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Motorists with a thirst for speed and control were treated to the ultimate driving experience, going around Bahrain’s Formula One circuit in BMW’s mighty M range and extreme X models.
Earlier this week, the BMW Group and Euro Motors, the exclusive importer of BMW and MINI vehicles in the kingdom, invited customers and members of the media to put the German marque through its paces.
An array of beautiful beasts, such as the BMW X6 M, BMW X5 M, BMW M4, BMW M2, BMW M3 and BMW M6 gran coupe, were parked and ready to offer ‘sheer driving pleasure’ at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.
According to Shehab Saeed, Euro Motors marketing manager, it was a chance to test the power of the vehicles. Hundreds of guests turned up for the two-day M Meets X event, a concept used by BMW in many countries.
Mr Saeed said: “We wanted to launch the arrival of the BMW X6 M and the BMW X5 M in a special way. They are, after all, the newest additions to the BMW family – basically SUV-category vehicles but M-powered.
“We wanted to give people a chance to drive the cars on the track and experience the full line-up of the M-power range.
“Our aim was for people to get a better understanding of the drive dynamics of these vehicles. BMW’s motto is ‘sheer driving pleasure’ and that is what we wanted everyone to experience on the track because on the road you can’t really fully express yourself with these M-power engines.
“They are extremely powerful, extremely efficient and also extremely safe; giving you the grip and comfort that you need on the road even at high speeds. The manoeuvrability and handling are just as important as the power.”
After going through a safety lecture on how to handle the sporty, sleek SUVs, participants were split into two groups and escorted to different areas by the BMW driver trainers.
The trainers provided guests with the know-how on how to handle the M range in safe driving situations on the race track from acceleration and slaloming to cornering and braking.
The second phase focused on the driving dynamics of the BMW X models on an obstacle course, to showcase the versatility of the range.
The engaging course focused on powering the X cars through straights, around corners and bends as well as showcasing the dynamism through wide and narrow slaloms.
One team drove the M range on the track, snaking around corners behind the driving trainer and following instructions and guidance, while the other group moved onto the course and paired up to guide each other through the cones.
While weaving through the course, drivers could not ignore the robustness and agility of the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M.
Both models complete the sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.2 seconds in conjunction with the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.
It bends beautifully with its new M TwinPower Turbo engine which is the most powerful unit ever developed by BMW for an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
It also boasts a pair of TwinScrollturbo chargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, Valvetronic and High Precision Direct Petrol Injection. The 4.4-litre V8 produces maximum output of 423kW/575hp between 6,000 and 6,500rpm. That represents a four per cent increase over the predecessor models.
In terms of looks, it is the envy of all SUVs, with its exterior painted fully in body colour. Both models cut a low-slung figure on the road and mixed tyres showcase their sporty track width. There are a number of exclusive design elements that elevate the M models even further than the standard BMW X5 and BMW X6.
Large air intakes at the front end, the kidney grille with twin slats, side gills with a model badge and Air Breathers, M-specific exterior mirrors in twin-stalk style, a typically M four-tailpipe exhaust system and a rear spoiler (for the BMW X6 M) give them a standalone look M fans will immediately recognise.
Peter Jany, a freelance digital photographer who owns a BMW Z3 M roadster, loved the BMW X5 M more than the BMW X6 M. He said: “The event overall was awesome and it gave everyone a chance to drive all the cars. My favourite was the M4 because I think it was the best all-rounder to suit road and, possibly, track in my opinion.”
The BMW X6 M is priced at BD58,000 and the BMW X5 M costs BD53,000. As for the M models, The BMW M4 comes at BD42,000, the BMW M3 at BD40,000 and the BMW M6 gran coupe is priced BD58,000.
For further details, contact 17750750 or email bmwmarketing@euromotors.com.bh
Mai’s highlight: With three cars behind me, full of guys, I knew I had to show them something special. It was time to dispel the tired stereotype that women can’t drive. They didn’t have to know that I had driven on that track on many occasions before and knew my way around. When the instructor said let’s go I was ready, mimicking his every move, keeping corners tight and pushing the boundaries when needed.
When we completed the lap and I popped out of the M4 with a smile on my face the guys stepped back, smiled and clapped. One gentleman even shook my hand and described me as a good driver. Ha! Ladies, we showed them!
