BMW, one of the most prestigious names in luxury and performance motoring, has always had a strong fan base in India. Known for their dynamic handling, sporty character, and sheer driving pleasure, BMW’s M division is the crown jewel when it comes to high-performance machines. In an exciting development for Indian motorsport and driving enthusiasts, BMW has officially launched its M Drift Academy in India.
This marks a significant milestone as it brings professional-level performance training and drifting education to the Indian subcontinent. Let’s dive deep into what the M Drift Academy is, what it offers, who can attend, the vehicles used, the cost, and why this is such a big deal for automotive enthusiasts across the country.
💡 What is the BMW M Drift Academy?
The BMW M Drift Academy is a professionally curated driving program that focuses on teaching participants how to drift – the art of intentionally oversteering a car while maintaining control and speed. Originally popularized in Japan and motorsport circles, drifting has now become a global phenomenon.
BMW’s M Drift Academy is a part of their global driver training initiative and has seen tremendous success in Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East. With its entry into India, BMW is offering enthusiasts an opportunity to learn precision driving, drifting techniques, and car control from certified instructors, all in a safe and controlled environment.
🌍 Location and Setup in India
BMW India has launched the M Drift Academy at Madras International Circuit (MIC), also known as MMRT (Madras Motor Race Track), in Chennai – a premier motorsport facility in the country.
This professional track setting ensures safety, adequate space for high-speed maneuvers, and a real racetrack environment that replicates international standards.
BMW plans to host periodic training programs, making it accessible to people across India with an interest in performance driving.
🏎️ Vehicles Used in the Drift Academy
BMW has confirmed that the BMW M340i xDrive and other BMW M Performance vehicles will be used for the Drift Academy in India.
🔥 Key Highlights of the Cars:
- BMW M340i xDrive: A 3.0L inline-6 engine producing 387 hp and 500 Nm torque. AWD setup with rear-biased dynamics, perfect for controlled drifts.
- BMW M4 Competition (expected in future sessions): Rear-wheel-drive variant preferred for advanced drift techniques.
- BMW M2 Coupe: Compact, powerful, and tail-happy – ideal for drift training.
All cars come equipped with performance tires, tuned suspension, and electronics calibrated for high-performance handling, making them ideal learning tools for drifting.
📚 What You Learn at the M Drift Academy
BMW’s M Drift Academy is more than just burning rubber — it’s about understanding vehicle dynamics, improving your reaction time, and building confidence behind the wheel.
🏁 The Curriculum Includes:
- Introduction to Car Dynamics
- Weight transfer
- Traction control
- Brake modulation
- Basics of Drifting
- Initiating a drift using throttle and steering
- Counter-steering techniques
- Maintaining a drift through corners
- Controlled Drifting Exercises
- Donut drift circles
- Figure-8 drifting
- Drift slalom runs
- Advanced Maneuvers (Higher Level Courses)
- Linking corners
- Tandem drifting
- Timed drift laps
Each session is supervised by professional instructors with years of motorsport experience, ensuring safety and proper technique for every participant.
💵 Price and Eligibility
💳 Expected Cost:
While exact pricing may vary by course level, estimated costs for the basic course in India are:
- ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 for a half-day session
- Advanced courses may go up to ₹1,00,000+
This includes:
- Professional training
- Use of BMW M vehicles
- Safety gear (helmet, gloves, etc.)
- Track access
- Certificate of completion
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
- Valid Indian or International Driving License
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Enthusiastic and willing to follow safety protocols
BMW may also provide options for corporate bookings, group sessions, or motorsport clubs.
🚗 Why It’s a Big Deal for India’s Motorsport Scene
Until now, such high-level drift training was mostly limited to international destinations like Germany, Dubai, or Singapore. With BMW bringing this experience to India, it:
- Democratizes motorsport for enthusiasts
- Enhances driving culture and safety awareness
- Builds a stronger platform for aspiring racers or stunt drivers
- Boosts tourism and event-based experiences around motorsports
More importantly, it shows that premium car manufacturers are now taking India seriously when it comes to high-performance driving culture.
🤔 What Makes BMW M Drift Academy Unique?
BMW has always promoted “Sheer Driving Pleasure”, and the Drift Academy is an extension of that promise. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Global Expertise: BMW has been running these academies in Europe and the U.S. for years.
- Top-Notch Instructors: Certified trainers ensure you learn the right way.
- Track-Tested Vehicles: You get to drive actual performance BMW M models.
- Focus on Safety: Controlled, secure environment with emergency services on standby.
- Step-by-Step Learning: Tailored for beginners as well as advanced enthusiasts.
🧠 Final Thoughts – A New Playground for Petrolheads
With the launch of the BMW M Drift Academy in India, BMW has opened the gates for performance lovers to experience their cars beyond just city roads or highways. It’s a game-changer for anyone who’s ever dreamed of mastering the art of drifting — not in video games or movies, but in real life.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a motorsport lover, or someone looking to improve your driving skills in a fun and adrenaline-pumping way, the BMW M Drift Academy promises an experience like no other.
And who knows — maybe your next Instagram post is of you sliding sideways through a corner in a roaring BMW M340i with tire smoke swirling around you.
