McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

BMW News

BMW news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, M division launches and electric range developments. Our coverage runs from the 7 Series through the M cars and across BMW's growing electric line-up, alongside the earlier models that still trade strongly. Reporting comes from first-drive access and from the auction results that determine collector values. Many sites carry performance car news, but few carry it beside live inventory. A great many of the BMWs covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, so a review and an asking price appear together. For BMW news today, and the luxury car news around it, start below.

By Khris Bharath – September 05, 2025

BMW iX3 Launches the Neue Klasse Era With 400-Mile Range ...

BMW has pulled the wraps off the 2026 iX3, the first production model built on its all-new Neue Klasse platform. This next-gen SUV represents more than just another electric option in BMW’s lineup, as it sets the tone for design, software, and powertrain strategy across the Bavarian brand for the next decade. With a starting price of about $60,000 (single-motor variant), an estimated range of 400 miles, and 800-volt charging architecture that peaks at 400 kW, this latest iX3 is BMW’s clearest attempt yet to prove an EV can still carry the badge’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” promise. The German brand ofcourse is no stranger to full electrification, which began over a decade ago with the i3 hatchback and i8 coupe. They were early experiments in electrification, each memorable but limited in scope. The more recent iX SUV showed that BMW could deliver a tech-forward EV in a premium package. The first iX3 meanwhile, launched in 2020, and was essentially a converted X3 sold mainly in Europe and China. This all-new iX3 seen here, is different as it is purpose-built as an EV from the ground up and introduces a design language BMW intends to roll out across nearly 40 models by 2027. Speaking of design, it is a clear departure from the more traditional gas-powered variants and much of what we saw on the camouflaged Neue Klasse pre-production prototypes has carried through. Despite being an EV, a prominent backlit kidney grille is present, albeit one that is a lot slimmer now, which takes inspiration from the BMW 1800 of the 1960s. The rear is where you see some pretty dramatic changes, with a split LED taillight setup, but the signature BMW Hoffmeister kink remains on the D-Pillar. Plasitc cladding has madeway for body colored wheelarches, lending a far more upmarket look. Aerodynamics are impressive, with a drag coefficient of 0.24. The iX3 is also designed to be more sustainable, with BMW claiming a 30 percent lower carbon footprint over its lifecycle compared with its earlier EVs. Performance figures place the iX3 in the heart of the niche midsize EV SUV segment. Two motors, a 322-horsepower synchronous unit at the rear and a 165-horsepower induction unit upfront, will offer a combined 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque. BMW estimates a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. In typical BMW fasion, the rear motor does most of the work for that synonymous BMW RWD bias and feel, with the front only stepping in for added traction. BMW says energy losses are down 40 percent compared to its Gen5 motors. Weight has been cut 10 percent, and manufacturing costs have dropped 20 percent, savings that translate directly into usable range. Charging capability is where the iX3 stakes its biggest claim. On a compatible DC fast charger, you can now add about 230 miles of range in just 10 minutes or move from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. At home, the optional BMW Wallbox Professional supports up to 19.2 kW. Every model also includes bi-directional functionality, so the SUV can power a campsite, feed solar energy back into a home system, or interact with the grid. The charging port is NACS standard with a CCS adapter included, giving you access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network as well as existing infrastructure across the U.S. Practicality also gets attention. Sitting on the SAV platform, the iX3 measures 188.3 inches long and rides on a longer 114.1-inch wheelbase, which should mean more rear-seat legroom. Cargo space is 30.4 cubic feet with the seats up and 65 cubic feet folded, along with a small two-cubic-foot frunk for cables or essentials. Towing capacity is rated at 4,400 pounds. Weight distribution is nearly even front to rear, and the battery’s low placement should help with handling and ride quality. Inside, the cabin now features BMW’s all-new Panoramic iDrive, which combines a 17.9-inch central display with a projection across the lower windshield called Panoramic Vision, similar to recent setups on Mercedes, Cadillac, and, more recently, Lincoln. The white squarcle steering wheel is a highlight and physical controls, thankfully, remain for critical functions like wipers and hazard lights, which is a welcome departure from screen-heavy rivals. BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant now learns routines and can automate frequent tasks, such as activating seat and wheel heaters on cold mornings. Interior materials include standard Veganza upholstery or optional Merino leather, and a Harman Kardon 13-speaker system is on the options list and you can extensively customize the ambience with several available colors. BMW also highlights features that point to a deeper shift in its vehicles. A new electronics backbone powered by four high-performance computers, referred to as “superbrains,” governs dynamics, infotainment, and driver assistance. One of them, called the Heart of Joy, processes inputs ten times faster than existing ECUs, while another oversees automated driving functions with twenty times the computing power. This architecture enables what BMW is calling symbiotic driver assistance, allowing light steering or braking inputs without disengaging lane-keeping or cruise control. Charging is equally advanced, with support for Plug & Charge contracts across multiple providers and an AI-controlled charging flap that opens automatically when you approach. Production will begin in Debrecen, Hungary in early 2026, with U.S. deliveries scheduled for mid-year. The first model available will be the dual-motor xDrive, with a rear-drive variant to follow. If you're in the market for a mid-size all-electric SUV, the iX3’s 400 mile range, fast-charging ability, and price point make it competitive with Tesla’s Model Y Performance, which offers 277 miles of range and slower 250 kW charging, and Mercedes’ EQE SUV 350, which costs around $79,000 for 2025, and delivers about 270 miles with a 170 kW peak. BMW’s real challenge will be convincing shoppers that the iX3’s blend of range, charging speed, and technology now delivers a more complete experience than its rivals. View All BMW X3s for Sale " width="680"> Source: BMW

By Khris Bharath – August 15, 2025

2026 BMW M850i Edition M Heritage Revives Iconic ’90s Col...

BMW is celebrating the 8 Series Gran Coupe (G16) at Pebble Beach with a very special edition after a production run that began in 2019, first revealed in 2019. This is the 2026 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe Edition M Heritage, making its debut at this year’s Monterey Car Week. It is a 500-unit send-off special, built specifically for the BMW faithful and those who care deeply about the Bavarian automaker’s history, and specific nuances like color codes. If you remember the original E31 8 Series from the ‘90s, you will recognize the vibrant paint palette seen here right away. That’s right, each of these now iconic original hues: Bright Red, Mauritius Blue metallic, Cosmos Black metallic, Oxford Green metallic, and Daytona Violet metallic, colors that were offered on the E31 that debuted at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, are all back. But this time, they feature on the latest M850i xDrive Gran Coupe. Beyond the visual bits, BMW isn’t skimping on hardware on this special edition either. Each one of these M Heritage cars will feature an M carbon fiber roof with exclusive M tri-color stripes, the M S with port Professional package, Style 895M bi-color Orbit Grey 20-inch dual-spoke alloys, and summer performance tires. Black-caliper M Sport brakes, Shadowline headlights, and extended Shadowline trim keep the look sharp but not flashy. Inside, BMW Individual has gone to town. You get M Sport seats wrapped in Black Full Merino Leather and Alcantara with a diamond pattern, Alcantara on the headliner, dash, and upper door panels, and tri-color M stitching on the seats and belts. The M badges in the headrests are non-illuminated. A matte-finish carbon fiber console, glass shifter, and etched “M850i Edition M Heritage” script with “1/500” numbering on the sills and cupholder cover make sure you remember that what you’re looking at isn’t a regular M850i. Spec-wise, there’s nothing to add here since every car comes fully loaded with the high-end Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround sound system and the Driving Assistance Professional Package. The performance numbers are unchanged from the standard M850i. The 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 still pushes 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic, good for 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Top speed sits at an electronically-limited 155 mph. So, which of these five heritage paint shades would you consider? If you are indeed a fanboy, the best part is that you don’t need to pay extra for them either, since they’re already baked into the $130,400 base price. However, the real question is whether this will be the last time BMW channels the old 8 Series so directly. With just 500 examples slated for production, most will be spoken for long before the first one rolls off the line. Production starts in November 2025 with deliveries in early 2026. View All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 04, 2025

BMW M Hybrid V8 Wins 1-2 Finish At Road America

The first IMSA victory for the BMW M Hybrid V8 this season was an extra special one. The current top class of endurance racing consists of the FIA World Endurance Championship, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which brings the world’s greatest racing hypercars to tracks across the States. This past weekend, the championship came to Wisconsin’s Road America, where the BMW M Team RLL celebrated its first victory of the season with the BMW M Hybrid V8 hypercar. However, the team didn’t just win the race, but secured an incredible 1-2 victory. The number 24 car, with Philipp Eng and Dries Vanthoor behind the wheel, finished the 2 hour, 40 minute race in first place, while the number 25 car, piloted by Sheldon van der Linde and Marco Wittmann, finished in second. The victory, a major milestone for the team this season, comes after four pole positions and two previous podium finishes, and it was complemented by the #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, driven by Neil Verhagen and Madison Snow, emerging victorious in the GTD Pro class. Both BMW M Hybrid V8s delivered solid qualifying times, starting the race second and third on the grid, and despite challenges early in the race, a solid pit strategy and precise driving allowed the team to not only secure the victory, but dominate the race with its one-two finish. The first victory of the season for the BMW M Hybrid V8 was not only hard-earned but impossible to ignore. View All BMWs For Sale Image Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 31, 2025

The BMW M3 CS Touring Sets Nürburgring Lap Record for Fas...

The M3 once again remain a top track contender, in its long roof CS form. Station wagons have long carried a reputation as slow family haulers, but there's always been a corner of the car world that refuses to accept that. Performance wagons combine everyday practicality with serious power, giving you room for groceries during the week and enough horsepower for a proper track session on the weekend. Nobody understands this recipe for success quite like BMW, with a historic lineage of M model station wagons that have quietly soared in value and popularity among passionate car collectors and enthusiasts. After a brief hiatus, BMW shook up the automotive world with the debut of its M3 Touring and even more track-focused M3 CS Touring. BMW's new M3 CS Touring just claimed the Nürburgring lap record for a production wagon, setting a time of 7:29.490 around the 12.94-mile Nordschleife. It's the quickest long-roof model to ever lap the track, beating out other Touring models by more than five seconds. The M3 CS packs a 550-horsepower straight-six and all-wheel drive, setting a serious pace while still keeping the space and usability of a wagon. For anyone who's ever thought practical can't be fun, the M3 CS Touring makes a strong case otherwise. Behind the wheel for the record was BMW M's test driver Jörg Weidinger, who's logged plenty of time around the' Ring. The Touring falls just behind the M3 CS sedan and a few seconds off the M4 CS and CSL coupes, which is impressive for a car with room for the dog and a few bags. While wagons are often overlooked in the performance world, this one manages to balance sharp handling with day-to-day livability. BMW's long-standing connection with the Nürburgring shows how the car behaves when pushed on a track where it's been engineered. Whether or not you plan to chase lap records, it's cool to see a practical shape still getting the full M treatment. View All BMW M3s For Sale " width="680"> Source: BMW M

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 30, 2025

BMW Announces Unveils & Displays At Monterey Car Week 2025

BMW is bringing new, old, and unique to Monterey Car Week this year. With a lineup of luxury vehicles and performance machines that have built a venerated legacy, BMW is coming to this year’s Monterey Car Week, one of the world’s most anticipated, prestigious, and exclusive annual automotive events, wtih new vehicles to unveil, as well as historic displays of its legendary Art Car legacy and a display of its past race cars, showcasing its celebrated past and present. The new 2026 BMW M2 CS, the lighter, more powerful, and more aggressive iteration of the M2, is making its North American debut at the Legends of the Autobahn event, located at Pacific Grove Golf Links. The debut, taking place on August 14, comes after the new M2 CS claimed its crown as the fastest compact production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife, one of the world’s most challenging and revered race tracks with over 70 corners and dramatic elevation changes in its 12.9-mile length. In addition, BMW will be revealing a new exclusive limited-edition variant of the 8 Series at Monterey Car Week, specifically at a private event. The model has served as one of BMW’s celebrated flagships with stunning luxury and performance, thanks to its coupe, Gran Coupe, and convertible variants, as well as six and eight-cylinder powertrians, the M8 performance variant, and race cars based on it. At the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, BMW is set to display historic race cars, like the 2004 BMW Team PTG M3 GTR, the 2011 BMW M3 GT ALMS, and the 1977 BMW 320i Turbo IMSA Group 5. Meanwhile, BMW’s cherished legacy of Art Cars will be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, including the BMW M1 Group 4 by Andy Warhol and the modern BMW M Hybrid V8 by Julie Mehretu, as part of BMW’s global celebration of 50 years of the Art Car project. Celebrating past, present, and near future, BMW’s Monterey Car Week presence this year is sure to make a splash. View All BMWs For Sale Image Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 02, 2025

BMW USA Reports 1.6% Sales Growth In H1 2025

BMW USA gives its 2025 halftime report. With an expanding lineup of electrified models, a cherished performance car stable, the XM Label announced as the only XM model offered for the 2026 model year, and a cohort of Neue Klasse models on the horizon, BMW is moving at a rapid pace as a manufacturer. Thus far, 2025 is something of a turning point for BMW’s lineup, and with BMW USA’s sales results being reported for the first half of the year, BMW is experiencing success, stability, and even some growth compared to the first half of 2024. Throughout the lineup, BMW USA managed to grow its sales by 1.6 percent in the first half of 2025, selling a total of 178,499 vehicles compared to 175,712 in the first half of 2024. In the second quarter of the year itself, BMW remained virtually on par with last year’s number, selling a few hundred less cars than last year’s number for a 0.4 percent decrease compared to Q2 2024. Specifically, BMW’s BEV lineup saw decreased sales in the second quarter of 2024 by 21.2 percent, and in the first half of the year, electric BMW vehicles saw a decrease of 0.7 percent in sales, which for BMW USA, includes the BMW i4, i5, i7, and iX. With the first half of 2025 wrapped, the celebrated luxury manufacturer has thus far shown stability and slight growth so far. View All BMW For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 16, 2025

Mansory Unveils New BMW M5 Customizations

BMW’s new hybrid performance sedan gets a Mansory makeover. BMW transformed the legacy of one of its most iconic performance models when it unveiled the latest generation of its M5. With a hybrid powertrain and a V8 engine, the new BMW M5 is capable of performance levels and efficiency that were previously unprecedented for the legendary nameplate, making for a futuristic, high-tech, and high-performance luxurious sedan. The new BMW M5 is a hallmark of a new era for BMW, and although it’s one of the newest BMW performance models, customization and tuning specialist Mansory is known for its ability to transform the latest luxury, exotic, and high-performance vehicles with unique looks, opulent craftsmanship, and hair-raising performance, with the BMW M5 being the latest to join its repertoire. Mansory’s new suite of customizations for the BMW M5 includes various body kit components finished in exposed carbon fiber, forged 22-inch wheels, a new sports exhaust system that transforms the sound experience of the luxury experience sedan, and a performance upgrade that brings the total performance to 838 horsepower and 848 lb/ft of torque. With incredible customizations and increased performance available for the new BMW M5, Mansory has made its mark on BMW’s hybrid luxury performance hero. View All BMW M5 For Sale Image Source: Mansory

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 11, 2025

BMW Axes XM For 2026 & Unveils New 2026 XM Label

BMW’s M-exclusive Super SUV gets an update. A few years ago, BMW unveiled a striking concept at Art Basel Miami Beach: the XM. Its angular, avant-garde design envisioned an interpretation of a BMW luxury SUV that was purely made for the M lineup. After wowing visitors with its unique looks, a production version was announced, with a design that is incredibly similar to its concept counterpart. The production BMW XM combines a twin-turbo V8 engine with a plug-in hybrid system for immense power, adding elevated luxury to the mix with its M Lounge rear interior concept, as well as unique colors and striking finishes. Importantly, however, the BMW XM is the second M-exclusive model ever, and the first since the legendary BMW M1 supercar. After the BMW XM came the BMW XM Label, a variant of the high-performance luxe SUV with an increased power figure of a massive 738 horsepower that made it the most powerful roadgoing BMW M model ever. The XM Label managed to break a record at Pikes Peak, and since then, the head-turning hybrid super SUV has served as a unique flagship for BMW M, and the 2026 model years brings forth a series of updates for the XM. For 2026, the biggest change coming to the BMW XM lineup is that the standard XM is leaving the lineup in favor of only offering the XM Label in the USA, which was revealed amongst the festivities of this year’s highly anticipated 24 Hours of Le Mans race. With a total system power of 738 horsepower and 738 lb/ft of torque, the XM Label rockets form 0-60 in just 3.6 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, which can be increased to 175 mph with the M Driver’s package. " width="680"> View All BMW XMs For Sale Also new for 2026 are various configuration options, like the newly available BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic paint color, the 1096 M style 23-inch wheels in Jet Black, and a new Welcome Light animation. Three new interior configurations are available: BMW Individual Night Blue Full Merino Leather with Vintage Coffee accents, BMW Individual Black Full Merino Leather with Vintage Coffee accents, and BMW Individual Silverstone Extended Merino leather with Black accents. Enhancing the convenience of the plug-in hybrid aspect of the new 2026 XM Label, the charging rate has been increased form 7.4 kW to 11 kW. With incredible power and truly striking, avant-garde design, BMW’s M-exclusive super SUV flagship becomes even better for 2026. Image Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 28, 2025

BMW Unveils New 523HP 2026 M2 CS

BMW’s latest performance hero fully breaks cover. While BMW’s M lineup is more well known for larger models like the M3, M4, and M5, the BMW M2 has earned a significant following for boasting robust performance along with incredibly fun-to-drive character and a small footprint that caters to purists with a blend of characteristics that make the car part of an unfortunately dying breed. However, BMW is cointinuing to up the ante for the new M2, introducing the design for the BMW M2 CS at this past weekend’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Now, more details about the new BMW M2 CS have been revealed, and the full announcement unveils a vehicle that a car that is lighter, more powerful, and even more thrilling than the standard car. The new 2026 BMW M2 CS continues a legacy of M2 CS models that began in 2019, and for the new model year, its most noteworthy feature is the fact that the S58 twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that powers it has been upgraded to produce a whopping 523 horsepower, an especially impressive figure considering the size of the M2 CS, the improvement by 50 horsepower compared to the standard car, and the weight reduction of near 100 pounds compared to the standard M2. That weight reduction is thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber and standard lightweight alloy wheels. It’s complemented by various chassis tweaks that are exclusive to the CS variant of the M2, and rear-wheel drive for driver-focused engagement. 0-60 takes place in just 3.7 seconds in the new BMW M2 CS, and continuing to keep the pedal to the floor achieves a top speed of 188 mph. The enhanced design includes various touches with materials like carbon fiber and an aesthetic derived from motorsport, suggesting the M2 CS’s performance exploits. Carrying a starting MSRP of $98,600 plus $1,175 destination and handling, the new BMW M2 CS is the further-distilled version of a celebrated performance hero. View All BMW M2s For Sale Image Source: BMW

By Khris Bharath – May 24, 2025

Bavaria Meets Milan: Coach-Built Bovensiepen Zagato Unvei...

We’re witnessing the birth of a new automotive marque this weekend with the introduction of the Bovensiepen Zagato. Unveiled at the Fuori Concorso on the shores of Lake Como, in Italy; this sleek carbon-bodied GT car is based on the BMW M4 convertible and fuses German engineering with Italian style. If the name Bovensiepen doesn’t ring a bell, it is in reference to the late founder of Alpina Bukard Bovensiepen, the once-independent BMW tuning house, now fully absorbed into the Bavarian automaker. Now, sons, Andreas and Florian Bovensiepen, are taking the next big step, and what better way than to do it with Milan-based Atelier Zagato, a company synonymous with coachbuilding and crafting some of the most stunning cars ever made. The Bovensiepen Zagato rides on the bones of the (G83) M4 convertible, but besides the daytime running lights upfront, you’d be hard-pressed to recognize it with the absence of BMW’s oversized kidney grille, now replaced by a black stainless steel mesh, flanked by sculpted air intakes. Details like double-bubble roof and sweeping proportions are unmistakably Zagato. Every panel is bespoke, and the air duct in the front fenders and aggressive diffuser help with aerodynamics. Even the trunk lid has been recontoured to support the subtle ducktail spoiler. Bespoke 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels and quad-Akrapoviç exhaust pipes complement the coach-built bodywork. “Our goal is to build cars for connoisseurs and enthusiasts who appreciate the perfect symbiosis of design and technology.” - Andreas Bovensiepen, CEO, Bovensiepen Automobiles. Under the hood, you get familiar firepower from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder mill, now tuned for 602 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That is a significant leap over the standard BMW M4 convertible’s 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet. As a result, the sprint to 60 mph happens in 3.3 seconds, whereas top speed is 186 mph. Despite the big speed, this is no track weapon. While an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard, custom Bilstein Damptronic dampers all help with this car’s grand touring intent. “It was a team effort driven by the excitement of the project, the idea of launching the first car of a new luxurious brand, and the fact that we were bringing together the DNA of two families." - Andrea Zagato, third-generation President of Zagato. Inside, the M4 architecture remains, but with an ambience that has been significantly elevated. Each Bovensiepen Zagato cabin undergoes 130 hours of customization, with full Lavalina leather, Alcantara, and in a near-endless palette of colors. The entire build for each car, with its 400 unique components, takes over 250 hours to put together. Exact pricing and exact production numbers have not been announced yet, but with the Zagato lineage and exclusivity, expect it to cost more than the Alpina B4 GT’s $200k price, sold exclusively as a coupe. Deliveries of the Bovensiepen Zagato will begin in the second quarter of 2026. View All BMWs For Sale Source: Zagato, Bovensiepen

BMW News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe