BMW Malaysia launches FOUR new M cars at once

What is a sign of things getting better? Surely, BMW Malaysia’s efforts earlier tonight could be one prime example. In its special ‘Secret Garage @ M Town’ event, the firm chose to launch not one, not two, but FOUR brand new M models locally.

BMW M8 Coupe

BMW M8 Gran Coupe

X3 M Competition

X4 M Competition

Presented here were both the M8 Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe, thus seeing the firm effectively completing the 8 Series line up locally. Alongside them came the X3 M and X4 M, with both these performance SUVs arriving in top-flight Performance spec too.

Sitting at the top of the M model range, both M8s – all puns intended – harness a 4.4-litre turbo V8 that delivers 600bhp and 750Nm. Said outputs are managed to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic box, allowing nought to 100kph sprints done just in 3.3 secs whilst enroute towards a limited V-Max of 250kph.

As previously reported, BMW shoehorned in every bit of tech imaginable to make this near two-tonne GT with supercar power levels to work properly. There’s also all manner of braking, steering and stability assistance systems plus adaptive suspension.

However, for those who prefer some frisky sideways action, the all-wheel-drive suite does boast a dedicated rear-drive ‘drift mode’ feature of sorts.

Think the recently launched Bentley Continental GT V8 is a bit a much? Then this Bavarian alternative might just be what you’re looking for. As for its four-door twin, it’s poised to give things like the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4-Door something to sweat about.

As for price, both M8s now sit at the very top of BMW Malaysia’s price list with their RM1,452,960.88 (Coupe) and RM1,455,145.25 (Gran Coupe) price figures.

Arriving in Competition spec, both the X3 M and X4 M employ the Bavarian marque’s most powerful straight-six mill available on hand – a turbocharged 3.0-litre unit good for 510bhp and 600Nm. These drive all four wheels through an 8-speed box and sees 0-100kph sprint dispatched in a scarcely believable 4.1 seconds.

Notably, the all-wheel-drive suite present here is similar to the one equipped in the BMW M5 sports saloon. Like the M5’s unit, the system is rear-biased, favouring to send more power to the rear wheels for most parts. However, it does not offer a rear-wheel-drive only mode.

Powertrain aside, both also boast M-specific bracing package at the front end, which includes a strut brace in the engine compartment that links the spring strut towers. Other notable features present include adaptive dampers, Active M Differential, as well as lightweight M Compound Brakes.

Until Mercedes’s refreshed and V8-powered GLC 63 S duo makes landfall, the X3 M Competition and its lower-roofed twin now stand as solid alternatives against the Porsche Macan and Macan S.

As for price, be prepared to pony up RM886,551.58 for the X3 M Competition or, if you prefer a BMW's coupe SUV flavour, RM904,276.60 for the X4 M Competition.

Check out more images of all four new M models in the extensive galleries prepared below.