Making automobile dreams turn reality - this was the notion we were introduced at the recent MPA launch. Held at the Changi Exhibition centre, the launch coincides with 40 years of M Power. Automobile enthusiasts will be duly familiar with the 'M' letter. Now, however, the Bavarian carmaker is all set to offer a different level of Emotion, Agility, and Precision in its offerings. The media crowd was invited to sample the MPA cars, alongside a number of their M stablemates, as well as an in-depth presentation on what the new range entails. 

MPA - BMW M Performance Automobiles

The new lineup of offerings will be equipped with enhanced emotions, agility and precision, yet without losing on its everyday usability. Each of the vehicles will offer a complete solution. That is to say, each variant will come complete with the specific performance and aesthetical parts, tuned and designed specially by the team at BMW M GmbH.

BMW M135i

Starting the lineup is the M135i. The 'baby' of the MPA range is based on the BMW 1 Series hatchback, and is available in both 3-door and 5-door hatchback form. With performance courtesy of a 3.0-litre straight six, capable of unleashing 320bhp and 450Nm of torque from just 1,300 revs, the M135i is nothing short of astounding.

Blessed by its diminutive dimensions, the M135i easily boasts the sharpest handling of the trio in the lineup. While 450Nm may seem thwarted by the 740Nm from its bigger X5 and X6 siblings, the M135i certainly feels quicker in all areas. This is evident from its 4.9 seconds century sprint timing. The most special drive of the lot has to be in the M135i 3-door hatchback - the two-door cabin makes one feel more cocooned within. 

BMW X5 M50d and X6 M50d

The discerning few may have spotted the 'd' in the moniker. Yes, unlike other high performance cars, both of these tarmac-scotching SAVs (Sports Activity Vehicle) are equipped with diesel powerplants, marking the debut of the firm's diesel technology in Singapore. Featuring BMW's M Performance TwinPower Turbo technologies, these oil burners set the benchmark for its segment in terms of power and efficiency.

Each of the powerplants sport a tri-turbo setup, coupled to an advanced common-rail injection system. The result is astounding - peak output of 381bhp and 740Nm of torque, yet averaging at 7.5 to 7.7L/100Km. The SAVs are also equipped with the xDrive system that assures power is distributed effectively to the wheels. From standstill, the X5 M50d and X6 M50d will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 and 5.3 seconds respectively.

On the track, both SAVs feel keen to be stretched, pulling off the start line with enthusiasm which defies its size. Comparatively, the X6 M50d's tauter chassis gives a sharper, more intuitive respond over the corners. More notably, true to what BMW has set off to achieve, both SAVs emit a delectable soundtrack when put to the test, resulting in a more characterful driving experience. 

The MPA range, consisting of the M135i, X5 M50d, and X6 M50d, will form the initial lineup in Singapore. From 1st December onwards, the range will be offered locally by Munich Automobiles, the authorised dealer for BMW M vehicles.

At press time, the BMW M135i (3-door) and M135i (5-door) retails at $245,800 and $250,800 respectively. The X5 M50d and X6 M50d is priced at $430,800 and $440,800 respectively. All prices include 1st year road tax, registration fee, GST and COE.