BMW M2 Track Kit Explained, New i3 Touring Spy Footage and the 2035 Debate

BMW’s latest M2 demonstration shows how its track aero works in practice, while fresh prototypes point towards more electric estates and SUVs. There is also a significant political development for combustion cars—but the legislative process still matters. Here is the BMW car news to know on 20 October 2026.

The quick read

• The M2 Track Kit’s splitter and wing have road and circuit configurations; wheel and existing-part compatibility need attention.
• New i3 Touring and iX7 images show camouflaged test cars, with final details still unconfirmed.
• France and Germany have agreed a policy position on 2035 emissions. It still needs legislative implementation.

M2 Track Kit: look beyond the splitter

Fresh demonstration reported 19 October. BMWBLOG’s latest report shows manual adjustment of the front splitter, rear wing and canards. This is new visual coverage of an existing programme. [1]

BMW M’s current page, checked on 20 October, lists early-2027 availability, differing from the original July-2026 announcement. It specifies a complete kit, a wider front axle with wheel restrictions, and incompatibility with many standard front attachments, rear spoilers and suspension parts. The 963M centre-lock wheel is excluded. German parts approval should not be assumed to establish UK approval. [2]

For owners, the useful lesson is that an aero package is a system: suspension, wheels, cooling and front-to-rear balance affect which parts can work together. Check the precise configuration before combining upgrades.

Combustion cars after 2035: a political agreement, with legislation still ahead

Official statement dated 16 October; catch-up following 19 October BMW coverage. Germany’s government confirms agreement with France on a 90% CO₂ reduction approach for 2035 without compensation for the remaining 10%. The Chancellor explicitly states that legislative implementation is still required. [3]

Reuters likewise reports that wider EU and European Parliament backing is needed. This does not establish a completed change to UK rules or guarantee particular future petrol BMW models. For enthusiasts, it is a meaningful policy signal to follow rather than a settled product announcement. [4]

Prototype watch: an electric Touring and a larger SUV

BMW i3 Touring

Spy video published 19 October. BMWBLOG identifies the estate prototype as NA1 and reports testing near the Nürburgring. A 2027 reveal is expected by the publication. Its suggestion that separate opening rear glass may disappear remains an observation about a disguised test car, not a confirmed production feature. Final range and body-part interchangeability are not established by the footage. [5]

BMW iX7

Spy photographs published 19 October. A heavily camouflaged prototype in Italy shows upright proportions and an apparent split-headlight layout. BMWBLOG identifies it as the forthcoming electric flagship SUV. Launch timing, final lamp design, tailgate configuration and wider engine-line-up predictions remain provisional. Treat the pictures as development evidence rather than a production specification. [6]

Production and company updates

• Regensburg anniversary, 19 October: Bavaria’s government marks 40 years and nine million vehicles. BMWBLOG reports continued preparation for Neue Klasse production, but no named future model is confirmed in that report. The nine-millionth vehicle was built in September; the anniversary coverage is new. [7] [8]
• Workforce reporting: BMWBLOG’s 19 October article follows Handelsblatt’s 16 October report about voluntary severance arrangements. Exceptional payments exceeding €650,000 are reported individual cases, not a standard entitlement. The underlying confidential contract could not be independently inspected. This does not establish a reduction in current production capacity or an owner-support change. [9] [10]

Fresh road tests: petrol 740 and electric i7

Reviews published 19 October. BMWBLOG’s California 740 xDrive drive favours the six-cylinder car’s comfort and performance while criticising the move towards touchscreen controls. These are the reviewer’s judgements, not newly announced specifications. [11]

PA’s i7 review, published by The Irish News, brings UK pricing context: it quotes £122,435 for the 60 xDrive and £6,350 for the Executive Lounge Pack. Confirm current equipment and pricing when ordering. The review’s broad range figure should not be assumed to apply to every wheel and equipment combination. [12]

Why VMSS follows these changes

VMSS follows BMW developments to inform the aftermarket parts, bodykits and lighting modifications we design, manufacture and supply. For owners, exact fitment matters most: prototype appearance, a shared badge or German approval alone cannot answer whether a particular upgrade suits a UK car.

Continue reading: BMW’s V8 M760 returns.

Sources and cross-references

1. BMWBLOG — M2 aero demonstration, 19 October 2026; includes the originating video.
2. BMW M — Track Kit details and compatibility FAQ, dated 2 March 2026; current content checked 20 October 2026, revision date unstated.
3. German Federal Government — European Council press conference, 16 October 2026.
4. Reuters — Franco-German emissions agreement, 16 October 2026.
5. BMWBLOG — i3 Touring spy video, 19 October 2026; prototype coverage.
6. BMWBLOG — iX7 spy photographs, 19 October 2026; prototype coverage.
7. Bavarian Government — Regensburg anniversary coverage, 19 October 2026.
8. BMWBLOG — Regensburg production report, 19 October 2026.
9. BMWBLOG — voluntary severance report, 19 October 2026.
10. Handelsblatt — original severance reporting, 16 October 2026; full contract not independently accessible.
11. BMWBLOG — 740 xDrive first drive, 19 October 2026.
12. The Irish News / PA — i7 first drive, 19 October 2026.