BMW's M department, also known as BMW M GmbH, is a high-performance division of BMW AG that focuses on developing and producing enhanced versions of BMW's sports cars and SUVs. Founded in 1972, BMW M has a long and storied history that has made it one of the most respected and sought-after performance brands in the automotive industry.
The origins of BMW M can be traced back to the late 1960s, when BMW began experimenting with ways to improve the performance of its vehicles. At the time, BMW was known primarily for its luxury sedans, but the company saw an opportunity to tap into the growing market for high-performance sports cars.
In 1972, BMW officially established its M division, which was initially called BMW Motorsport GmbH. The first project for the M division was the development of the BMW 3.0 CSL, a racing version of the BMW 3 Series that was built specifically for the European Touring Car Championship.
The 3.0 CSL was a huge success, winning numerous races and cementing BMW M's reputation as a leader in performance engineering. From there, BMW M continued to develop a range of high-performance vehicles, including the M1, M3, and M5, which have become some of the most iconic and sought-after sports cars in the world.
Today, BMW M is known for producing a wide range of performance-enhanced vehicles, including the M2, M4, M5, M6, and M8, as well as high-performance SUVs like the X5 M and X6 M. With its commitment to innovation and performance, BMW M continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive industry.
If you're a fan of high-performance sports cars and SUVs, you owe it to yourself to check out the impressive lineup of vehicles offered by BMW M. From the sleek and powerful M5 to the agile and versatile X5 M, there's a BMW M vehicle to suit every driving enthusiast's needs.
Photography by: Nathan Jacobs