BMW M-Fest started out way back in 2019 as a means to show off BMW's M division. Simply put, a showcase of the performance arm of the BMW brand. The first show in 2019 was a spectacle of note with vehicle unveilings, self-drive sessions, main track hot laps, activities and activations for the whole family to get to grips with - all done by a singular brand.
Related: BMW unveils 3 new models at BMW M Festival 2022
2022's edition of M-Fest was no different; new and old BMW M vehicles galore were there to satisfy many a BMW fan. We were present on the Saturday event day with an M-VVIP ticket in hand to see what was on offer for the public. It's also worth noting that this event also celebrates the 50 years of BMW M's existence.
What's there to do?
There's lots to do around M-Fest. On the vehicle front, there are hot laps on the main racetrack where you can have the chance to ride shotgun in a BMW M performance vehicle. Many would salivate at the chance of being in an M4 Competition hurtling down the main straight past Ingwe corner. In the pits as well as in and around the event, there are plenty of new and legacy vehicles to ogle at. A highlight of the show was reveal of the new M2, also on show at the festival. You'll also find vehicles from the BMW Car Club, Concours and Heritage cars to check out. You won't run out of photo opportunities here.
As far as activities go, down by the skidpan you'll find the Drift Arena showing off local Spinners and the RedBull Drift Brothers all the way from Germany. If you're keen on going for a drift experience, there's a BMW M2 available to have a go. If you love all things skids, this is your one-stop shop. Maybe you'd like to get behind the wheel perhaps? There's a self-drive activation at the dynamic handling circuit to have a feel of what the M cars are capable of.
Maybe you'd prefer to relax a little. There's a kids zone so the young ones can have a little fun too. The main stage, beer garden and food stalls give you a chance to recharge a little, enjoy the musical performances and psyche yourself up for your next M experience of the day. There's never a dull moment at BMW M-Fest.
What does the VVIP ticket net you?
Let's talk about costs first.
- General Ticket - R200.00
- Under 18 General Ticket - R120.00
- M-VIP Ticket - R595.00
- M-VVIP Ticket - R2995.00
The General M-Ticket will net you access to all the festival highlights such as music performances, car displays, a free hotlap ride and a test drive. The M-VIP ticket includes what the General ticket offers however you gain private cash bars, cocktail and lounge seating as well as M-VIP Parking.
The M-VVIP ticket includes all of the aforementioned benefits but you are treated to:
- Catering
- Unlimited complimentary beverages
- Lounge seating areas
- Complimentary R250 BMW M-Festival Merchandise
- Fast track guaranteed access to main track hot laps and test drives
- M-VVIP Parking closest to the venue.
Our Highlights and Teething Issues
Our highlights were definitely the lounge areas for the M-VVIP, the fast-tracking of the hot laps, test drives and the reveals of the new upcoming BMW M vehicles. The M-VVIP specific lounge areas were pleasant and were situated with good viewing angles to catch all the action of the day. The parking was very close to the event entrance, negating a long walk to and from the car. If you are a general ticket holder, unfortunately, the queues for hot laps and test drives were diabolically long. As a M-VVIP ticket holder, the queues were drastically shorter but you would still have to wait some time. It can't be helped sadly since this is the current state of events coming out of a 2-year long pandemic. The sheer demand for lifestyle events will inevitably result in snaking queues and there's only so much event organisers can do to accommodate everyone as best as they can. That is even with Pre-Booking slots for hot laps and the like. The organisers of BMW M-Fest managed this event with a fair attempt. Sadly, our complementary merchandise voucher had issues with processing resulting in a wild goose chase with no resolution. This could be implemented better in our view.
Conclusion
BMW M-Fest is back with a bang, especially with a platter of new M vehicles to sample and check out. We feel the M-VVIP ticket is only worth it if you desire the lounge seating with unlimited beverages, catering and fast-tracking of hot laps and test drives if you want to experience the cars. If you're not into vehicle experiences but want lounge seating and cocktail bars, we'd recommend going for the M-VIP ticket rather. Overall, if you love BMW and need to have the M experience, then M-Fest is for you. Stay tuned to our Instagram , Youtube Shorts and TikTok social media for some M-Fest content we'll have up soon.
