BMW Motorsport

BMW Motorsport GmbH was established in May 1972 with a team of 35 specialists to consolidate and professionalize BMW's diverse racing activities. The division's first major project was the 3.0 CSL, which dominated European touring car racing, followed by the development of the mid-engine M1 supercar in the late 1970s. This era cemented the company's reputation for engineering high-revving engines and sophisticated chassis technology, eventually leading to the creation of the first M5 (E28) and the legendary E30 M3. In August 1993, the company was renamed BMW M GmbH to reflect its broader mandate, which had grown to include the BMW Individual customization program and the BMW Driving Experience training modules. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the 'M' badge became a global symbol of performance, expanding from core sedans and coupes into the SUV segment with the X5 M and X6 M. This period also saw the introduction of breakthrough technologies such as the SMG and M-DCT transmissions. In the current decade, BMW M has entered a new era of 'M Electrified' performance, launching record-breaking models like the all-electric i4 M50 and the high-performance hybrid XM. Despite the shift toward electrification, the division remains deeply rooted in competition, currently campaigning the M Hybrid V8 in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA. As of 2024, the company continues to achieve record-breaking commercial success, delivering over 200,000 vehicles annually while maintaining its position as the pinnacle of BMW engineering.