At the Los Angeles Auto Show that just kicked off this week, BMW M showcased the entire spectrum of brand new high performance Bimmers, to the pleasure of the gathered audience and fans. 2019 has been a fantastic year for the BMW M division. The portfolio of sheer sports models got revamped and renewed with sensational additions. And every single one of them was highlighted on the stage of the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The most important show-stoppers were the complete fleet of brand new M8 models, the new generations of the high-performance X3 M, X4 M, X5 M and X6 M, the new M2 CS limited edition hot coupe and the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe M Performance model, which along with other versions of the new 2 Series Gran Coupe, will be the first-ever front-wheel driven BMW to be sold on US soil.
The new M8 Coupe (F92), M8 Convertible (F91) and M8 Gran Coupe (F93), along with the Competition siblings, are rounding off the upper echelon of high-performance luxury models under the BMW sub-brand. The powertrain puts the BMW S63 8-cylinder engine at its centerstage. This monstrous powerplant has a displacement of 4.4 liters (269 cu in) and is rated at 600 PS (592 hp) and 625 PS (617 hp) in the Competition form. The same S63 engine is also used to power the X5 M and X6 M brutes.
BMW M brought to LAAS 2019 a spectacular and eye-catching M8 Gran Coupe First Edition model, which is to be assembled in a limited run of just 400 units to celebrate the market introduction of the F93 M8 generation. This special M8 Gran Coupe is finished in BMW Individual Aurora Diamant Green metallic color (which mimics the Saleve Vert shade of the Concept M8 Gran Coupe), which is further accentuated by the bronze-colored, high-gloss BMW Individual exterior ornaments. The LED filaments of the BMW Laser headlights are now emitting a golden light, while the interior looks to have been adorned in BMW Individual Merino Midrand Beige leather upholstery.
As well, BMW M brought to the Los Angeles Auto Show the full squad of all new SAVs and SACs comprising the F97 X3 M, the F98 X4 M, the F95 X5 M and the F96 X6 M. The mid-segment X3 M and X4 M are, for the first time, powered an all-new straight-six engine.
Its code is S58 and features a displacement of 3.0 liters, being available in a standard output version of 480 PS (473 hp) and Competition variant of 510 PS (503 hp). This engine will also power the future M3 and M4 generations.
The new M2 CS celebrated the official introduction on the LAAS stage. It will be produced in a limited run of 2,200 units and will form also the basis for the entry-level BMW M2 CS Racing customer sport model. Compared to the M2 Competition, the new M2 Club Sport boasts a power increase of 40 PS (34 hp) up to 331 kW / 450 PS (444 hp) and various advancements to sharpen the ride the decrease the curb weight. For the die-hard, passionate clients, the new M2 CS can be optionally equipped with a classic 6-speed manual tranny.
Markus Flasch, CEO of the BMW M GmbH, commented on the rich BMW M presence at the North American motor salon: “The Los Angeles Auto Show is a very special event for the BMW M GmbH as we will be able to exhibit the whole spectrum and diversity of our BMW M range, with two vehicles making their debuts. The BMW M8 Gran Coupe stands for the perfect combination of sportiness and luxurious elegance. The BMW M2 CS is young, wild, extroverted and conveys sheer sportiness.”
The entire fleet of new BMW M and M Performance models are set to hit North American streets starting 2020. And there is more to come, as exciting novelties are on their way and will further enhance the portfolio of sheer performance Bimmers in the coming years.
