M stands for magic

THE BMW M Active Drive event is a driving experience aimed at showcasing sophisticated and stylish innovations from the German automotive powerhouse.

Euro Motors, the importer of BMW in Bahrain, invited a group of journalists, including yours truly, down to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to put a range of M series BMWs through their paces.

The Germans may have some questionable quirks when it comes to cuisine, but it’s almost impossible to criticise their engineering skills. Anyone who has driven one knows that BMWs are highly efficient driving machines and the raw power at your disposal is staggering.

Although, thanks to Euro Motors, I have driven a number of BMWs over the years, it’s a different feeling all together to take one on an F1 track where there are no stop signs or speed limits … just sheer driving pleasure.

Under the guidance of BMW M Performance’s instructors I took the M6, M135, M5 and X6M models around the track. These M-badged cars include modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and exterior modifications to set them apart from their counterparts.

All of the models in the M series have their own distinctive look and feel but they all share the same unmistakable BMW DNA.

As I approached the M6, a high-performance version of the 6 Series coupe/convertible, I noticed the front of the car has a newly-designed M kidney grille with an M6 badge … sleek.

The BIC has some fantastic straights where you really have the chance to open up the throttle and see what these mean machines are truly capable of. As I hit the 240kmph mark it was time to slam on the brakes and decelerate around one of the track’s hairpin turns, trying hard to stick to the apex and avoid spinning out.

Not only did I do a good job, I would go as far as to say Jenson Button would be hard-pressed to do it any better … this is the kind of confidence an M series gives you.

After each lap we swapped cars, ensuring everybody got a turn behind the wheel of each model.

The M135 is an experience in itself. Although it is the smallest of the models, it is just as powerful and makes the dash from 0-100kmph in under five seconds, thanks to its lightweight design and aggressive engine. It flew around corners and is a testament to the fact that size doesn’t mater.

The exterior may differ drastically between models but the interior is just as classy and cool in all of them.
The M5 is a fantastic ride, it looks good, it feels good and it drives remarkably well. The suspension is finely-tuned which gives the driver a sense of confidence which comes in handy when you’re pushing 200kmph.

At the end of the M drive event, as I was leaving the BIC in my trusty run-around with my foot to the floor and barely doing 60kmph, I realised that to the uninitiated, the M may stand for motorsport but for me, it stands for magic!

For more information and prices of the BMW vehicles involved contact Euro Motors on 17750850.