BMW M Fest 2024 set the Kyalami International Grand Prix Circuit ablaze last month, with an unmatched display of power, speed, and fan enthusiasm. A record-breaking 33,000 visitors showed up to SA’s most prominent racetrack over the course of three days – officially making it the largest M Fest on record.
As BMW M enthusiasts gathered in record-breaking numbers this year, there was something particularly special about celebrating on South African soil. Few non-BMW fans know that the legendary BMW M division has deep roots in South Africa, where the rare and revered BMW 530 MLE was engineered and produced in the late 1970s. This legacy car was an M-tuned version of the 5 Series sedan, built exclusively for the South African market and became the precursor to today’s global M phenomenon.
This year’s M Fest at Kyalami wasn’t just a celebration of speed; it was also a nod to South Africa’s place in BMW M history, where fans, collectors, and drivers could experience both the latest technology and the heritage that began right here.
Featuring the latest M models, fan-favourite activities, and non-stop on-track action, this year’s M Fest underscored the ever-growing allure of BMW’s M division. But the undeniable highlights were the new 2024 BMW M5 and M3 Touring. Despite limited time on the track, these cars offered a mix of thrills, precision, and, perhaps surprisingly, some learning curves.
BMW M5 Competition: A Hybrid Beast with Limits and Potential
The new M5 is a leap into the hybrid world for BMW M, boasting a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor, giving a combined output of 537 kW and an astounding 1,000 Nm of torque. From the first touch of the throttle, it’s clear that this car was built for serious pace. BMW’s engineers have managed to make the transition between electric and combustion power seamless, and that immediate electric torque fills the gaps, allowing the M5 to propel you from zero to 100 km/h in just around 3 seconds. However, on Kyalami’s technical track, the M5’s complexity became as evident as its power.
BMW’s M Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission performed beautifully in most conditions, but the sheer bulk of the M5’s two-tonne frame was noticeable in the car’s response through tight bends. That’s where the M5’s rear-wheel steering should come to the rescue, offering an agile low-speed response that tightens your line when cornering. Yet, despite the best efforts of this system, the weight can still be felt, particularly when shifting momentum.
At higher speeds, the M5’s adaptive all-wheel drive setup did show its skill, allowing stable, controlled cornering with impressive rear bias that lets you feel connected to the track. Still, when the pace picked up, there were moments when the weight leaned heavily on the front tyres, with slight understeer creeping in – a subtle reminder of the M5’s hybrid bulk.
Despite these drawbacks, the M5 has redeeming qualities aplenty. For one, the braking system felt remarkably intuitive, allowing quick adjustments between two response modes. The optional M Carbon ceramic brakes were on hand to assist, biting hard on Kyalami’s tighter corners without any hint of fade, even under heavier braking sessions. The car also offers a range of customisable M modes, allowing drivers to tweak everything from steering weight to traction levels, enhancing the experience to suit individual driving styles.
And let’s not forget the sound. BMW’s engineers have found a way to amplify the M5’s natural exhaust note, and it’s a beastly roar that’s hard to ignore. Every acceleration comes with a solid, guttural soundtrack that seems straight out of the classic M manual, reminding you that, even as a hybrid, this car is all M-DNA.
BMW M3 TOURING: PRACTICALITY MEETS PERFORMANCE
Next up is the M3 Touring, which brings a fresh, more versatile face to the M lineup. This car is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing a respectable 375 kW. It may not have the hybrid boost of the M5, but that’s part of its charm. The M3 Touring feels lighter, more responsive, and nimble through the corners. On Kyalami’s sweeping track layout, the M3 Touring quickly shows its worth, blending performance with an unexpected dose of practicality.
With the M3 Touring, BMW has delivered a car that promises to be as comfortable on the school run as it is on the track. Its xDrive all-wheel-drive system leans towards a rear bias, keeping the handling sharp and engaging, especially through Kyalami’s technical mid-track twists. The M3 Touring exhibited fantastic grip throughout, feeling more dialled-in than its bulkier sibling. Power delivery was refreshingly smooth and linear, yet the car’s natural limitations surfaced as we pushed it harder. It wasn’t as composed on the trickier curves, with minor body roll noticeable, particularly when the speedometer started climbing. The M3 Touring’s balance may not match the razor-sharp precision of its smaller M siblings, but it holds its own with surprising poise for a vehicle with this level of cargo space.
Inside, the M3 Touring doesn’t lose sight of its daily-driver role. The cabin exudes BMW’s signature blend of luxury and functionality, and the front seats provide support for every corner of the track. Surprisingly, the rear seats don’t offer as much lateral support as expected.
The extra storage capacity is a welcome addition, proving that you can indeed take your weekend gear along while keeping your pulse racing. And when it comes to sound, the M3 Touring’s exhaust note feels both intense and purposeful, though it’s not quite as menacing as the M5’s. This car is for the driver who needs a bit of everything: sport, style, and practicality, all wrapped up in a slick M package.
EVERY M EXPERIENCE IMAGINABLE
While the M5 and M3 Touring left their marks on the track, M Fest 2024 was equally dedicated to delivering the ultimate BMW experience off the track as well. Alongside test drives, attendees could witness the raw acceleration of M models in drag races, explore displays of classic BMWs, and enjoy hot laps with professional drivers. This year’s festival attracted an unparalleled crowd, and BMW went all out with events for everyone, from kids’ play zones to e-gaming stations and VIP lounge access for premium race views.
The vibe at Kyalami was electric, with live music from South African icons like Kabza De Small and Uncle Waffles adding to the festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, hardcore M fans flocked to the trackside action, and families explored the extensive BMW merchandise zones, picking up memorabilia and gear to commemorate the event.
LAST WORD
The 2024 M Fest offered a taste of BMW M’s future, both on the track and in terms of the brand’s evolution. The new M5 hybrid represents a shift towards integrating eco-conscious engineering with high-performance goals. It may not be perfect – its added weight and the complexity of its powertrain make it slightly less agile in challenging conditions. Yet, BMW’s work on the brakes, suspension, and customisable settings proves that performance remains front and centre in the M5.
The M3 Touring, on the other hand, epitomises versatility without compromise. Its blend of power, practical interior, and drive-focused handling make it a perfect balance of track-day thrills and daily usability. It may not reach the extreme performance levels of its M siblings, but it’s an ideal choice for those who want M power without sacrificing space and convenience.
In sum, BMW M Fest 2024 was a powerful reminder of the M division’s dynamic approach. As BMW continues to break ground with models like the M5 and M3 Touring, fans can rest assured that the M spirit – blending precision, power, and passion – remains very much intact.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © BMW SOUTH AFRICA
