BMW had quite a diverse stand at the LA Motor Show, starting from the humble 2 series Gran Coupe to the M8 Gran Coupe and also M versions of the X5 and X6.
BMW was on an absolute roll at the LA Motor Show this year with one of the best stalls in the entire event. With a number of new cars, some of them even belonging to the M family, BMW certainly had a lot going on for themselves. The cars in question were the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, the M8 Gran Coupe Competition, the stunning M2 CS, and also two M SUVs in the X5 M and the X6 M. Let’s look at each of these cars in a little more detail.
BMW M2 CS
The M2 has been one of the most revered M cars from BMW, so much so that some even considered it the real successor to the brilliant E90 M3. At the 2018 Beijing Motor Show, BMW improved upon the standard M2 by putting the S55 engine from the F80 M3 and F82 M4, calling it the M2 Competition. We thought that was the ultimate M2 but apparently, it was not. Prior to the LA Motor Show, BMW has surprised us with what they are calling the M2 CS.
The M2 CS uses the same S55 3.0-litre inline six engine from the M4 CS, albiet with more power. Output figures now stand at 444PS and 560Nm of torque. The engine is either mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT and power is sent only to the rear wheels. More power coupled with some weight saving measures, and you have the ultimate M2 there has ever been. The weight saving comes courtesy to carbon fiber front splitter, roof, rear spoiler, exterior mirrors, and hood. The M2 CS will be limited to only 2,200 units worldwide.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Another hotly anticipated car from BMW at the LA Motor Show was the 2 series Gran Coupe. It is based on the 1 series and comes with a front-wheel drive setup. No, don’t be put off immediately.The 2 series Gran Coupe gets three engine options – a 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. Power output from these engines range from 140PS to a rather healthy 306PS.
In terms of styling, the 2 Series Gran Coupe divides opinion. Firstly, there’s the ever growing kidney grille which is let’s say not the most aesthetic. The rest of the face look pretty much standard BMW and then when you go around the rear, its again being called un-BMW like. Also, if the front-wheel drive setup concerns your interest, 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
This gorgeous car pictured above is the BMW M8 Gran Coupe. It is based on the 8 series coupe and this is perhaps the best looking four-door BMW car you will ever see. The M8 Gran Coupe is powered by a 4.4 liter, turbocharged V8 engine which puts out 600PS of power and 750 Nm of peak torque. Power goers up to 625PS in the M8 Competition Gran Coupe.
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 when you want to go sideways. The M8 Gran Coupe weighs over two tonnes and still it will do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 3.3 seconds. It’s 3.2 seconds with the Competition pack. Some standard equipment include BMW Laserlight, M sports seats, M-specific BMW Head-Up Display, BMW Live Cockpit Professional and Parking Assistant.
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BMW X5 M
This is first time BMW debuted the X5 M globally at the LA Motor Show. This might be an SUV but its heart is quite similar to the above mentioned M8 Gran Coupe. It uses the same 4.4 Liter, turbocharged V8 engine to belt out 600PS of power and 750 Nm of peak torque. The X5 M also gets a competition pack where the power has been bumped up to 625PS but the torque remains identical. The engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and power is sent to all four wheels.
this SUV will do the 0-100 kph sprint in under 4 seconds. Well, 3.9 seconds to be precise or 3.8 seconds with the Competition pack. 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.
Also Read : Stars from Mercedes at the LA Motor Show – EQC, AMG GLS 63, AMG GLE 63!
BMW X6 M
Along with the X5 M, BMW also debuted the X6 M at the LA Motor Show. Like any other M car, the X6 M gets the usual M car treatment with 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. Mechanically however, the X6 M is exactly similar to the X5 M.
It is powered by a 4.4 liter, turbocharged V8 engine with 600PS and 750 Nm of peak torque. The X6 M also gets a competition package where the power has been bumped up 625PS. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and power is sent to all four wheels. Like the X5 M, the X6 M also gets two driving modes for the powertrain – 4WD and 4WD Sport. The acceleration times are also similar to the X5 M at 3.9 and 3.8 seconds (Competition). We think that the X6 M is however the sportier looking of the two and we could give up on a little bit of practicality for the statement that comes along with the X6 M.
