BMW Goes On M Power Overload At The 2019 LA Auto Show

• The M2 CS is the most hardcore version of the M2 that money can buy.
• M8 Gran Coupe Competition deploys a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 developing 625PS/750Nm.
• The 2 Series Gran Coupe is based on the new BMW 1 Series hatchback.
• BMW also debuted the X5 M and X6 M at the 2019 LA Auto Show.

Lately, BMW has been in the news thanks to reveals of the 2 Series Gran Coupe, the M2 CS, and the beautiful M8 Gran Coupe Competition. Some of the limelight is also down to the absurdly large kidney grille that might debut in the new 4 Series. We got a taste of the BMW’s new design language with the Concept 4. Now, BMW is making its presence felt at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto show with some of the above mentioned cars along with two big brutes: the X5 M and X6 M. Let’s take a quick look at what BMW brought to the floor:

M2 CS

The M2 in 2015 was so good that it was touted as the real successor to the brilliant E90 M3. But, come 2018 Beijing Auto Show, BMW improved upon the standard M2 and plonked in the S55 engine from the F80 M3 and F82 M4 calling it the M2 Competition. Just prior to the LA Auto Show, BMW surprised us again with what you see here - the M2 CS. Gaining the more powerful version of the S55 3.0-litre inline six engine from the M4 CS and a host of expensive carbon fibre parts, the M2 CS is the ultimate version of the M2 money can buy today.  Numbers read 444PS and 560Nm through a 6-speed manual gearbox (or a 7-speed DCT) to the rear wheels. Capped to 2,200 units worldwide, the M2 CS follows the thumb rule of more power and less kerb weight. Carbon fibre front splitter, roof, rear spoiler, exterior mirrors, and hood helps it achieve this feat.

2 Series Gran Coupe

Based on the new 1 Series, the 2 Series Gran Coupe also uses a FWD drivetrain setup, which might not be exactly what you want to hear. That said, the 2 Series sedan gets the option of three engines: 1.5-litre, a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel paired with a 6-speed MT / 7-speed DCT/8-speed AT. Output figures from these powertrain engines range from 140PS to a healthy 306PS. Styling is also subject to some contention, but it borrows the front end design from the 1 Series while the rear end is novel and un-BMW like. If the FWD drivetrain worries you, BMW is also offering the M235i XDrive with various other goodies like mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD), M Sport steering, M Sport brakes and  launch control. We also expect BMW to bring in the 2 Series Gran Coupe to India by 2021.

M8 Gran Coupe And M8 Competition Gran Coupe

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The beautiful shade you see here is called Ametrin Metallic. And the gorgeous car is the M8 Competition Gran Coupe. This might also be one of the best looking BMW sedans in this day and age. Technical figures are 600PS/625PS (Competition) and 750Nm of torque from a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic with the Active M Differential. There are also three modes on offer for the powertrain: 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD for pulling long slides. Although a heavy sedan (over 2 tonne), the M8 Gran Coupe can sprint from standstill to 100kmph in 3.3 and 3.2 seconds (Competition). Some standard equipment include BMW Laserlight, M sports seats, M-specific BMW Head-Up Display, BMW Live Cockpit Professional and Parking Assistant. 

X5 M

The X5 M made its world debut at the 2019 LA Auto Show. The heart of the matter is a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 600PS and 750Nm of torque. There is also the X5 M Competition, which ups the output further by 25PS while the torque remains the same. It is also one of the most powerful BMWs that you can get today. Power is sent to all four corners with the help of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 0-100 kmph is claimed to be achieved in 3.9 seconds, with the BMW X5 M Competition doing the same in 3.8 seconds. The X5 M gets two all-wheel drive modes: 4WD and 4WD Sport. It also gets minor exterior bits like the aggressive front bumper, quad exhausts, M-style mirrors, and a rear roof spoiler. The cabin also gains sportier seats and some carbon fibre trim inserts. Pricing for the SUV starts from USD 105,100 (Rs 72 lakh) for X5 M and USD 114,100 (Rs 81 lakh) for X5 M Competition. 

X6 M

Along with the X5 M, BMW also debuted its bigger brother, the X6 M. First impression, the X6 M looks much sportier than its standard counterpart with the blacked out bits, especially the kidney grille. New bumpers, intakes and the black treatment are the novel bits on the outside along with changes to the cabin similar to the X5 M. The 2020 BMW X6 M shares all the mechanical bits with the X5 M. It uses the same 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 600PS of maximum power and 750Nm of maximum torque. And as with the X5 M Competition, the X6 M Competition also gets a 25PS bump in power output. Eight-speed automatic gearbox takes care of transmission duties to the four wheels supported by two drive modes: 4WD and 4WD Sport. The acceleration times are also similar to the X5 M at 3.9 and 3.8 seconds (Competition). The X6 M comes with a base sticker price of USD 108,600 (Rs 77 lakh) and the Competition can be yours for USD 117,600 (Rs 84 lakh).