BMW Malaysia Celebrates 50 Years of BMW M with Five Powerful Performance Vehicles

In conjunction with the 50^th anniversary of BMW M today, BMW Malaysia has announced the arrival of the New BMW M3 Competition and BMW M4 Competition Sedan and Coupé – both arriving with the M xDrive for the first time, the New BMW M5 and New BMW M5 Competition, as well as BMW M’s all-electric debut – the First-Ever BMW i4 M50.

Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “In the fifty years of BMW M, we have presented a portfolio of iconic, powerful vehicles which have defined premium performance cars in their times. The sub-brand of the BMW Group has strengthened our experiences and achievements as a complete premium automaker, delivering our promise of Sheer Driving Pleasure across the bookends of our product offering. M is an exemplification of our engineers’ passion for combining authentic motorsports functionality with the latest innovations in premium and luxurious vehicles. Today, we are thrilled to be celebrating five remarkable decades of M with the introduction of five new high-performance premium models for our loyal customers, fans, as well as premium motorsports enthusiasts in Malaysia.”

He added, “As we progressively move forward, we are also oriented towards new technology and thinking on performance, electrification and even sustainable development, while keeping to the signature and DNA of BMW M. This strength has led to powerful transformations – one of which is the first M electric vehicle in the world, that will set the course for the future of thrilling sportiness. Witnessing this culmination of rich heritage and the spirit of progression, I cannot see a more fitting way to celebrate this golden anniversary for M than to introduce to all our Malaysian customers and enthusiasts the First-Ever BMW i4 M50 amongst our highly anticipated fleet of high-performance vehicles.”

In conjunction with the 50 Years of M celebrations, BMW Malaysia is also conducting a nationwide search for the oldest BMW M models across the entire model series. Classic BMW M owners are encouraged to submit details of their vehicles here by 8^th June 2022, to win exclusive BMW M merchandise and a feature by BMW Group Malaysia.

The New BMW M3 Competition Sedan and BMW M4 Competition Coupé, now with M xDrive.

The New BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the New BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive mark the first time the M-specific all-wheel drive system is made available to these high-performance vehicles beyond the BMW M5 and BMW M8. The system precisely channels the engine’s power to all four wheels, providing the driver a thrilling interpretation of the hallmark M performance characteristics, with even faster acceleration times and enhanced traction on wet surfaces in everyday driving.

At the heart of the two new variants sits a BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder petrol engine, paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system. This configuration offers the new variants an impressive maximum engine output of 375 kW/510 hp and a peak torque of 650 Nm, achieving a century sprint in 3.5 seconds. 

The M xDrive all-wheel drive system is characterised by a deliberate rear-wheel bias, where power is only channelled to the rear during normal driving – but when the vehicle reaches its traction limits, the system sends power to the front wheels as well.  The all-wheel drive system is complemented by the Active M Differential at the rear axle that splits the engine’s power between the two rear wheels ensures noticeably enhanced traction, agility, and directional stability on roads with differing levels of grip. The M xDrive also allows the driver to tailor the all-wheel-drive system’s characteristics and performance to the driving situation and their individual preferences via three different driving modes: 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD mode. 

The athletic design is formed by frameless, all-black M kidney grilles with narrow headlights and air inlet in a trapezoidal shape complemented with M forged light-alloy wheels equip the two variants.  As part of BMW’s intelligent lightweight construction, the roof of both vehicles is made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). This helps to lower the vehicles’ centre of gravity, enhancing their agility.  

Crafted with structured surfaces and an ergonomically impeccable cockpit design the cabin ensures the driver’s focus remains one hundred percent in the drive. The M Drive Professional which has been developed specifically for track driving helps the driver to make consistent progress in their pursuit for the perfect lap by tracking and recording a myriad of performance data. Customisation and optional equipment including exterior colours, interior upholstery, interior trim, driving assistance and M Performance Parts amongst others, can be added at special rates later via the online configurator for the new models.

The Ultimate Driving Machines: The New BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition.

Currently in its sixth generation, the latest iteration of the BMW M5 in both its variants continues to dominate in the segment of high-performance executive sedans. As a four-door sedan, it fully meets the needs of everyday driving, while being equally capable of making quick laps on racetracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife, where BMW M engineers fine-tuned and perfected its special suspension set-up.

At first glance, the newly redesigned kidney grille, furnished with M-specific double bars and an M badge, denotes its status as a high-performance M vehicle. In conjunction with the 50^th Anniversary of BMW M, the New BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition will also arrive with the BMW M 50 Years Emblems as standard. Both variants feature a host of new M-specific exterior equipment including M rear spoilers as well as a new three-dimensional element on the LED rear lights. Exclusive to the New BMW M5 Competition is the M Sports exhaust system, with slim finish for enlarged and precise look and an exclusive M5 competition badge. 

Inside, the New BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition have been optimised to feature a larger 12.3-inch Control Display with touchscreen functionality, providing greater readability on the myriad of functions that the driving dynamics systems and the BMW M xDrive offer. Also new is the two-button operating concept in the centre console, which was also seen in the BMW M8 Gran Coupé.

Powering the New BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition is the 4.4‑litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, tuned to a maximum output of 600 hp and a peak torque of 750 Nm for the New BMW M5, and 625 hp with a peak torque of 750 Nm for the New BMW M5 Competition. This allows the New BMW M5 to achieve century sprint in just 3.4 seconds, while the New BMW M5 Competition reaches the mark a fraction of a second quicker, in just 3.3 seconds. Both variants are paired as standard with an eight‑speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, Adaptive Suspension, as well as the M xDrive all-wheel drive- which also includes a 2WD setting for pure rear-wheel drive. Top speed for the New BMW M5 is capped at 250 km/h, while the New BMW M5 Competition impresses with an enhanced top speed of 305 km/h with the standard inclusion of the M Drivers Package. 

The New BMW M5 Competition exclusively features new shock absorbers from the BMW M8 Gran Coupé and a retuned chassis, offering even greater driveability and handling at the limit, complete with superior comfort levels. Sitting seven millimetres lower than the New BMW M5 and incorporating other well-conceived tweaks to the suspension and springs, the New BMW M5 Competition is set-up for extra power and truly comes into its own on the racetrack.

Where the Most Powerful Letter in the World Meets i: The First-Ever BMW i4 M50.

The First-Ever BMW i4 M50 is the first M-badged electric vehicle in the world that sets the foundation for the future of thrilling sportiness in the country – one that is both Sustainable and Responsible. Yet, loyal customers, fans and enthusiasts can continue to anticipate and be moved by the emotional driving experience they have come to love because a BMW M is – and will remain – the Ultimate Driving Machine.

In conjunction with the 50^th Anniversary of BMW M, the First-Ever BMW i4 M50 will arrive with the BMW M 50 Years Emblems as standard. The sporty character of the car is exemplified through standard equipment features including the M Aerodynamics package, M rear spoiler in body colour and black rear diffuser insert. Inside, the First-Ever BMW i4 M50 is furnished with the M interior trim with Carbon Fibre trim finishers, M Anthracite Headliner, and features as such M Sport seats at the front, M seat belts, instrument panel in Sensatec, and electrical glass roof. The BMW IconicSounds Electric also provides for a particularly emotive experience by recreating the sporty “M” engine sound.

Two BMW M eDrive motors are implemented in the First-Ever BMW i4 M50 – one each for the front and rear axles. This configuration allows for an extremely dynamic all-wheel drive experience, with an impressive output of 400 kW (544 hp) and maximum torque of 795 Nm in Sport Boost mode. Century sprint can be achieved in just 3.9 seconds, while top speed is capped at 225 km/h.

With an energy consumption of 24 – 19 kWh/100 km, the electric range is measured at 510 kilometres (based on the WLTP cycle). Compatible with both AC and DC charging modes, the First-Ever BMW i4 M50 can be fully charged in just 8 hours and 15 minutes with an 11-kW AC charger, or be charged from 10 per cent to 80% in just 31 minutes with a 200-kW DC charger.

Peace of mind is also ensured with onboard advanced safety systems, which include Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians, Active Protection for Pedestrians, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus and Active Protection.

The First-Ever BMW i4 M50 will be available in the exterior colours of Mineral White, Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey, M Portimao Blue and Sanremo Green. Interior upholstering is available in Leather Vernasca in Black with Blue Contrast Stitching and Leather Vernasca in Cognac.

Pre-booking Now Open for the Most Powerful Fleet.

All new model variants are now available for pre-booking on the BMW Shop Online platform via shop.bmw.com.my at a fee of RM 5,000.

Owners of the new BMW M model variants will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

• BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme

• BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline

• The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card

• BMW Service Online

Additionally, owners of the First-Ever BMW i4 M50 can also enjoy the battery warranty of up to 8 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first. 

Dynamic financial programme. 

With the Straight Line Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the new BMW M model variants can be owned with monthly instalment plans (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a seven-year tenure) as stated in the table below.