BMW News

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

A silver BMW E90 M3 sedan, a true collector car, is parked in a studio with a plain gray background, viewed from a front three-quarter angle.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 28, 2026

Meet the $250K E90 BMW M3 You May Have Never Heard Of

From a $130,000 launch price to quarter-million-dollar listings, the BMW E90 M3 CRT has had one of the quietest yet most dramatic climbs in the collector car market. At first glance, it’s just a four-door BMW M3 with some lightweight parts, but peel back the spec sheet, and the story is far more interesting. Produced in ultra-low numbers, never sold in the U.S., and overshadowed by its orange, winged E92 GTS sibling, the CRT almost flew under the radar. So how exactly did this carbon-clad sedan become one of the rarest, most sought-after M cars ever made? BMW Group What Is the BMW E90 M3 CRT? CRT stands for “Carbon Racing Technology,” and that wasn’t just a marketing line drafted up in a boardroom. Limited to just 67 chassis worldwide, the CRT took the E90 M3 sedan platform and upgraded it with the heart of the GTS, a 450-hp 4.4-liter S65 V8 paired with BMW’s 7-speed DCT. Weight-saving carbon fiber panels (including the hood and front seats), improved cooling, and suspension adjustments made it a sleeper track weapon disguised as a four-door luxury car. A 0-60mph time came in just over four seconds, and thanks to those lightweight carbon upgrades, it came in roughly 220lbs lighter than a standard M3 sedan. BMW Group Why It Was Overlooked When the CRT first launched in 2011, it wasn’t exactly headline news, especially for U.S. enthusiasts who couldn’t get their hands on one. Priced higher than a GTS, offered only in left-hand drive for select markets, and styled conservatively in Frozen Polar Silver, the CRT didn’t scream “collector car” at the time. However, as the E92 M3 era matured, enthusiasts started paying closer attention to its exclusivity and purpose-built design. The CRT’s rarity, motorsport DNA, and early use of carbon tech started making it look less like a quirky limited production model and more like a legitimate halo car. BMW Group The Current Market Over the past few years, the CRT has quietly climbed from cult status to investment grade among purists looking to preserve one of the best eras of motoring. Examples have surfaced at top-tier auctions with upwards of $200K in sales and private listing prices at the $250K mark. It’s now mentioned in the same breath as the E46 CSL and E92 GTS, only with fewer examples and arguably more usability. Collectors love its low-key exterior, daily-drivable layout, and ties to a golden era of naturally aspirated M power. The CRT may have been underappreciated at launch, but today, it’s finally getting the spotlight it deserves. Source: BMW Group All BMW M3 Inventory

The New 2027 BMW 7 Series Is A Neue Klasse Flagship

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 22, 2026

BMW Unveils New 2027 7 Series

BMW’s 7 Series has been an iconic flagship luxury sedan for decades, and each generation represents the pinnacle of German engineering, luxury craftsmanship, automotive technology, and stunning design. The latest generation is no different, as BMW has just unveiled the new 2027 7 Series, which introduces its Neue Klasse technology to the classic luxury sedan. Both combustion and electric powertrains will be offered for the new BMW 7 Series, with rear and all-wheel drive available, and a plug-in hybrid and a V8-powered M Performance model will join the lineup later. Joining its Neue Klasse siblings, the new 2027 BMW 7 Series features a revised design including an updated illuminated grille, optional crystal headlights, a monolithic silhouette, flush-mounted door handles, slim, elongated rear lights, and other elegant touches. The available M Sport Package and M Sport Package Professional also serve to add sporty character to the vehicle’s look. However, the new 2027 BMW 7 Series also features a new available BMW Individual Dual-Finish paintwork, offering customers Rolls-Royce-like two-tone paint, complete with a hand-painted Coach Line. The finish combines matte paint at the lower body with metallic paint on the upper body, requiring over 75 hours of work for each car from 20 specially trained employees working to complete the 12-step painting process. <- Gallery -> BMW Panoramic iDrive is coming to the new 2027 7 Series, with a new BMW Passenger Screen debuting as standard in the luxury flagship. For rear-seat entertainment, the BMW Theater Screen is returning to the 7 Series, but this time with the help of an optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos support to transform the experience into an ultra-luxury oasis. In addition, updated BMW Touch Command control screens make the viewing experience even more effortless than before. Bowers & Wilkins audio comes standard in the car, but the flagship Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System features up to 36 speakers with 1,925 watts of power. Headrest-mounted speakers for both the front and rear passengers makes the sound experience incredibly high-end and personal. The vehicle’s luxury is further enhanced with the use of materials like various wood and carbon fiber trim options, crystal glass control touch points, and Merino leather or Veganza upholstery in various colors. With the Neue Klasse technology, the new 2027 BMW 7 Series benefits from the new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant enhanced by Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology, over-the-air software updates, and other intelligent features. Meanwhile, a diverse range of powertrains are available. The all-electric i7, which benefits from battery technology developed with Rimac Technology for greater range and efficiency, is offered as the BMW i7 50 xDrive, with 449 hp and 487 lb/ft of torque, and the BMW i7 60 xDrive, which boasts 536 hp and 549 lb/ft of torque. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine is the new 2027 BMW 740, which is available with xDrive. The engine has 394 horsepower and 398 lb/ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid BMW 750e is due for early 2027, while a V8 powered M Performance model is said to come after that. Pricing starts at $99,800 for the 2027 BMW 740, with its xDrive variant starting at $102,800, while the i7 50 xDrive starts at $106,200, and the i7 60 xDrive starts at $124,700. With Neue Klasse technology and expertise from Rimac for the electric variant, a new era of BMW flagship luxury has arrived. View All BMW 7 Series For Sale Image Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 21, 2026

Fresh Off Masters Glory, Rory McIlroy Goes Green With a 700HP BMW M5

Coming off what may be considered one of the best weekends of his career, Rory McIlroy has further cemented himself as one of the greatest golfers of all time, joining an ultra-exclusive list of only three names to go back-to-back at The Masters. Naturally, as car enthusiasts, we couldn’t help but wonder: what does a two-time Masters champion drive on a daily basis? With a little help from BMW, we got a closer look at Rory McIlroy’s go-to choice. Given his partnership with BMW, a genuine passion for cars, and the need for room for both family and golf gear, his ideal daily driver naturally lands on the all-new BMW M5 sedan.What makes Rory McIlroy’s BMW M5 even cooler is its eye-catching Isle of Man Green finish, which just so happens to match the second green jacket from his big win at Augusta National Golf Club. BMW even took to its Instagram to showcase the dynamic duo, with a caption that reads, “Rory and green just look right.💚🏆” And while we’ve seen him behind the wheel of practically every BMW, including the M3, X7, 7-Series, I8, and even I3, the M5 Sedan feels right at home as the perfect dad-mobile.The latest BMW M5 keeps its legacy alive as the ultimate do-it-all performance sedan. The new generation takes things a step further with a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 paired with an electric motor, offering a plug-in hybrid setup that pushes out around 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. And with BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, it launches from 0–60 mph in just over 3 seconds and can reach a top speed of up to 190 mph. With all that performance and practicality, there’s no better choice for Rory McIlroy and his drive to become the greatest of all time on the golf course. All BMW M5 Inventory

BMW Makes EV Charging Easier With In-Car Payment

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 16, 2026

BMW Unveils In-Car Payment For EV Charging

As manufacturers continue to make the shift towards electrification, one of the largest hurdles to making that transition is charging an electric vehicle. Even as impressive fast charging technology works to close the gap, charging an electric vehicle still takes significantly longer than refueling a combustion-powered car, and manufacturers throughout the industry are coming up with solutions that make it easy, comfortable, and convenient when it does come time to charge your car. BMW’s latest innovation seeks to make EV charging more convenient and user-friendly than before, and it’s by turning your car into a rolling credit card for payments at public charging stations. MINI and BMW drivers in Germany have been able to use the feature since March 16, being able to use public charging stations with Plug & Charge without a prior charging contract. The feature uses a credit card that is on file with BMW or MINI, and after logging in with a customer ID in the vehicle, the credit card is authenticated and the charging process starts automatically. This eliminates the need for things like an additional app, a charging card, or other manual steps. For supported charging stations, pricing is also transparently displayed in the vehicle or on the app. Currently, the feature is available to those with a BMW or MINI account, even in rented or company cars, across over 1,400 charging points in Germany and Austria. Over the course of the year, BMW Group says that the feature will launch with additional charging point operators and markets. View All BMW For Sale Image Source: BMW

Open-Air Modern Classic: The Best BMW Z8 Examples For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 15, 2026

The Best BMW Z8s For Sale Right Now

BMW is celebrated for its luxurious, stylish vehicles that are also fun to drive. While the manufacturer might be most prominently known for sports sedans and agile grand touring coupes, its legacy of roadsters has also spurred the creation of some of the most celebrated driver’s cars of all time. Roadsters like the BMW 507 and BMW’s Z cars have earned favor among enthusiasts and collectors, and specifically, the BMW Z8 is one of the brands greatest modern collector cars. With a V8 engine derived from the contemporary BMW M5 of the early 2000s, the BMW Z8 combined its power with a manual transmission for a classically inspired, purist driving character. Combined with its boldly retro-inspired looks and eye-catching silhouette, and the car remains one of the favorite BMWs among enthusiasts to this day. With its panache among collectors and undeniable automotive excellence, the BMW Z8 has become a coveted collector car. If you’re looking to get your hands on one, duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985, is the place to look, with incredible examples of the BMW Z8 for sale and flexible financing options through dR Finance, powered by Westlake Financial. Take a look at some of our best BMW Z8s for sale below. View All BMW Z8 For Sale 2001 BMW Z8 View Listing 2001 BMW Z8 View Listing 2002 BMW Z8 View Listing 2000 BMW Z8 View Listing 2001 BMW Z8 View Listing 2002 BMW Z8 View Listing What is the Alpina BMW Z8? Also called the Alpina Roadster V8, 555 units of the BMW Z8 were modified by Alpina. Alpina, a company known for tuning BMWs for unique performance and luxury characteristics, which is now part of the BMW umbrella, swapped the manual transmission for an automatic one, swapped the original engine for an Alpina-tuned unit, and modified the car for cruising character rather than spirited performance. What car is the BMW Z8 inspired by? The BMW Z8 is inspired by the historic BMW 507, a classic roadster from decades past in BMW’s history. One of the many favored retro-futuristic creations of the early 2000s in the automotive world, the BMW Z8’s styling modernizes the classic proportions and design elements of the classic 507. What is the successor to the BMW Z8? Recently, BMW revealed the Skytop, a new limited-production performance roadster inspired by the luxury performance character of the Z8, which serves a spiritual successor to the modern classic. Can I finance a BMW Z8? Yes! Financing your dream BMW for sale is easier than ever with dR Finance, powered by Westlake Financial. View some of the BMW Z8 for sale listings below to see flexible financing options.

The Technology Behind BMW’s iX5 New Hydrogen Tank

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 09, 2026

BMW Unveils The iX5’s New Hydrogen Tank Technology

While battery-electric vehicles are the dominant occupant of the electric vehicle space, and BMW is certainly no stranger to them, they aren’t perfectly optimal for drivers in certain climates and conditions. That’s where hydrogen electric vehicles come into play, and the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is a demonstration of that. One of an incredibly diverse range of five types of powertrains available for the BMW X5, the iX5 Hydrogen is adopting new hydrogen tank technology that makes it a thoroughly improved vehicle overall. The new tank system increases the iX5 Hydrogen’s range to as much as 385 miles, and the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system makes the tank system efficient with its use of space, and compatible with the Gen6 high voltage battery. That optimizes the amount of room available in the cabin, and also means that hydrogen-powered vehicles can be produced on the same line as vehicles with other powertrains. The location of the hydrogen tanks in the vehicle’s structure increases safety, as well. The system, comprised of seven parallel carbon fiber-reinforced composite hydrogen tanks, stores seven kilograms of hydrogen, and can be refueled from empty in just five minutes. With the new hydrogen tank technology, the compatibility between the tank system and other powertrains available for the X5 also means that BMW’s Heart of Joy computer system is part of the iX5 Hydrogen. <- Gallery -> As a result, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is another way to experience the true BMW X5 without compromise, rather than being an experimental vehicle based on an existing platform. Starting in 2028, BMW is planning a widespread introduction of the iX5 Hydrogen to its production network, as part of a larger strategy in which hydrogen electric vehicles are a key component. View All BMW X5 For Sale Image Source: BMW

BMW Partners With Rimac Technology For The New i7

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 07, 2026

BMW & Rimac Collaborate On The New i7

As the all-electric version of BMW’s flagship luxury sedan, the i7 was introduced as an extravagant expression of a luxury EV’s potential. With immense power, generous proportions, and a host of luxury features, the BMW i7 is as opulent as it is futuristic. When the BMW i7 M70 was unveiled, it was the most powerful BMW EV yet, with 650 horsepower on tap. However, a new BMW i7 is on the horizon, and the new flagship luxury EV will feature battery technology created in collaboration with Rimac Technology. The partnership between BMW Group and Rimac Technology was originally minted in 2023, and the new i7 will be the first vehicle to feature a jointly developed battery system that combines BMW Group’s Gen6 4695 lithium-ion cylindrical cells with its Gen5 module-based technology, with a scalable architecture. In a few short years since the partnership began, Rimac Technology has built a new production facility with two full production lines, and also has established a supply chain capable of meeting the demands of a global OEM. Set to be manufactured in Zagreb, Croatia, the new jointly developed battery system will be the heart of BMW’s new flagship luxury EV. As a Tier 1 supplier to BMW for the new i7, Rimac Technology is making good on the ambitions laid out at the outset of the Rimac Campus in Croatia: providing high-specification, high-volume BEV battery production for automotive brands across the globe. View All BMW i7 For Sale Image Source: Rimac Group

BMW Reveals The New Neue Klasse All-Electric i3

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 18, 2026

BMW Reveals The New i3 EV

BMW has been drumming up anticipation for what it calls its “Neue Klasse,” a new cohort of vehicles that boasts unprecedented levels of technology and innovation, as well as a futuristically refreshed approach to design, and the same luxurious yet spirited driving character that has been BMW’s differentiating X-factor for decades. The first production manifestation of BMW’s Neue Klasse ambitions is the new iX3, and following is the new BMW i3 sedan, which has just been unveiled. Launched as the new BMW i3 50 xDrive, the new BMW i3 combines compelling electric power with groundbreaking technology and a reimagined silhouette. With cues that are both sharp and futuristic, and inspired by cars of the past, the new 2.5-box design features a long wheelbase with short overhangs, while flared wheel arches indicate its sporty character. The new kidney grille features illumination and seamlessly blends with the light assemblies, and horizontal lights highlight the rear. The new i3 50 xDrive packs a significant punch for a small sports sedan, with dual motor all-wheel drive, 463 horsepower, and 476 lb/ft of torque. Controlling it all is BMW’s highly advanced “Heart of Joy” computing system, which provides incredibly fast responses for a driving experience that feels natural, exciting, and comfortable. The interior features a Panoramic iDrive system, with real and digital visuals intuitively combining for a confident and convenient driving experience, while the overall airy, ergonomic design can be accented by Veganza or Merino Leather upholstery. An optional M Sport package adds a decidedly performance-oriented twist throughout, and combined with the car’s immense power and high-tech approach to performance, promises a true sports sedan experience. With incredible technology thanks to BMW’s Neue Klasse innovations, a reimagined design, and a brawny electric powertrain, the new BMW i3 50 xDrive is an exciting addition to BMW’s new cohort of EVs. View All BMW For Sale <- Gallery -> Image Source: BMW

The April Fools’ BMW M3 Touring 24H Race Car Becomes Real

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 16, 2026

BMW Is Actually Racing The M3 Touring 24H

Station wagons have spent decades getting the short end of the stick in the automotive world. Decried as ugly family haulers, wagons ended up giving way first to minivans and then SUVs in the market. However, a small but growing crowd of wagon lovers has always remained. For them, wagons were most extravagantly expressed as luxury performance models, a handful of cars made by European manufacturers that gave their luxury performance sedans the long roof treatment. Not many of those models are around, but as they have started to gain some popularity among enthusiasts, more have emerged, even seeing success in the United States, where wagons have been quite uncommon. With its M5 Touring, BMW has been part of that increase, and the BMW M3 Touring is part of the manufacturer’s lineup, as well, just not for the United States market. Unveiled as a concept last year, the BMW M3 Touring 24H, a hypothetical endurance racing version of the BMW M3 Touring, was showcased as an April Fools’ joke. However, wagon enthusiasts expressed the desire to turn that joke into something serious, and BMW has done just that. The new BMW M3 Touring 24H is now a real race car, and it’s going to race at this year’s 24h Nürburgring. The “Green Hell” will serve as the debut for the new race car, and it will compete in the race’s SPX category with Jens Klingmann, Ugo de Wilde, Connor De Phillippi, and Neil Verhagen behind the wheel. Meanwhile, competing for overall victory in the race, three BMW M4 GT3 EVO cars will be racing in the SP9 category. Thanks to fans who gave an unprecedented reception to an April Fools’ joke, the BMW M3 Touring 24H is now a reality that could spell a future with a flourishing performance wagon category. View All BMW M3 For Sale <- Gallery -> Image Source: BMW

By Charles Bradley – March 06, 2026

Final BMW ALPINA XB7 Arrives as a 120-Unit MANUFAKTUR Edition

For collectors of high-performance luxury SUVs, the arrival of the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR signals the end of an era. Limited to just 120 examples for the United States and Canada, the special edition marks the close of production for the BMW ALPINA XB7, one of the most powerful and luxurious three-row SUVs ever created. When the first XB7 left final assembly at BMW Plant Spartanburg in 2020, it represented a historic milestone for ALPINA – the first time one of its vehicles had been completed outside the marque’s legendary workshop in Buchloe, about an hour west of BMW’s Munich headquarters. Now, the final chapter arrives with the XB7 MANUFAKTUR, bringing together exclusive finishes, tailored details, and appointments never before offered on the model, while maintaining the hallmark BMW ALPINA balance of maximum performance, supreme ride comfort, and signature driving dynamics. Production will begin in September 2026 at BMW’s South Carolina facility, with deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Each example will be offered in a single, fully equipped specification priced at $180,000 plus $1,550 destination and handling, leaving clients with just one decision: choosing between two exclusive exterior finishes. Exclusive Colors and Signature ALPINA Details Revealed at the Amelia Concours today, XB7 MANUFAKTUR is offered exclusively in two finishes never before available on the model: Frozen ALPINA Green and Frozen ALPINA Blue. Both colors draw inspiration from the brand’s heritage palette while giving the final-edition SUV a distinctive, modern presence. Contrasting the matte finishes are Shadowline high-gloss black exterior elements, including the grille, window surrounds, air breathers, and rear tailpipe finishers. The look is completed by the standard 23-inch ALPINA CLASSIC forged 20-spoke wheels, finished to match the SUV’s sophisticated aesthetic. Subtle design cues distinguish the limited model. A unique “XB7 MANUFAKTUR” badge sits at the rear, while the iconic ALPINA Deco-Set striping runs the length of the vehicle in black. On the B-pillars, a laser-etched “MANUFAKTUR” wordmark quietly signals the model’s exclusivity. Practical capability remains intact as well, with the standard receiver hitch supporting towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds. A Bespoke Cabin With Heritage Craftsmanship Inside, every XB7 MANUFAKTUR receives the same meticulously appointed interior regardless of exterior color. The cabin is upholstered in rich Tartufo Full Merino leather and complemented by ALPINA Walnut Nature Black trim. The front seat headrests carry the heritage ALPINA script embroidered in green and blue, a detail that connects the XB7 MANUFAKTUR directly to the brand’s five-decade tradition of individual expression. Black front floor mats feature silver ALPINA emblem pins, while the trunk mat is embroidered with the MANUFAKTUR wordmark. On the forward console lid, a silver plaque reads “BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR” and confirms each vehicle’s status as “1 of 120.” Even the 8-speed ALPINA Switch-Tronic transmission controls reflect the model’s bespoke nature, with column-mounted paddles finished in anodized black. Luxury features come standard, including second-row captain’s chairs and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system. Each vehicle is also delivered with two handmade ALPINA weekender bags crafted from brown LAVALINA leather, trimmed with the ALPINA script in coordinating green and blue to complement the interior palette. 631 Horsepower Meets ALPINA Refinement Under the hood, the XB7 MANUFAKTUR continues the model’s legacy of blending performance with long-distance comfort. Power comes from a 4.4-liter bi-turbocharged V8 based on the BMW S68 engine, producing 631 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the 8-speed ALPINA Switch-Tronic transmission and an integrated 48-volt starter-generator system, the SUV can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds while maintaining the relaxed cruising refinement expected from an ALPINA model. The chassis is equally sophisticated. A two-axle air suspension with ALPINA-specific damper and kinematic tuning allows up to 3.2 inches of adjustable ride height. At low speeds below 20 mph, the vehicle can be raised 1.6 inches for added clearance. At higher speeds, the suspension lowers automatically by 0.8 inches – or by 1.6 inches in SPORT+ mode above 155 mph – to improve stability and reduce the center of gravity. Active Roll Stabilization with electromechanical anti-roll bars and stiffer rear axle bushings minimizes body roll while preserving ride comfort. Meanwhile, Integral Active Steering provides rear-axle turning of up to 2.3 degrees, enhancing agility at low speeds and stability on the highway. Drivers can tailor the experience with three selectable modes – COMFORT, SPORT, and SPORT+ – ensuring the XB7 MANUFAKTUR is equally suited to long-distance touring or spirited driving. The End of a Remarkable Chapter With just 120 examples planned for North America, the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 MANUFAKTUR represents a fitting sendoff for one of the most distinctive luxury performance SUVs of the modern era. Combining handcrafted interior details, exclusive finishes, and ALPINA’s signature balance of speed and comfort, the limited edition ensures the XB7 exits production with the same quiet confidence that has defined the brand for decades. Deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. View All BMW Alpina XB7s For Sale Images: BMW Alpina

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