BMW’s appearance at the 2022 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este was a fantastic mix of historic and current vehicles spanning decades of M history. We couldn’t pass up the chance to photograph some of these stunning ladies gathering on the beaches of Lake Como in Italy. With the new M4 CSL making its global debut at the event, BMW couldn’t help but bring the M3 E46 CSL as well.
Other high-performance vehicles from the same sector, such as the M3 GTS and the renowned M3 Evo from the E30 period, were also present. Seeing them all together makes it simple to see why so many people like BMW and its renowned M sports vehicles. A fun fact: the cooperation agreement for BMW Motorsport GmbH was signed exactly 50 years ago today.
Even while the M formula has evolved significantly over the years to encompass a plethora of SUVs and M Performance cars, there are still plenty of models aimed at purists. The M2 G87 will most likely be the closest to the core of a BMW M automobile, but there will be a fresh and interesting element. Yes, we’re talking about the M3 Touring G81, which will make its formal debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month.
Keep in mind that BMW is one of the few performance luxury companies to provide a manual transmission, not only on the basic M3 and M4 models, but also on the forthcoming M2. Furthermore, there are still many vehicles available with rear-wheel drive, and the firm has pledged to keep the inline-six and V8 engines in production until at least 2030.
Sure, a modern-day M1 would have been the ideal way to commemorate M’s 50th anniversary, but that’s not going to happen. The Vision M Next concept will also not become a production model, and the XM is not what aficionados had hoped for in terms of a dedicated M vehicle. BMW will commemorate the M division’s milestone with a new 3.0 CSL, which will offer the M4 CSL a manual transmission and 600 horsepower in a vintage coachbuilt body based on the 2015 Hommage concept.
Until then, watch our photoshoot featuring a few blasts from the BMW M’s famous history.
