Please find attached on location pictures of the BMW M Media Test Drives as part of the 24-hour race weekend at the Nürburgring.

Munich. For the third time in a row, BMW M GmbH ended the financial year as the global market leader in the performance and high-performance car segment. Indeed, the company posted record sales once again in 2021. A total of 163,542 BMW M cars were delivered to customers worldwide last year, a 13 percent increase on 2020.

This growth was spread equally between the High-Performance sports cars and Performance cars made by BMW M GmbH, with both product categories raising their sales figures to a new level. “This success is the perfect start to our anniversary year,” says Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “M is in a stronger position than ever as it celebrates its 50th birthday.”

New BMW M3 and new BMW M4 enjoy immediate success.

The biggest drivers of growth among the High-Performance sports cars were the new BMW M3 and BMW M4 models introduced in spring 2021. Fuelled by a vehicle concept focused squarely on emotionally charged dynamism and unprecedented diversity in the model range, the new BMW M3 Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 – 10.0 l/100 km [27.7 – 28.3 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 231 – 227 g/km as per WLTP), new BMW M4 Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 10.1 – 9.9 l/100 km [28.0 – 28.5 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 230 – 226 g/km as per WLTP) and new BMW M4 Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 233 – 231 g/km as per WLTP) got off to an extremely successful start. The latest model generation is the first to offer customers two output levels topping out at 375 kW/510 hp, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.

“The response to the new generation of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 has been simply overwhelming,” reports Timo Resch, Vice President Customer, Brand and Sales at BMW M GmbH. “We can therefore expect demand for these iconic sports cars to continue on an upward curve in 2022.”

Also making a powerful contribution to the latest rise in High-Performance model sales at BMW M GmbH were the BMW X5 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 13.6 – 13.3 l/100 km [20.8 – 21,2 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 308 – 303 g/km as per WLTP) and BMW X6 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 13.4 – 13.1 l/100 km [21.1 – 21.6 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 305 – 299 g/km as per WLTP). Following the successful market launch of the latest model generation the previous year, the charismatic High-Performance sports cars in the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupé segment – both powered by a 460 kW/625 hp V8 engine – increased their sales figures once again in 2021.

Alluring and in demand: the BMW M models in the BMW 4 Series range.

The dynamic excellence, agility and precision for which M is renowned also enabled the brand’s Performance models to delight and excite a wide range of customers over the past year. Credit for the latest boost to sales goes above all to the M models based on the new BMW 4 Series. Particularly popular were the variants of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé, whose line-up consists of the BMW M440i Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 8.1 – 7.4 l/100 km [34.8 – 38.2 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 184 – 167 g/km as per WLTP) and BMW M440i xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 8.2 – 7.5 l/100 km [34.5 – 37.7 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 186 – 170 g/km as per WLTP) powered by a 275 kW/374 hp six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, and the BMW M440d xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 6.3 – 5.7 l/100 km [44.8 – 49.6 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 165 – 150 g/km as per WLTP), whose six-cylinder in-line diesel unit produces 250 kW/340 hp.

The latest BMW X models within the ranks of M’s Performance cars also proved extremely desirable. Indeed, the BMW X3 M40i powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine with 265 kW/360 hp (fuel consumption combined: 9.5 – 8.8 l/100 km [29.7 – 32.1 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 216 – 199 g/km as per WLTP) and the BMW X7 M50i (fuel consumption combined: 12.8 – 12.3 l/100 km [22.1 – 23.0 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 292 – 280 g/km as per WLTP) with its 390 kW/530 hp V8 unit both posted an increase in new registrations.

Looking ahead to an anniversary year brimming with highlights.

BMW M GmbH will continue its product offensive in this anniversary year with the addition of new High-Performance and Performance models. Highlights include the new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 8.8 – 8.1 l/100 km [32.1 – 34.9 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 200 – 185 g/km as per WLTP) and the arrival later in the year of the first BMW M3 Touring and an exclusive special-edition model based on the new BMW M4 Coupé.

In addition, the BMW Group subsidiary – which was founded as BMW Motorsport GmbH in May 1972 and enjoys the status of an independent manufacturer – will also drive the transformation to electric mobility. Following in the tyre tracks of the BMW i4 M50 (electric power consumption combined: 22.5 – 18.0 kWh/100 km as per WLTP; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km) in the first half of 2022 will be the likewise fully electric BMW iX M60 (projected electric power consumption combined: 24.7 – 21.7 kWh/100 km as per WLTP; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km).

The most powerful BMW M model ever made points the way to the future of the brand.

The anniversary year will be crowned by the start of production of the BMW XM. The most powerful BMW M car ever to go into series production is also the brand’s first High-Performance model to employ a plug-in hybrid drive system. Its newly developed M Hybrid technology brings together a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop maximum output of 550 kW/750 hp and peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). The design of the BMW XM majors on presence and extrovert appeal and in so doing sends out a clear statement in the luxury segment.

“Our first standalone model since the legendary BMW M1 represents a complete re-imagining of the high-performance car segment,” says van Meel. “The BMW XM blends expressive design and progressive interior luxury with an incomparable driving experience that serves up both sublime performance and the ability to glide along in near silence in all-electric mode. In so doing, it provides an inimitable expression of poise and assurance, and at the same time points the way to the future of our brand.”

BMW M GmbH is refreshing the high-performance models of the Sports Activity Vehicle BMW X3 and the Sports Activity Coupé BMW X4 two years after their launch. In addition to new design features drawn from the BMW X3 and BMW X4 (see here for details), which have likewise been revised, along with M specific changes and a new operating concept, the new BMW X3 M Competition (combined fuel consumption: 11.0 – 10.8 l/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO₂‑emissions: 250 – 246 g/km according to WLTP) and the new BMW X4 M Competition (combined fuel consumption: 10.8 – 10.7 l/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO₂ ‑emissions: 247 – 238 g/km according to WLTP) also offer increased pulling power. The most powerful BMW in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 375 kW/510 hp – now also used in other BMW M models – has a maximum torque which has been increased by 50 Nm to 650 Nm, enabling a 0.3-second improvement in the time required for the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h to 3.8 seconds. This puts the BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition on a par with high-performance sports cars. The top speed is electronically cut off at 250 km/h. This limit is raised to 285 km/h in conjunction with the optional M Driver’s Package. The market launch of the new models is due to start in August 2021.

High-revving and with motor racing expertise.

The  in-line 6-cylinder engine in the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition now features the forged lightweight crankshaft of the BMW M3 and M4 models. Its extremely torsion-resistant design enables transmission of the particularly high torque, while its low weight and reduced rotating masses also benefit the engine’s revving power. The in-line 6-cylinder engine’s racetrack-proven cooling system is designed to enable an exceptionally high level of output and includes two laterally positioned radiators in addition to the central one. There is also an additional engine oil cooler and a separate transmission oil cooler. BMW M GmbH motor racing expertise is also evident in the design of the oil supply system, which is geared towards dynamic racetrack operation. The engine’s weight-optimised oil pan has two separate chambers and an integrated suction channel. An additional suction stage enables the map-controlled oil pump to deliver lubricant from the smaller oil sump, which serves as a volume buffer. In this way, a reliable oil supply is guaranteed at all times, even during extreme longitudinal and lateral acceleration.

M sports exhaust and 8-speed M Steptronic transmission.
The standard M sports exhaust system in the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition enriches the engine sound characteristic of BMW M automobiles with the addition of a distinctly sonorous quality, especially when under intense load and at high engine speeds, thereby giving the sound even more of a motor racing touch for a particularly emotional driving experience – while fully retaining day-to-day practicality. The infinitely variable flaps of the M sports exhaust system allow for a highly varied sound production. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an 8‑speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. In addition to fully automatic gear changes, it also enables manual shifting with sequential selection of the drive position. In addition to the new M gear selector in the centre console, shift paddles on the steering wheel are also available for this purpose. In manual mode, multiple downshifts can be made to the lowest possible gear so as to be able to harness the engine drag torque for braking purposes. When accelerating, no forced upshift is triggered even when the engine is revved up.

M xDrive all-wheel drive system with rear-wheel orientation.
The M xDrive all-wheel drive system also contributes to the high agility of the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition, combining the traction benefits of power transmission to all four wheels with the proven dynamic qualities of classic rear-wheel drive. The electronically controlled M xDrive – which is networked with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system – only directs part of the drive torque to the front axle when the rear wheels reach the limits of their power transmission capabilities. At the touch of a button, the driver can influence not only how the driving stability control works but also the distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels. The centrally controlled interaction of the M xDrive all-wheel drive system with the Active M Differential ensures loss-free transmission of engine power.

Superior driving dynamics in hallmark M style.
The BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition provide an exceptional level of driving dynamics potential. Outstanding values in the areas of longitudinal and lateral acceleration, handling and deceleration go hand in hand with a high level of driving stability, neutral self-steering response and comfort characteristics that enhance suitability for day-to-day use and lengthy trips. The basis for this combination of agility, dynamics and precision that is so typical of BMW M automobiles is suspension technology that perfectly matches the high engine output and the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. The standard adaptive M suspension with specific set-up and electronically controlled dampers ensures both a high level of day-to-day comfort and extremely direct road contact, with limited wheel and body movement. The damping forces are ideally suited to cope with every situation on the road and set individually for each wheel at continuously varying levels by means of interior electromagnetically controlled valves. The basic characteristic of the dampers can be influenced at the touch of a button. Driving precision and response are based on extensive measures to reinforce the body and suspension attachment, for example an M specific strut package. The electromechanical M Servotronic steering and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) also contribute to the typical M driving experience. In M Dynamic Mode, this system allows additional wheel slip to generate the self-steering response that is typical of M, enabling controlled drift manoeuvres when used on the race track, for example.

M compound brake system and 21-inch wheels as standard.
The performance characteristics of the BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition are complemented by the high efficiency of the standard M compound brake system. The brake calipers bear the M logo and are finished in blue as standard or in high-gloss black or red on request. The perfectly matched overall package for maximum performance also includes the 21-inch wheels with mixed tyres in 255/40 ZR21 at the front and 265/40 ZR21 at the rear. One new feature is the M forged wheel 892M Star Spoke in Jet Black burnished, which saves 2 kilograms of weight per wheel. As an alternative, the well-known M light alloy wheel 765M V-Spoke is likewise available in Jet Black burnished.

Larger BMW kidney grille and a more striking front section.
The new BMW X3 M Competition and the new BMW X4 M Competition have the enlarged BMW kidney grille with its now one-piece frame and headlights that are around ten millimetres flatter, drawn from the likewise refreshed BMW X3 and BMW X4. A black bar in which the iCam is positioned provides visual separation of the BMW kidney grille, the frame of which is also finished in high-gloss black, as are the typical M double kidney bars. The radiator grille also features a vehicle-specific logo: X3 M or X4 M. In addition to the standard adaptive LED headlights with Matrix function, the BMW Laser Light with a range of up to 650 metres is now also available as an optional extra. BMW M GmbH has designed the M specific front apron to be even more expressive. One particularly striking feature is the new, vertically arranged and elongated side air intakes: these are angled down towards the spoiler lip in a bend towards the centre of the vehicle, where they follow the hexagonal shape of the central air intake. They are framed by trim elements in high-gloss black, which is also used for the caps of the aerodynamically optimised M exterior mirrors and the characteristic M gills integrated in the air breathers, as well as the rear spoiler on the BMW X4 M Competition.

Distinctive rear aprons in a new design and new paint finishes.
The BMW X3 M Competition has the full ‑LED‑ rear lights of the refreshed BMW X3 with a black surround and narrower illuminated graphics. The lower section of the rear apron is M specific and finished in high-gloss black. The large diffuser is flanked on the right and left by the tailpipe pairs of the M sports exhaust system, which are finished in black chrome. The new rear apron of the BMW X4 M Competition features a wide, offset insert in the shape of an anvil. Like the lateral air‑curtain‑panels, which also accommodate the now vertical reflectors, this is finished in high-gloss black, ensuring a particularly powerful overall impression. The two pairs of tailpipes in black chrome also frame the diffuser on the BMW X4 M Competition. In addition to M Carbon Black metallic and M Brooklyn Grey metallic, there are two new paint finishes reserved exclusively for the M Competition models of the X3 and X4 series in Germany, namely M Marina Bay Blue metallic and M Sao Paulo Yellow. In addition, a wide range of BMW Individual paint finishes are available for the first time such as the matt finish Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic.

M typical interior with new accents.
The BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition feature M sports seats with electrically adjustable headrests and illuminated M logo as standard. In addition to the extended Merino leather upholstery in four colour combinations, the BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery in Tartufo is also available as an option. The air vents have new galvanised trim, the interior trims are now finished in dark Rhombicle aluminium as standard, and the new open-pore ash variant is available as an option. The M leather steering wheel with multifunction features contrast stitching in the BMW M colours and an open 6 o'clock spoke.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional with intelligent networking.
The new BMW X3 M Competition and the new BMW X4 M Competition come equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Professional including Connected Drive as standard. Intelligent networking including innovative digital services based on BMW Operating System 7 – such as BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Connected Music and Remote Software Upgrade – enable particularly intense interaction between driver and vehicle. Intuitive multi-modal operation has been further optimised: depending on the situation, the driver has a choice between touch operation on the Control Display, the tried-and-tested BMW Controller, the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and voice control. A Harman Kardon surround sound system now comes as standard for a superb audio experience. BMW Live Cockpit Professional offers a fully digital display network: the high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and the Control Display each have a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. The fully digital instrument display offers, among other things, the M View with specific displays adopted from the BMW M8 models. M specific display content is also available with the optional BMW Head‑Up Display. The cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps offers particularly fast and precise calculation of routes and arrival times, real-time traffic data updates at short intervals and free text input for selecting navigation destinations. In addition, BMW Maps with Connected Parking provides drivers with even more detailed support in the search for a vacant parking space near their destination. What is more, On-Street Parking Information and ParkNow services are integrated in the range of BMW Maps functions.

Smartphone integration and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Another standard feature is optimised smartphone integration. Android Auto can now also be used with the vehicle’s operating system in addition to Apple CarPlay. Here, the driver can view all the important information from the apps on the Control Display and also – in intelligently processed form – in the instrument cluster and the optional Head-Up Display. The capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant are being expanded on an ongoing basis. With the digital companion, naturally spoken instructions can now be used to regulate the air conditioning, open and close the windows or change the driving experience switch modes, for instance. It can also access the new News app, which reads out the latest news to passengers, and learn routines that increase comfort and driving pleasure in certain situations.

Remote Software Upgrade and BMW Drive Recorder.
BMW Operating System 7 now also includes Remote Software Upgrade. This means that the BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition always remain up to date with the latest software. The upgrades can include different content from new services to improved vehicle features and can be loaded "over‑the‑air". It is also possible to integrate additional vehicle functions in the vehicle at a later date, such as the new BMW Drive Recorder, which records video images around the vehicle.

New control island from the current BMW M3 and M4 models.
Originating from the current BMW M3 and M4 models, the newly designed control island on the centre console includes two new buttons in addition to the specific M gear selector with Drivelogic rocker switch, the BMW Controller and the red engine start button, which is now positioned here. The set-up button provides direct access to all settings options for the engine and suspension: it is used to access a menu in the Control Display that lists the current vehicle settings. Two individually configured variants of the M set-up can be permanently stored and retrieved at any time using the two M buttons on the steering wheel. The M Mode button can be used to influence the activities of the driver assistance systems as well as the displays in the instrument cluster and in the Head‑Up Display at the touch of a button, thereby enabling a driving experience to be created that is appropriate to the situation and typical of M in each case.

Driving Assistant Professional available for the first time.
The BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition come with all the modern driver assistance systems of the BMW X3 and BMW X4. In addition to the Driving Assistant, the Driving Assistant Professional is available as an option for the first time. It includes Active Cruise Control with improved functionality in the city, intersection warning with additional city braking function, emergency lane assistant and the improved steering/lane guidance assistant. The 3D environment visualisation in the instrument cluster provides an overview of which Driving Assistant Professional assistance systems are activated and what functions they offer. The optional Parking Assistant Plus now also includes the reverse assistant, which helps retrace a completed line in reverse. Parking Assistant Plus uses Park View, Panorama View and 3D Top View to create a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings from various perspectives. Meanwhile, the driver can have a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and its surroundings transmitted to their smartphone by means of Remote 3D View.

Please find attached specifications of the BMW X3 M, valid from 03/2021.

Please find attached on location pictures of the International Media Launch of the all-new BMW X3 M and the all-new BMW X4 in New Jersey.

Munich. The recently presented high-performance models BMW X3 M and X4 M (combined fuel consumption: 10.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 239 g/km*) set a new benchmark in the mid-range segment of Sports Activity Vehicles and Sports Activity Coupés in terms of sporty flair, agility and precision. It is now also possible to add a heightened touch of individual flair and selective enhancement to the characteristic M design of the exterior and interior of these models with exclusive M Performance Parts. The sporty accessories are likewise available for the two more powerful variants BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition (combined fuel consumption: 10.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 239 g/km*).

Exterior and aerodynamic parts made of high-quality carbon fibre.
An attractive range of M Performance Parts is available for the models so as to lend even greater visual emphasis to their sporting potential. The components made of high-quality carbon fibre are perfectly harmonised, their design and shaping having been especially developed for the SAVs and SACs. They are crafted elaborately by hand before being sealed with a clear finish and given a high-gloss polish. In addition to enhancing the M specific appearance of the models, the body elements also meet functional requirements in terms of lightweight construction and aerodynamics. The components available are the carbon fibre radiator grille, carbon fibre air breathers and premium door sill finishers with carbon fibre inserts and coloured M Performance overprint. The BMW X3 M can also be enhanced with a roof edge spoiler in high-gloss black. The exclusive rear fins for the BM X4 M are also finished in high-gloss black. Finally, the M Performance motor racing lettering for front, rear and side is recommended as a perfect supplement to the exterior parts. Providing a striking accentuation in the characteristic M colours complete with M Performance inscription, it establishes a clear link with motor racing while at the same time conveying a sense of exclusivity and individuality.

LED door projectors with M Performance motifs.
Thanks to the BMW LED door projectors, even entering the car is a distinctive experience. With the M Performance slide set it is possible to have the BMW M logo or other sports-style graphics projected onto the ground next to the vehicle. The lighting not only ensures comfort and safety when entering and exiting the vehicle, it also creates an exclusive, distinctive atmosphere. The motifs are clearly perceptible, even at dusk.

Sporty accentuations and carbon fibre look in the interior. 
For the interior of the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M, too, there is an attractive selection of M Performance components available to enhance the cockpit both visually and functionally. The M Performance Pro steering wheel consists of the steering wheel, carbon fibre Alcantara steering wheel trim and carbon fibre shift paddles. The steering wheel has a particularly impressive Alcantara grip area with large thumbrests and is especially comfortable to hold. The remaining sections of the steering wheel rim are covered in high-quality leather, thereby creating an interesting blend of materials. The additional central marking in motor racing blue and three-colour M seam make for a superb racetrack feeling. The steering wheel trim is refined with premium carbon fibre fabric, Alcantara and a high-gloss finish and has the M Performance inscription integrated in the 6 o’clock detail. The M Performance shift paddles, likewise refined with carbon fibre fabric and a high-gloss finish, have red shift symbols integrated.

The M Performance steering wheel trim in the carbon fibre high-gloss variant with leather is available to enhance the standard M sports steering wheel; this also bears the M Performance inscription in the 6 o’clock detail. The M Performance carbon fibre shift paddles are also available individually for the standard M sports steering wheel. Finally, an attractive addition for vehicles with sporty M Performance fittings is provided by the M Performance carbon fibre trim elements for the gear selector knob. The fine carbon fibre fabric is enhanced with a clear finish and a high-gloss polish. In the footwell, the car's sporty appearance can be optionally highlighted by means of high-quality velvet velour floor mats with embroidered M Performance inscription, a leather-look surround complete with contrasting seam and a pennant in the typical M colours. 

M Performance key case and M Performance wheel bags.
The M Performance key case in Alcantara with carbon fibre is an accessory for the driver that is both stylish and functional. Protected by the case from scratches and damage, the vehicle key is attached to a high-quality internal hex screw in blue. The M Performance wheel bags are recommended as a practical solution for storing and transporting the high-quality light-alloy wheels. They protect the driver and vehicle from soiling and are convenient for loading due to their reinforced handles. Markings ensure quick allocation, while the attractive M Performance design creates a racing atmosphere even in the garage at home.