What is the BMW M Sport Package and is it worth it on a lease vehicle?

Date Posted 28th July 2017
Read Time 4 min read

For anyone who’s ever considered a BMW, you’ll have been faced with a plethora of trims; all offering different elements to improve your driving experience. 

Depending on the model you choose, you’ll be presented with the SE, Modern, Luxury and M Sport; to name but a few.

BMW M Sport Package exterior

The M Sport is generally considered the trim when it comes to BMW. It’s the top trim for all cars under the hallowed M Range.

But how does it differ from the rest, and is it worth the price?

What is the M Sport package?

The M Sport is a dynamic package you can add on to almost any BMW model to enhance its features. 

What’s in the M Sport package often depends on the model you choose. While some will simply get a sportier look or larger wheels, others will benefit from extra details and leather finishes.

For the most part, though, the M Sport features are cosmetic, but they do change the look and feel of the car quite comprehensively. 

What other packages are available?

Well again, this depends on the model. SE, Sport, Luxury and M Sport are the most common across the BMW range. 

One of the most popular is the SE line – the entry-level on a lot of cars. Features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and front fog lights are some of the exterior touches. 

While inside, you can nab niceties such as a leather-trimmed steering wheel, cruise control and BMW’s excellent touchscreen iDrive system, although it does depend on the model.

The Sport trim is another popular choice. There’s the option of 17-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, along with black trim to the surrounds. Alternatively, you could opt for the 18-inch wheels and chrome decals; whichever suits your style. 

Inside is a far more sporting feel with a gloss black dashboard, red highlights, sports seats and a sporty steering wheel. 

But even the Sport doesn’t come with every bell and whistle, as then, of course, there’s the M Sport.

M Sport: The exterior

BMWs often look great. Sleek bodywork, attentive detailing and a real prestige feel. But the M Sport trim aims to take each model to the next level.

BMW M Sport Package alloys

So, how do they do it? Well firstly, subtle “M” badges are dotted on the wings, alloys, gear stick and steering wheel; similar to Mercedes-Benz’s AMG models.

Then comes the aggressive body kit, which includes deeper and wider front and side air intakes, more pronounced side skirts, and lowered M Sport suspension, giving your BMW a more empowering stance on the road.

M Sport: The interior

A lot of the more noticeable changes brought by choosing the M Sport, however, come on the inside. 

Again, it depends on which model you choose, but features such as sports seats with heating elements, exclusive M Sport signage, an illuminated interior and leather finishes are all common touches. 

How does it affect the performance?

You may think that the M Sport trim improves performance. But for the most part, it doesn’t. 

You may get a touch extra grip or be able to take a corner at a slightly higher speed thanks to the sports suspension, but when you choose an M Sport BMW, the extra you pay is predominantly for improved styling and aesthetics, rather than a quicker 0-60 time. 

So, if you’re wanting a faster BMW, you’re going to have to stretch a little further to the pure-performance based M models. 

Should you choose the M Sport trim?

Whether or not you choose the M Sport trim depends entirely on your needs and desires.

The M Sport is perfect for those who want to feel like they’re driving the ultimate version of their vehicle, but don’t want to, or maybe can’t stretch to an M. 

BMW M Sport Package interior

Keen drivers may be able to notice the mild improvements the M Sport’s lowered suspension brings, but for the most part, it’s simply designed to make your car look more dynamic. And, of course, there’s also the less comfortable ride you get with bigger alloys.

There’s no denying the M Sport package improves the already stunning styling of almost every BMW, and it’s great value. 

It’s also a very desirable level of spec, which can lower your monthly lease payments or make it easier to sell thanks to its stronger residual value. 

So, for the most part, the BMW M Sport spec is worth it. However, for those looking for raw performance upgrades, you’re better off with an M. 


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