Latest news with #MSteptronic
TimesLIVE
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
BMW streamlines its local XM range with new XM Label
BMW South Africa is consolidating its XM range with a single model offering. From now on customers will only be able order the updated flagship XM Label derivative that boasts a formidable plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 550kW and 1,000Nm worth of torque. These impressive numbers come courtesy a 4.4 l twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine and a permanently excited synchronous motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. Sent to the road via an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, BMW says the XM Label will scorch its way from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 290km/h courtesy of the M Driver's Package fitted to South African units as standard. In keeping with its phenomenal straight line performance, the BMW XM Label sports a corner-capable chassis armed with all manner of aids, including adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilisation. There's also a locking rear e-differential and integral active steering. While new 23" M lightweight alloy wheels are available as an option, an M Sport braking system is standard and comprises six-piston, fixed-calipers at the front and single-piston, floating-calipers units at the rear. When not tearing up drag strips or terrorising supercars, drivers can make use of this M car's emissions-free electric driving mode that offers a range of up to 76km thanks to a 25.7kWh battery pack. AC charging has been boosted from 7.4kW to 11kW, meaning the latter can be replenished from zero to 100% charge in two hours and 20 minutes. Exterior updates to the BMW XM Label include enhanced customisation options such as BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic paint and a BMW M kidney grille in high-gloss black. There's also a new welcome light animation to show off with after dark. The interior can be spiced up with new Merino leather upholstery colour ways. Available options include BMW Individual Night Blue, Black, Vintage Coffee Brown and Silverstone. Standard features take the form of a BMW Curved Display with M-specific content, a head-up display, parking assistant plus, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with the latest generation iDrive system and a three-dimensional prism headliner jewelled with no less than 100 individual LED light units. There's also customisable ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control and a high-performance Harman Kardon sound system.
Hypebeast
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hypebeast
BMW Unleashes 2026 M2 CS With More Power, Less Weight and Track-Ready Upgrades
Summary BMW Mhas revealed the 2026M2 CS, a limited-edition high-performance coupe that raises the bar with more power, sharper dynamics and lightweight engineering. Making its debut at theConcorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the M2 CS boasts a 523 hp 3L inline-six engine — up 50 hp from the standard M2 — and shaves nearly 100 pounds through the use of carbon fiber components and forged wheels. Capable of sprinting from 0–60 mph in 3.7 seconds and hitting a top speed of 188 mph, the M2 CS channels its power through an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and rear-wheel drive. A stiffer engine mount, revised chassis tuning and adaptive M suspension ensure sharper handling, while M Compound brakes come standard with optional carbon-ceramic upgrades. Inside, the CS features Alcantara-trimmed M Carbon bucket seats, a flat-bottom M steering wheel and exclusive carbon fiber accents. The car comes fully loaded with BMW's latest OS 8.5 infotainment system, head-up display and a 14.9-inch control screen with digital climate controls. Production starts August 2025 at BMW's San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, with pricing from $98,600 USD.
TimesLIVE
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
New BMW M2 CS breaks cover with 390kW
BMW has given us the official lowdown on its new M2 CS. Shown in the metal at the 2025 Villa d'Este concours, the flagship model is 30kg lighter than your regular M2, thanks to the liberal use of gravity-cheating materials. The coupé's roof, side mirrors, boot lid with its distinctive ducktail spoiler and rear diffusor are hewn out of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Throw in a gorgeous set of matt gold-bronze forged M light-alloy wheels (19" front, 20" rear) and you get a sports car that tips the scales at under the 1,700kg mark. Up front you'll find the M2 CS wears a newly sculpted bumper home to a CS-specific kidney grill, pronounced front splitter and optimised air inlets. These help oxygenate what is perhaps the vehicle's most important feature: a specially tuned S58 3.0 l turbocharged straight-six engine making 390kW at 6,250rpm and 650Nm from 2,650rpm to 5,730rpm. Sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission (with Drivelogic) and M Sport differential, BMW said the M2 CS will hurtle from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and (thanks to the standard M Driver's Package) reach a limited top speed of 302km/h. The formidable units exhales through a standard M-specific exhaust system fitted with electrically controlled flaps and the four exhaust pipes finished in matt black. However, customers have the option of upgrading to a lighter but notably more rambunctious M Performance silencer system with carbon and titanium tailpipe trims. The carmaker said it generates a "racing-car sound guaranteed to stir the emotions". Worth it, we think. A CS wouldn't be a CS without a thorough chassis fettling, and that's exactly what this M2 gets. Ride height has been lowered by 8mm while the springs, dampers and control systems have all received bespoke tuning. BMW said the modifications improve driving dynamics significantly in all scenarios, including under extremely hard driving which, let's face it, most owners are probably going to indulge in on a regular basis (responsibly, we hope). The mapping of the coupé's Dynamic Stability Control and M Dynamic Mode have also been optimised precisely to meet the demands of driving on the race track. Image: Supplied For optimal stopping power the M2 CS is fitted with an M Compound braking system with red brake callipers as standard, with a carbon ceramic package available as a cost option. Though the vehicle is shod with track tyres from the factory (275/35 ZR19 at the front and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear), owners can choose to specify their car with a more aggressive ultra-track tyre or a standard sport tyre engineered for everyday liveability. The circuit-focussed CS vibes continue on inside the cabin where you will find exclusive features such as an M Alcantara steering wheel with a red centre mark and CFRP paddles, a lightweight CFRP centre console, M carbon bucket seats with an illuminated CS logo, door sill plates with M2 CS lettering and illuminated door trim panels with CS lettering. Finishing things off is an M Anthracite headlining and M Carbon Fibre trim elements. Equipment levels are generous and include two-zone automatic climate control, comfort access, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, head-up display and BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a BMW Maps navigation system. You also get the BMW Curved Display that combines a 14.9" digital instrument cluster with a 12.3" touchscreen infotainment system packed with an array of M-specific readouts including shift lights, vehicle setup, tyre condition, an M drift analyser and M lap timer. Lots to keep you entertained. Set to be produced in limited numbers, the new BMW M2 CS will be available in SA from the second quarter of 2026 with pricing to be confirmed closer to the time.
