BMW – An Overview
BMW is an iconic car manufacturer, recognised throughout the world for their luxurious and powerful cars. The company, founded in Germany in 1916, was known originally as ‘Bayerische Motoren Werke’, which translates as Bavarian Motor Works. The ‘M’ however, refers to the ‘M GmbH’ or ‘Motoren Gesellschaft’, which was the BMW Motorsport Division; a sub-brand of BMW dedicated to racing and performance vehicles.
Today, the ‘M’ is synonymous with the powerful and luxurious BMW cars, often marketed as ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’. The ‘M’ series cars from BMW bring together the perfect balance of power, luxury, performance and design – a combination which has become a calling card for the brand.
For many years, the ‘M’ or ‘M Power’ badges are a symbol of the highest performance and quality engineering that car owners have come to expect from a BMW. BMW’s prestigious ‘M’ series cars have become coveted luxury objects, owning an ‘M’ car is a status symbol in itself – an affirmation of your success and sophistication.
The BMW ‘M’ model range has expanded over the years to fit with buyer demand and include models such as the X5M, G-Power M6, M4 and the M3, which is one of the most popular models. The M branding on a BMW car means that the vehicle will be faster, stronger, and more agile than the standard models. BMWs M series cars are designed for a more exciting drive and are equipped with various performance and luxury options.
In the early days, BMW ‘M’ cars were built with a focus on racing and competition. Modern M series cars though, are better-rounded family vehicles, engineered with power and luxury in mind. BMW have also continually worked on creating ever-improving methods of performance engineering, with ‘M’ cars often pushing the boundaries of what BMW cars can do. Every ‘M’ car is a unique combination of style and performance, bringing together the precision engineering of BMW and the excitement of driving a powerful car.
BMW Motorsport Division
As previously mentioned, the BMW ‘M’ badges come from the ‘M GmbH’ or ‘Motoren Gesellschaft’, which is the BMW Motorsport Division. The Motorsport Division has been producing race cars since 1972, with the first BMW being produced in 1973. Since then, the Motorsport Division has gone on to become one of the top teams in the world, winning several Formula One and World Rally Championships.
The Motorsport Division has become integral in the research and innovation that has become part of BMW’s culture. The engine and chassis developments from the Motorsport Division have allowed for the development of BMWs ‘M’ cars, and have helped to revolutionise the car industry with their innovative designs. BMW ‘M’ cars have become some of the fastest and most advanced cars on the market, a true testament to BMW’s impressive engineering and racing pedigree.
The BMW Motorsport Division continues to innovate and develop future projects and designs, with a focus on creating powerful and efficient cars. From racing to production vehicles, the Motorsport Division is a significant part of the BMW brand and helps to create the powerful and luxurious cars which come to define the company.
Factoring In Luxury Features
BMW cars are famed throughout the world for their luxurious interiors and the ‘M’ series models are no exception. There are several luxury features that come as part of the ‘M’ branding, such as the extra-wide tyres, specific and stylish components and luxurious interior padding. The cars come with a variety of features, such as extra comfortable seating, advanced entertainment systems and extra airbags for added safety as well as sports suspension and performance braking systems to further enhance the cars performance.
In addition to the physical features, there are numerous intangible benefits when it comes to owning an ‘M’ car. These can be experienced from the slight flex of the accelerator to the sound of the engine, creating an amazing driving experience for the owner. With the added benefit of luxury and performance, BMWs ‘M’ cars bring a real sense of quality, power and sophisticated driving to any owner.
Diesel Vs Petrol
Many of BMW’s ‘M’ cars are available in both petrol and diesel options. The petrol option produces a powerful roar, coming as part of an already impressive package of speed and power. The diesel option however, is often overlooked by many people and can often be a superior choice – especially for those looking to keep costs down.
Diesel engines are typically more efficient in terms of fuel economy, generating similar power while using far less fuel. This makes them a great option for long distances, with fewer fuel stops, and also offers cost savings in terms of tax and emissions. As diesel technology continues to improve and become further refined, diesel cars such as the BMW ‘M’ range can be a great choice for those looking for power and performance without breaking the bank.
BMW ‘M’ Cars in Popular Culture
As well as being popular with car enthusiasts and owners, BMW ‘M’ cars have become hugely popular in popular culture. From appearances in films and TV shows to being featured in music videos, the BMW ‘M’ series cars have gone beyond their mechanical glory and become symbols of success, power and sophistication.
BMW ‘M’ cars have long been known as the ‘ultimate driving machine’ and have shown up in several Hollywood films, in works such as The Fast And The Furious or even in iconic films such as The Italian Job. BMWs ‘M’ cars have even been featured in popular music videos, further enhancing their popularity and status. Shows like Top Gear and car review channels have also played a big part in showcasing the cars and providing detailed knowledge to any car enthusiast.
The BMW ‘M’ brand has certainly come a long way from its humble beginnings, and the ‘M’ is now a staple of the car industry. Owning an ‘M’ car is still a symbol of success and sophistication for many people, and BMW continue to strive for innovation and perfection in the design, engineering and production of their ‘M’ series cars.
Vehicle Technology: The Future of BMW ‘M’ Cars
BMW is always looking to find ways to improve the performance, technology and design of their cars, and their ‘M’ series is no exception. In recent years, BMW has focused on improving their electric vehicles, with ‘M’ versions now available in electric and hybrid forms to cater to different buyers.
The all-electric BMW i8 ‘M’ is a great example of the power and sophistication that BMW has been able to accomplish with their electric vehicles. This car has been designed to provide the perfect balance of power and luxury, with an impressive range of 313 miles and acceleration from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds. The vehicle is equipped with BMWs latest technology, such as the driving assistance system and app integration, making it one of the most technologically advanced BMWs available.
BMWs ‘M’ cars have come a long way since the early days of racing, and the latest models showcase the amazing engineering capabilities of the company. With cars like the i8 ‘M’, BMW are pushing the boundaries of vehicle technology and creating cars of the future.
Value For Money
Despite the ‘M’ being a quality product, BMWs range of ‘M’ cars is still surprisingly affordable, with some models available for under £40,000. The vehicles come with a range of performance features and luxury options, giving the drivers access to high-end cars without paying astronomical prices. As the vehicles are used, the prices can also drop, making them accessible to all buyers.
In terms of value for money, the BMW ‘M’ series is one of the best on the market. The cars offer a balance of power, luxury and performance, allowing drivers to experience the best of all worlds for an attractive price. Due to their strong reputation, the vehicles are also known for holding their resale value, adding additional value for buyers.
Environmental Consideration
As well as the luxury, power and performance, the BMW brand is also dedicated to producing environmentally conscious cars. Over the years, BMW has worked on refining and improving their diesel engines, making them more efficient and with reduced emissions. The company also strives to reduce their environmental impact in other ways, such as using lighter materials in their construction and designing cars with low fuel consumption.
The ‘M’ series cars have also been engineered to be as fuel efficient as possible, without compromising on the power and performance that they are known for. This allows drivers to receive an exciting driving experience with reduced emissions and fuel consumption – a feat that cannot be said for many other car manufacturers.
Conclusion
The BMW ‘M’ brand is an internationally recognised symbol for luxury and power. The ‘M’ has come a long way since the early days of racing, with advancements in technology and engineering allowing for the production of more powerful and luxurious cars. Although BMWs ‘M’ cars are some of the most powerful and prestigious cars on the market, they are surprisingly affordable and come with numerous value and performance options. BMW is also dedicated to producing cars with a focus on environmental impact, showing that the company is dedicated to creating cars for the future. No matter your budget or vehicle requirements, BMWs ‘M’ cars make for the perfect luxury car.
