Latest news with #BMWM
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
BMW M Commits to Performance Amid Tougher Euro 7 Emissions Standards
BMW M has confirmed its commitment to maintaining high-performance powertrains in the face of the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, which will come into effect with significantly more stringent testing conditions. The new rules, although keeping current emissions limits from the Euro 6e standard, introduce a more rigorous set of testing protocols designed to better replicate real-world driving scenarios. Under these updated requirements, vehicles must now remain emissions-compliant for a full decade or up to 200,000km, doubling the current durability standard. Furthermore, for the first time, emissions from brake dust and tyre particles will also be subject to regulatory scrutiny, expanding the environmental scope of the legislation beyond just tailpipe pollutants. According to Autocar, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel acknowledged that meeting Euro 7's technical demands was not the central issue. The primary challenge, he said, lay in preserving the level of performance expected from the marque's engines. Van Meel highlighted that Euro 7 regulations require engines to operate continuously at a lambda value of one, a perfect balance between air and fuel in the combustion process. This requirement eliminates the use of fuel as a cooling agent under high-performance conditions, a common method used in current engine designs. As a result, BMW M engineers had to find new ways to control combustion temperatures without sacrificing output. He explained that enhancements to both the combustion process and the vehicle's cooling systems were necessary to counter the build-up of heat under these new constraints. While reducing performance could be an easy solution to the thermal challenge, Van Meel made clear that this was not an acceptable path for BMW M. The company, he said, was determined to retain the performance levels that define the M badge, and the development process began with that unwavering objective. While the technical details of the modifications made to meet Euro 7 standards remain under wraps, Van Meel indicated that the changes include some 'very interesting' engineering advancements, with further disclosures expected in the near future. Despite growing pressure to adopt smaller engines paired with greater electrification to meet stricter emissions targets, BMW M has no plans to downsize its powertrains. When asked about the possibility of transitioning to three- or four-cylinder engines in future M models, Van Meel firmly rejected the idea. He argued that such configurations do not align with the brand's philosophy, particularly in terms of torque delivery, engine character, and the weight dynamics of its vehicles. Referencing the long-standing heritage of BMW's iconic straight-six and V8 engines, Van Meel reiterated the company's intent to continue building performance powertrains that reflect its motorsport roots. 'I couldn't imagine putting a four-cylinder in an M5,' he said, underscoring BMW M's refusal to compromise its performance ethos, even in an era of intensifying environmental regulation. As Euro 7 approaches, BMW M's position reflects a broader tension within the automotive industry, balancing the demands of sustainability and regulatory compliance without relinquishing the brand identity and driving dynamics that enthusiasts have come to expect.
The Drive
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
BMW I6, V8 M Cars Will Survive Emissions Crackdown With No Performance Loss
The latest car news, reviews, and features. It may seem half a world away, but Europe's stringent Euro 7 emissions laws threaten enthusiast cars on our side of the pond, too, regardless of what the U.S. does. If a company like BMW is able to certify its engines for sale in its home market, it's far likelier it will continue offering them around the globe. Thankfully, that's exactly what the M brand has achieved, according to CEO Frank van Meel. The chief executive of BMW's performance arm told Autocar that its engineers have made 'very interesting' tweaks to ensure that its trademark straight-six and V8 engines will persist through the new constraints. They'll need to for a good while, as Euro 7 mandates that new engines stay compliant for 10 years or 124,000 miles. Though Van Meel didn't precisely outline these changes, he did offer some context as to the challenges BMW and others have been facing: It all comes down to cooling. 'Normally, if you are in high-performance situations, you cool using the fuel,' Van Meel told the publication. 'With EU7, that's impossible, so you need to find different ways of avoiding temperature buildup. The combustion process has to be improved in regards to heat build-up and also the cooling, and those are the challenges. Of course you can [reduce] performance to avoid this temperature increase, but you don't want to—that's where we started.' 2026 BMW M5 Touring. Andrew P. Collins As Van Meel sees it, these engines are core to BMW's high-performance internal-combustion offerings. 'The six-cylinder inline engine is our legacy, and the V8 has got a long history in racing, so we intend to keep going,' he said. In other words, don't count on BMW lopping off cylinders to meet regulations, as its local rival infamously did. 'I couldn't imagine putting a four-cylinder in an M5,' Van Meel said. Naturally, electrification has assuredly helped the automaker cover some of the difference, and we've already seen that play out in the new, 5,500-pound M5. But it's comforting to know that as BMW introduces its first fully battery-powered M car with the 'Heart of Joy' ECU, traditional performance isn't going anywhere. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
Auto Car
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
BMW M's signature engines live on! Straight six and V8 to be updated for new emissions rules
BMW M's signature straight-six and V8 engines will survive the introduction of the tougher Euro 7 emissions regulations – and, the division's boss claims, with no loss of performance. Although the emissions levels allowed for cars are unchanged from the current Euro 6e regulations, they will be tested over a broader (and harder) range of scenarios said to better reflect real-world driving. They must also remain compliant for 10 years or 124,000 miles, twice as long as currently. Brake and tyre emissions will also be monitored for the first time. Speaking to Autocar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said 'the challenge was not so much to make an engine that is EU7 compliant', but to 'keep performance'. He explained: 'The whole story is about driving with lambda one [when the air-fuel ratio for combustion is perfectly matched] so you have to keep that, and there's no cooling. Normally, if you are in high-performance situations, you cool using the fuel. With EU7, that's impossible, so you need to find different ways of avoiding temperature build-up. 'The combustion process has to be improved in regards to heat build-up and also the cooling, and those are the challenges. Of course you can [reduce] performance to avoid this temperature increase, but you don't want to – that's where we started. The new balance of performance is that we drive lambda one, but we don't want to lose performance.' Van Meel would not be drawn on how M has reworked the engines to achieve this, saying only that it has made some 'very interesting' tweaks that it will discuss in detail in due course. 'The six-cylinder in-line engine is our legacy, and the V8 has got a long history in racing, so we intend to keep going,' said Van Meel. Asked whether M would consider downsizing to three- or four-cylinder powerplants with increased electrification to reduce emissions, he simply replied: 'No.' He added that such engines cannot meet M's 'very specific mindset' for how it wants performance cars to drive, with regard to torque delivery, rev ranges and the weight of its models. 'I couldn't imagine putting a four-cylinder in an M5,' he said.
ArabGT
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
How BMW's Sub-Brands Saved the Day in 2025
BMW has always stood tall as a beacon of German engineering, elegance, and automotive performance. Yet, the second-quarter 2025 results delivered a curveball that few anticipated. Contrary to what many might assume, it wasn't the core BMW brand that carried the Bavarian empire forward—it was the power of its sub-brands that injected new life into the group's performance. Leading this charge were BMW M, MINI, and Rolls-Royce, each carving out a unique path to customer loyalty and sales dominance. M Division: Where Performance Translates into Sales BMW M continues to be a force to reckon with, redefining how performance cars connect with the market. The M4, M3, and the recently introduced M2 have seen a notable surge in demand, driven by their ability to blend dynamic handling with cutting-edge technology. This sub-brand has transcended its traditional niche audience, becoming a desirable badge across demographics that value precision, speed, and digital sophistication. MINI: Compact, Iconic, and Electrified While many automakers chase bigger dimensions, MINI thrives by staying true to its roots—compact cars with bold personality. Its design heritage and the evolution into electrification, particularly with the MINI Cooper SE, have helped rejuvenate its global footprint. The latest generation, featuring sleek digital interiors and forward-thinking styling, has resonated with younger, urban buyers eager for both character and eco-friendliness. Rolls-Royce: Resilience in Ultra-Luxury Rolls-Royce remains untouched by economic tides. Despite premium pricing, models like the electric Spectre and the stately Cullinan continue to find eager buyers—especially across high-net-worth regions like the Middle East and North America. The brand's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and exclusivity ensures it remains a cornerstone of BMW Group's prestige and profit. The BMW Brand Stumbles—For Now In contrast, the core BMW brand experienced a mild decline in sales during the same quarter, sparking questions about its direction in an increasingly crowded premium market. Though it has introduced standout models such as the electric iX and the redesigned 5 Series, intense rivalry from Tesla, Audi, and Mercedes appears to be dampening momentum. Geographic Shifts: China Rises, Europe Retreats Regional dynamics paint an intriguing picture. Sales dropped sharply in Europe—where regulatory shifts and cost pressures drive consumers toward electric options—while China and North America offered bright spots. China, in particular, is proving to be a vital growth engine for the brand's EV offerings. EVs Quietly Fuel the Charge Electric vehicles are becoming the unsung heroes of BMW's evolving portfolio. Models like the iX1, iX3, and i4 have played a pivotal role in expanding the customer base, especially in markets where demand for cleaner, connected vehicles is growing rapidly. Collectively, EV sales surged by over 35% year-on-year—an indicator that the brand's electric strategy is gaining serious ground. Looking Ahead: A Strategic Turning Point What these results underline is a quiet shift in power dynamics within the BMW Group. Sub-brands are no longer secondary—they're becoming the key drivers of performance. Will BMW rethink its strategy to reflect this change? Could the next phase be led by the likes of MINI, M, and Rolls-Royce? Or does the core brand still hold a revolutionary EV ace up its sleeve?
Top Gear
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
BMW is crafting a 'street legal track day pack' for the bombastic little M2
BMW is crafting a 'street legal track day pack' for the bombastic little M2 Swan neck rear wing and more aggressive front lip? Yes please Skip 4 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 4 Hot on the heels of the fighty M2 CS is this new road-legal 'track pack' upgrade for Bimmer's baby M car, arriving next year with a feisty new attitude. It's been developed by the M Performance Parts team - most likely for the standard M2 - and the most obvious change is the angled swan neck rear wing and front splitter extension. There's a red tow hook thrown in too, because… track pack. Advertisement - Page continues below Essentially, everything that's been covered up by that black and white prototype livery looks to have been tweaked in some form, likely for more aero, def for more aggression. And how cool are those new wheels? Very, is the answer. No word on any additional oomph from that 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six, but any potential increase will sit between the standard car's 473bhp and the CS's mighty 523bhp. BMW said it's been testing this track pack around the 'Ring, but just how close it'll get to the CS' time of 7m 30s remains to be seen. More as we get it. Advertisement - Page continues below Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
