In the latest episode of the BMWBLOG Podcast we make it simple: three big test drives, a conversation – and (briefly) a very confident cat. Episode 16 is all about current seat times, from a soggy South Carolina race track to the sunny south of Spain, and ends with real-life impressions of BMW’s latest super station wagon.
We start with the BMW M2 CS, after Nate’s track day at Michelin’s Laurens Proving Grounds…in absolutely brutal weather. Since there was water on parts of the track, BMW even swapped the cars from their Cup tires to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Despite the conditions, the big takeaway was clear: The M2 CS feels livelier than the standard M2, with a playful tail that’s still predictable and easy to catch – even when grip fades. We also address the question everyone is asking: Is the CS premium worth it or can a standard M2 get close enough with mods?
From there we take a leap into the future with a first drive in the new Class iX3. Horatiu shares impressions from southern Spain, including his time in Ascari, and explains why the new platform feels like a leap forward in terms of driving dynamics, smooth braking and overall technical implementation. We look at BMW’s new “Heart of Joy” approach to dynamic control, why the iX3 rides smaller than it looks, and how regenerative braking finally feels so natural that passengers won’t accuse you of getting car sick.
We close with the 2025 BMW M5 Touring, a car that delivers incredible speed but also resets expectations. The plug-in hybrid system makes the M5 feel frighteningly quick at highway speeds, and the electric vehicle’s range is sufficient for everyday errands – but the size, weight and price are hard to ignore. The debate becomes less: “Is it good?” and more: “What should an M5 be in 2025?” It’s a conversation that ultimately revolves around a familiar conclusion: The new M5 is incredible in its own right, even if it doesn’t feel like the M5 of 15 years ago.
You can listen to the full episode on all major podcast platforms or watch the video version on YouTube (for the Mary Gold cameo).
