a new engine technology patented by BMW in 2024 is set to enter series production. This new kind of pre-chamber ignition system for petrol engines will debut in the six-cylinder in-line units for the BMW M2, BMW M3 and BMW M4 from mid-2026. One of its standout benefits is a significant reduction in fuel consumption under high loads – during track use, in particular. This new engine innovation has its roots in motor sport, making it another example of the transfer of technology from the race track to the road. And it also plays a major role in meeting the stringent requirements of the Euro 7 standard.

The centrepiece of BMW M Ignite technology is the pre-chamber positioned within the cylinder head. It is connected with the cylinder’s main combustion chamber by overflow openings. The pre-chamber has its own spark plug and ignition coil, meaning the engine has two ignition systems.

At low and medium revs, the conventional spark plug in the main combustion chamber fires before the spark plug in the pre-chamber. But when the engine is operating under higher revs and loads, the pre-chamber ignition takes over the lead role, with part of the fuel-air mixture channelled through the openings into the pre-chamber also ignited there. The flames generated as a result exit the pre-chamber at around the speed of sound.

These ignition jets then ignite the mixture in the main combustion chamber above the piston at multiple points at the same time. The result is a significantly higher combustion speed. Meanwhile, the possible cause of uncontrolled combustion – i.e. “knocking” – is also countered effectively. An additional effect of this technology is a drop in the temperature of the exhaust gas.

Other new technical features alongside the pre-chamber ignition include a higher compression ratio and turbochargers with variable turbine geometry.

BMW M Ignite technology boosts the efficiency of the six-cylinder in-line engines dramatically, especially when the engine is being pushed to its limits. Under high loads, fuel consumption drops substantially. This is particularly beneficial for BMW M customers who drive their cars on race circuits – e.g. during track days: the fuel consumption reduction enabled by BMW M Ignite technology means they can keep lapping for longer on the same amount of fuel.

As well as these efficiency gains, BMW M Ignite technology also helps to meet the new European Euro 7 standard, which will come into force in November 2026. In this way, BMW M is ensuring the high-performance cars fitted with this technology will continue to meet European registration requirements in the future. The new engines therefore represent another instance of technology from racing cars making its way into series-production models.

All variants of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 will come with BMW M Ignite technology from July 2026. Production of the BMW M2 featuring this technology will get underway in August 2026. The displacement and power outputs of all the models with BMW M Ignite technology will be unchanged from those of the corresponding outgoing engines.

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Munich. BMW M GmbH once again achieved outstanding sales growth in 2025. For no less than the 14th time in a row, the manufacturer of high-performance and performance vehicles reported record sales. And for the 7th time running, BMW M GmbH vehicles outsold their competitors by a considerable margin. A sales total of 213,457 vehicles surpassed the previous year’s excellent result (206,582 vehicles) by three per cent. Both the high-performance and performance models set new benchmarks. Keys to success in all markets are a state-of-the-art model range spanning many vehicle classes and an extensive portfolio of powertrain options. In 2025, nearly every tenth BMW sold was a BMW M model. This share of 9.8 per cent represents another milestone.

“Our 14th consecutive sales record validates our strategy. We will continue to offer performance and high-performance vehicles across the entire BMW model range. With fully electric, partly electric and all-ICE powertrains,” says Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH.

High-performance executive models drive growth.
The high-performance models from BMW M GmbH combine racetrack capabilities with unrestricted everyday usability. BMW M5 models became key growth drivers in 2025. The BMW M5 Sedan (energy consumption, weighted, combined: 17.6–17.2 kWh/100 km and 5.0–4.8 l/100 km (WLTP); CO₂ emissions, weighted, combined: 114–108 g/km (WLTP); CO₂ classes: with discharged battery G, weighted, combined C; fuel consumption with discharged battery: 10.7–10.5 l/100 km (WLTP))*^,1 and the BMW M5 Touring (energy consumption, weighted, combined: 18.1–17.6 kWh/100 km and 5.3–5.0 l/100 km (WLTP); CO₂ emissions, weighted, combined: 119–114 g/km (WLTP); CO₂ classes: with discharged battery G, weighted, combined D–C; fuel consumption with discharged battery: 10.9–10.7 l/100 km (WLTP))*^,1 saw enormous sales increases in their first full year on the markets, making them key contributors to the success of BMW M GmbH. Both vehicles offer a model-specific version of the M HYBRID system with a peak output of 535 kW/727 hp and a maximum system torque of 1,000 Nm. A high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor combine with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission to provide power to the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. The great appeal of the BMW M5 Touring was underscored by a “Golden Steering Wheel” award. This accolade is awarded by “Auto Bild” and “Bild am Sonntag”, both published by the German Axel Springer SE publishing house. The high-performance model achieved the highest points score of all finalists in the competition. Moreover, the distinguished jury rated the BMW M5 Touring ahead of the other class finalists in all driving disciplines, as well as in terms of efficiency and value for money.

The BMW M2 Coupé (fuel consumption, combined: 10.2–9.7 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 230–221 g/km (WLTP), CO₂ class: G)* was the best-selling high-performance vehicle of 2025. This model is also available with a manual transmission (fuel consumption, combined: 10.2–9.7 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 230–221 g/km (WLTP), CO₂ class: G)* and as an even more track-focused BMW M2 CS special model (fuel consumption, combined: 10.0 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 226 g/km (WLTP), CO₂ class: G)*. This delivers 390 kW/530 hp of power and recently set a new record time of 7:25.5 minutes on the Nürburgring.

Favourite among performance enthusiasts: the BMW M3 family.
The BMW M3 models are another family of high-performance best-sellers. The series impresses with perfectly tailored model variants and includes sedans with various output levels. The BMW M3 entry-level model is a particularly purist vehicle that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and 353 kW/480 hp of power (fuel consumption, combined: 10.1 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 230–229 g/km (WLTP), CO₂ class: G)*. Then there are the extremely popular Touring variants. 2025 also saw the launch of the BMW M3 CS Touring (fuel consumption, combined: 10.5 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 238 g/km (WLTP), CO₂ class: G)*, the most sporting exemplar with 405 kW/551 hp. The large number of BMW M3 family sales is a clear sign of the model series’ continued allure and represents a major contribution to the new record of almost 71,500 high-performance vehicles sold.

M Performance model is BMW M GmbH best-seller.
A particularly popular model and also the best-selling BMW M GmbH vehicle of 2025 was the BMW X3 M50 (fuel consumption, combined: 8.3 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 189 g/km (WLTP); CO₂ class: G)*. The top athlete in the premium mid-size SAV segment offers unique performance capabilities and a charismatic appearance. The M TwinPower Turbo engine, combined with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, delivers a maximum system output of 293 kW/398 hp. The power of the BMW X3 M50 is complemented by specific chassis technology and signature M design elements. With these attributes, it overtook the BMW i4 and its M60 Gran Coupé xDrive variant (energy consumption, combined (WLTP): 20.9 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined (WLTP): 0 g/km, CO₂ class: A)*, which delivers an output of 442 kW/601 hp and a range of up to 551 km. The electric BMW i4 range-topper was the best-selling BMW M GmbH model from 2022 to 2024. 

In 2025, nearly every tenth BMW sold was a BMW M model, and the sales share of 9.8 per cent (9.4 per cent in the year prior) represents another new record. BMW M vehicles are especially popular in Switzerland, where nearly every fourth BMW ordered is a BMW M model. 

Exceptional sales total, top spots in the individual markets.
In the key markets, BMW M GmbH vehicles led the field, beating their competitors by a considerable margin. The models were particularly coveted in the U.S., the largest single market at over 72,000 units sold. But BMW M models also achieved top positions in markets such as Canada, Germany, Korea, South Africa and the United Kingdom. In China, BMW M GmbH achieved its largest absolute sales increase.

Focused model strategy to secure and expand top position.
The state-of-the-art model portfolio with its comprehensive range of ICE, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles is at the heart of BMW M GmbH success. The development of models based on the Neue Klasse will provide further momentum. “Our strategy of being open towards new technologies once again paid off in 2025. BMW M GmbH stands for optimal performance, independently of the powertrain type. In all markets and across all vehicle classes. Customers looking for a performance or high-performance vehicle will always find it at BMW M GmbH”, says Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President Customer, Brand, Sales at BMW M GmbH.

Motorsport remains a key pillar at BMW M GmbH.
The BMW M Motorsport race cars – the BMW M Hybrid V8, the BMW M4 GT3 EVO and the BMW M4 GT4 EVO – achieved a total of more than 180 victories in 2025. In works motorsport, the BMW M Hybrid V8 delivered a competitive performance in the first half of the FIA WEC season and the BMW M GmbH marks 14th consecutive record year. The best result of a season marked by highs and lows was the 1-2 finish at Road America. The BMW M4 GT3 EVO had a tremendous season. While the 1-2 victory at the Bathurst 12 Hour race in Australia was still won by the predecessor model, the EVO version seamlessly continued the series with top results. Triumphs at the Nürburgring 24 Hours (Germany), the Suzuka 1000 (Japan), the Indianapolis 8 Hour race and in the GTD Pro Class at the 6 Hours of the Glen and the Petit Le Mans (both U.S.) are among the highlights of a season that saw over 80 victories and 100 further podium finishes.

Teams driving the BMW M4 GT4 EVO achieved over 100 victories in the 2025 season. More than any other model, the BMW M4 GT4 is associated with customer racing. The victory in the SP10 at the Nürburgring 24 Hours was a particular high point. In the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) racing series, these vehicles came out on top in nine out of ten races. Moreover, the BMW M4 GT4 EVO triumphed in all classes at the GT4 America. The strong results of the GT4 teams helped BMW M Motorsport secure the SRO manufacturers’ title in the GT4 segment. The 2026 season will see the debut of the BMW M2 Racing as a new entry-level vehicle complementing the model portfolio for customer racing.

In case of queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Christophe Koenig, Head of BMW M GmbH and BMW M Motorsport Communications

Telephone: +49-89-382-56097

E-mail: Christophe.Koenig@bmw.de

Alexandra Landers, Head of Product and Brand Communication BMW

Telephone: +49-89-382-30871

E-mail: Alexandra.Landers@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

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Valencia. The winner of the 2025 BMW M Award in MotoGP™ is Marc Márquez. The record holder in this special competition has once again claimed the coveted prize for the fastest qualifier of the season – for the eighth time. The Spaniard had already made history by winning the BMW M Award seven years in a row between 2013 and 2019. Now Márquez has returned to the top. His prize this year is the new BMW M2 CS (combined fuel consumption: 10.0 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 226 g/km according to WLTP, CO₂ class: G)*. The presentation of the winner’s car took place on Saturday after the final qualifying session of the season at Valencia, Spain, where Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports, and Axel Mittler, Marketing Manager at BMW M GmbH, handed over the keys.

After several challenging years, Márquez made an impressive comeback in 2025. He dominated the season and clinched the world championship title early, already in Japan at the 17th of 22 rounds. In the BMW M Award standings, Márquez collected so many points – with eight pole positions and five additional front-row starts – that he could no longer be caught, even though he missed the final four rounds of the season due to injury. Márquez won the 2025 BMW M Award with 351 points, finishing eight points ahead of his brother Álex Márquez in second place. As in the races, MotoGP™ riders receive points for the BMW M Award according to their qualifying positions. The winner at the end of the season is awarded an exclusive high-performance automobile from BMW M. This coveted award has been presented every year since 2003.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, said: “Congratulations to Marc Márquez. He has made an impressive comeback this season and once again demonstrated why he is one of the greatest MotoGP riders of all time. From 2013 onwards, we handed him the keys to a new BMW M car seven times in a row at the season finale – and I am delighted that we can do so again this year. His performance and talent have been outstanding, and he truly deserves the BMW M Award this season. At the same time, my thanks go to BMW M GmbH. For 22 years now, the BMW M Award has been an integral part of MotoGP, making it a genuine tradition. It’s a special recognition of what our riders and their teams achieve weekend after weekend in qualifying.”

Axel Mittler added: “What Marc Márquez has shown this season was simply incredible. Congratulations to our record winner: seven consecutive victories were already historic, but his eighth BMW M Award triumph is truly remarkable, especially considering that he built such a big lead in the standings that even his injury couldn’t stop him from winning. We are delighted to add our new BMW M2 CS to Marc’s collection of BMW M Award winners’ cars. This high-performance sports car once again raises the benchmark in its segment, and with its pure performance, dynamics, and agility, it’s the perfect winner’s car for the currently world’s best MotoGP rider. We wish Marc lots of fun with his prize – and a smooth recovery, so that he can thrill us again next season!”

Marc Márquez said: “It took a few years, but I’m really happy to see my name back on the list of BMW M Award winners. This season has been a dream for me, even though I obviously didn’t imagine it ending with a shoulder injury that made me miss the final races. But it’s great to be here in Valencia and to be recognized once again as the fastest qualifier – for the eighth time! I actually found out I’d won while I was out buying fruit – my brother Álex didn’t manage the result he needed in the penultimate qualifying in Portimão to keep the contest open. But I promised him he’ll get to drive the car too! For us, it’s always something special when our performances on the track are recognized in this way. Now it’s time for the winter break, and my goal for 2026 is clear: to win the world championship, and this award, again!”

The 2025 winner’s car, the BMW M2 CS, is the latest exclusive special model from BMW M GmbH in the premium compact high-performance sports car segment. It impresses with outstanding agility, significantly increased performance, exceptional driving dynamics, and particularly sporty design features. The straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and high-revving characteristics delivers an impressive 390 kW/530 hp. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via the standard 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The BMW M2 CS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Thanks to the extensive use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components in both the exterior and interior, the BMW M2 CS is also the lightest M2 of the current generation.

As part of its extensive activities as the “Official Car of MotoGP™”, BMW M GmbH presents the BMW M Award at the end of each season to the best qualifier. Before Márquez extended his record in 2025 with his eighth victory, Francesco Bagnaia had won the coveted award for the past three years. The list of winners since the award’s introduction in 2003 also includes Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo, Fabio Quartararo, Sete Gibernau and Nicky Hayden.

For more information on BMW M GmbH, its partnership with MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports since 1999, and the involvement as the ‘Official Car of MotoGP™’ see: www.bmw-m.com

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The new BMW M2 CS (fuel consumption combined: 10.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 226 g/km according to WLTP, CO2 class G)* sets a new benchmark on the legendary Nordschleife racetrack of the Nürburgring on 11 April 2025. Driven by BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger, it completed the 20.823-kilometre Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:25.5 minutes, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds. This record-setting BMW M2 CS not only raises the bar in the compact car class, but also further solidifies BMW M's reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance vehicles that excel both on the road and on the racetrack.

"The BMW M2 CS has achieved a significant milestone with its lap time of 7:25.5 minutes on the Nordschleife, showcasing the potential for combining performance, technology and exceptional driving dynamics into a single vehicle," stated Franciscus van Meel, the Managing Director of BMW M GmbH. 'We are proud that the M2 CS has once again set a new benchmark in the compact car class with this lap time.'

The continuation of a success story.

The previous best time for a BMW M2 model was set by Weidinger in April 2023, when he completed the course in 7:38.7 minutes. Two years later, he beat this time by 13 seconds, breaking the class record of 7:30 minutes for the first time. With the newly set best time of 7:25.5 minutes, the BMW M2 CS demonstrates its outstanding performance as well as the innovative power and engineering skills of BMW M GmbH.

Previous record runs on the Nordschleife by the BMW M4 CS, the BMW M4 CSL and the BMW M3 CS, all mid-range vehicles, achieved times under 7:30 minutes. The BMW M4 CSL also holds the best lap time ever recorded for a BMW Group production car. The official, notarised time is 7:18.137 minutes.

The "Green Hell" myth: The Nordschleife as a touchstone.

Often referred to as the 'Green Hell', the Nordschleife racetrack is considered one of the most demanding and challenging racetracks in the world. Measuring 20.832 kilometres in length with over 70 bends, it places the highest demands on drivers and vehicles alike. A fast lap on this track proves a vehicle's performance and handling capabilities. The Nordschleife lap times are the gold standard for measuring a vehicle's sporting performance and driving dynamics. Record runs are monitored by a neutral testing organisation, and the vehicles are checked to ensure they are in standard condition. This detailed inspection ensures that the record runs are carried out using production vehicles.

The Nürburgring - Home of BMW M.

BMW M and the Nürburgring have been in partnership for over a quarter of a century. From the BMW M Power Grandstand and BMW M Bridge to the BMW M Driving Experience and BMW M Test Centre, not to mention test drives on the Nordschleife for M vehicles en route to series production, the partnership between BMW M and the Nürburgring has been a resounding success for over 25 years. The Nordschleife serves as a test bench for every M model. The BMW M Test Centre is equipped with cutting-edge workshop facilities that allow BMW M to put vehicles through rigorous testing on the Nordschleife track even before they reach production, as well as to develop new models.

BMW M Motorsport racing cars have achieved numerous successes in various racing series, including 21 overall victories in the Nürburgring 24-hour race. The M Power showroom, which was redesigned in 2021, is another flagship of the cooperation. The Nürburgring's position as the home of BMW M has been further strengthened since then.

The new BMW M2 CS: More power, improved driving dynamics and consistent lightweight construction.

The new BMW M2 CS is a testament to BMW M GmbH's ongoing commitment to setting the standard in the compact high-performance sports car segment. Its combination of performance, lightweight construction and innovative technology makes the BMW M2 CS a vehicle that gets drivers and enthusiasts' hearts racing. The BMW M2 CS increases driving pleasure in the premium segment with its enhanced performance and outstanding agility. The advanced six-cylinder in-line engine featuring BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers an impressive output of 390 kW/530 hp and a maximum torque of 650 Nm. Model-specific engine mounts, an adaptive M suspension and an M compound brake system all contribute to its sporty performance. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The BMW M2 CS is the lightest model of the current M2 generation thanks to targeted lightweight construction, including a large number of exterior and interior components made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), which reduces its weight by around 30 kg. This makes a decisive contribution to its outstanding driving dynamics. The BMW M2 CS comes with forged M light-alloy wheels as standard. Manufactured at the BMW Group plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, the BMW M2 CS is a limited edition model with a market launch planned for late summer 2025, priced at 115,000 euros in Germany.

Dodatne slike za uporabo v medijih so zdaj na voljo na spletu. Uradna predstavitev vozila, vključno z vsemi tehničnimi podatki, bo objavljena 28. maja 2025 ob 00:01 po srednjeevropskem času .