BMW Thailand recently held the ultimate driving experience for customers and media reps at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram, highlighting four models -- the BMW X4 M Competition; BMW M4 Competition Coupé; BMW M340i xDrive; and BMW M760Li xDrive -- at the "BMW Driving Challenge 2022" event.
Participants were able to experience BMW M division's race-track ability and unique driving dynamics, featuring the M driving modes Road, Sport, and Track. The M Performance models bring everyday driving closer to motorsport DNA on the road and track. The test drive also highlighted various driving conditions to demonstrate the vehicles' dynamic abilities. At the end of the day, M340i proved simply perfect for road and track at a relatively affordable price, and its launch is perfectly timed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW M in Thailand.
The Bangkok Post, this week, will spotlight the BMW M4 Competition Coupé, a highly recommended road and track machine.
BMW M4 Competition Coupé Price: 9,999,000 baht (with BSI Standard Package)
The M4 Competition Coupé embodies all the power, agility and excitement of BMW M engineering expertise. With an unmistakable combination of track-optimised performance and supreme everyday usability elevated to a whole new level, the M4 Competition Coupé races the driver's emotions sparked by the powertrain and chassis, visually expressive design and M-specific operation system.
The engine blends the high-revving tendencies for which M models are renowned with the latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol powerhouse serves up peak torque of 650Nm all the way from 2,750 to 5,500rpm. Its maximum output of 510hp is available at 6,250rpm, sending the M4 Competition Coupé from 0-100kph in just 3.9sec. Sitting alongside this engine is the latest generation of the eight-speed M Steptronic Sport transmission with Drivelogic, enabling both fully automatic gear changes and manual shifts with the M-specific selector lever or shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The extremely high torsional rigidity of the body and chassis mounting is a key factor in providing the combination of dynamism, agility and precision for which BMW M models are renowned. Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers and M-specific kinematics and elastokinematics for the front and rear axles are standard features of the M4 Competition Coupé. M Servotronic steering, with a variable ratio and an M-specific version of the integrated braking system, presents the driver with two different brake response and pedal feel settings.
M Drive Professional, a feature conceived specifically for track driving, is also making its debut for the first time in the M4 Competition Coupé. This addition includes the innovative M Traction Control, which allows the integrated wheel slip limitation function of the DSC system to be adjusted (through 10 stages) to the driver's personal preferences and needs, along with the M Drift Analyser, which records and rates driving stats posted in dynamic cornering manoeuvres, and the M Laptimer, which supplies lap times and other information generated during track sessions. The M4 Competition Coupé is fitted with an M Sport differential and forged double-spoke M light-alloy wheels in bicolour -- in 19in format for the front axle and 20in at the rear.
The vertical BMW kidney grille with horizontal bars, powerfully sculpted wheel arches with eye-catching M gills and prominently extended side sills with attachment parts for the front and rear aprons are great details. The coupé also sports the M Carbon exterior package, which features a roof made from carbon fibre (CFRP), with aerodynamically optimised fins, mirror caps, side gills and rear spoiler, along with two pairs of exhaust tailpipes. Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight are fitted as standard in the M4 Competition Coupé.
Inside, clearly structured surfaces and an ergonomically impeccable cockpit design ensure the driver's focus remains 100% on the intense driving experience. A standout highlight for the interior is the M Carbon bucket seats with a structure-based design, combining racing functionality with lightweight construction, comfort over long distances and sumptuous workmanship. These innovative seats have integral head restraints that can be dismantled for track driving, an illuminated model badge and electric adjustment. Their racing-car-inspired structure also enables the use of multi-point seatbelts. The control panel on the centre console also houses the M Mode button as standard. This can be used to adjust the responses and characteristics of the driver assistance systems and displays in the instrument cluster and Heads-Up Display to deliver a driving experience suited to the situation at hand and worthy of the M badge. The driver can choose from Road and Sport settings, with the Track mode developed for outings on race circuits added to the armoury. Cutting-edge driver assistance systems ease the driver's workload in monotonous or unclear situations on the road. The M4 Competition Coupé comes with Park Distance Control (with sensors at the front and rear), surround-view camera, Front Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning, plus the Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus. BMW Live Cockpit Professional -- with its fully digital display grouping, cloud-based navigation system, BMW Maps and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant -- also comes as standard for the M4 Competition Coupé.
