Bosch European Motors
The report said the next-generation M3 will lead the charge with a 2019 debut, potentially at the Frankfurt motor show. The plan's architect, Frank van Meel, head of BMW鈥檚 performance car division, called the M3 a cornerstone for the M division and cast the car as a guiding light forward for M Performance cars. BMW poached the executive from Audi in 2014, where he ran Audi Sport, formerly Quattro. BMW's next M3 will reportedly not go hybrid as previous reports have suggested. Instead, an upgraded version of BMW M鈥檚 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engine will power the car. Better news: a 6-speed manual is on the table, as is an 8-speed automatic transmission. Power may rise to 472 horsepower with the upgrades, and the M3 will not offer BMW's latest xDrive all-wheel-drive system, per the report's sources. With the M3 holding down the fort, 15 M Performance cars will continue development, including versions of the X2 and forthcoming X7.
Current M Performance models include the M240i, M550i xDrive, M760i, and X4 M40i xDrive. These models aren't as sporting as true M cars, but they do have additional power, sporty suspensions, and upgraded brakes. These models should not be confused with BMW's M Sport models, which have M design cues but no extra power. For instance, the M Sport components on a 330i include an M sport suspension, unique 18-inch wheels, Shadowline exterior trim, an aero kit, a sunroof, satellite radio, an M steering wheel, keyless access and starting, and lumbar support adjustments. That'll improve performance, but only a bit. Have no fear, though, because BMW has 11 new true M cars cooking as well. While M Performance handles more mid-range cars, M will also take its talents to the top with more track-focused models. It began with the M4 CS, but an M3 CS will soon join the range. Next year, the report's sources added an M2 CS will arrive as well.
The styling tweaks for 2017, on the outside, are a relatively minor point in all but the full-frontal view of the SL. Comfort in the SL models, no matter which one you choose, is better than what you鈥檒l find in most prestige luxury cars costing quite a bit more. Highlights include strong cooled seats, massage seat features, and, of course, Airscarf, which blows warmed air onto your neck on cool mornings. The top will raise or lower at up to 25 mph, and through some folding wizardry it leaves enough trunk space for two airline carry-on suitcases, plus a backpack or two. It鈥檚 a shallow space, but a usable one鈥攁nd behind each of the front seats there鈥檚 a deep, lidded-and-hinged storage bin. Top down, you can power up an air deflector that, with the side windows up simultaneously, is one of the most effective in any convertible made, creating a zone that lets you be relatively soft-spoken at 70 mph. Power up the top, and the SL truly turns into a tight, vaultlike coupe; a passenger might have no idea that this moonlights as a convertible.
About the only feature we鈥檙e not convinced about on the SL is what鈥檚 front and center鈥攊ts COMAND interface. Compared to the rival high-end versions of iDrive or MMI, it feels limited and too dependent on remembering text-based menus. SL 63, otherwise a tour de force of technology and engineering, underscores that point. At the base SL450 level, these models include Keyless Go with Hands-Free Access, Parktronic Parking Assist, a Harmon Kardon surround-sound system, and a Collision Prevention Assist Plus feature with active brake assist. Other key options on the SL include softer Nappa leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and the Active Body Control with Curve Tilting function. And there鈥檚 Magic Sky Control, which makes much of the roof glass, with the capability to adjust light transmission with the touch of a button. Additionally, on the AMG models you can get a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system. Taking a step back, the SL is peerless. The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Convertible, and Porsche 911 Cabriolet all sacrifice just a bit more quiet, long-legged road-trip comfort, while, perhaps, delivering a little more edginess at those times when you're pushing the limits. Collectively, the revised SL lineup goes farther, employing some technological tricks, as well as some serious engineering, for more seat-of-the-pants thrills, all to full advantage鈥攑ushing the limits between what defines a racy roadster and a downright luxurious convertible.
New performance coupe lives up to M name. The high-performance BMW M4 is all-new for 2015, a sleek, powerful coupe that takes its place alongside the venerated M3 sedan in BMW's track-ready M lineup. Based on the 4 Series, the 2015 BMW M4 replaces the last-generation two-door M3, in line with BMW's latest nomenclature that uses odd numbers to denote sedans, and even numbers for coupes. While the M3 is a great all-around sedan that can go from the track to the grocery store with daily-driver practicality, the M4 looks more like a true sports car. Unlike the M3's more upright stance, the BMW M4 is slightly leaned-back, with a signature BMW twin kidney grille that is ever-so-slightly lower and wider. Large front air intakes are functional and give the M4 an aggressive look. Vertical vents alongside the front fenders channel air down the sides of the car. A rear integrated lip spoiler keeps the car planted, while a smooth underbody and rear diffuser help the M4 to slice through the air with as little resistance as possible.