One-millionth BMW M vehicle

Products from BMW’s M division are extremely popular all over the world, including right here in South Africa. Since inception the performance department has produced fast machines of virtually all models in a variety of shapes. This week the one-millionth BMW M vehicle rolled off the production line.

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BMW M combines road and racetrack capabilities with everyday practicality. The one-millionth BMW M vehicle shows that these values are still very much appreciated by our customers, 40 years after the market launch of the first BMW M3. This motivates us to continuously develop our BMW M high-performance vehicle portfolio based on BMW M Neue Klasse technology, including fully-electric models, in line with our core brand promise
– Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH

Half a Century

This production milestone marks a landmark in more than five decades of BMW M. Models from the Munich maker have taken various shapes over the years. The very earliest included the likes of the 3,0 CSL coupe and mid-engined M1. However the likes of the BMW M3 and M5 cemented the sub-brand as firm fan favourite. Fittingly, the one-millionth BMW M vehicle is a BMW M3 with BMW Individual Fire Orange III special paintwork.

Looking Ahead

BMW has made no secret of the fact that its future lies in electrification. As a result the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich will also produce the fully-electric BMW M3. From 2027 onwards, the BMW Group will produce only fully-electric vehicles at this site. The upcoming M3, the first high-performance model to feature BMW M Neue Klasse technology, was shown in completely camouflaged form at the same celebration.

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“The BMW M3 has close ties to the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich,” says Peter Weber, director of the BMW Group plant Munich. “We are delighted that we will also be producing the first fully-electric BMW M3 here in Munich. BMW M has a special emotional significance for our associates here – so we are especially proud to be actively shaping the future of this icon.”

What we Know

BMW will offer the electric M3 alongside petrol versions, so ICE fans need not abandon the brand. The battery powered version will have one motor per wheel, making it all-wheel drive. Power ratings are not yet confirmed, but reports suggest ‘base’ versions will have around 450 kW, with the more extreme versions having around 600 kW on tap.

The M3 EV utilises BMW’s ‘Heart of Joy’ control unit and software, which handles the drivetrain, braking, charging, regeneration, and steering functions. The completely internally developed system said to make for a more organic, and ultimately thrilled driving experience.