BMW launches new M Driving Experience in UK

Fancy learning to drift in someone else's M2 at Thruxton? Now's your chance

By PH Staff / Thursday, 2 July 2026 / Loading comments

BMW is certainly no stranger to the concept of teaching people how to drive its M cars fast. It has been doing so for years as part of the purchasing process, an offer that many PHers have gladly taken up. But now, with so many glowing reports of training - and an expanded business model already said to be up and running in ten other markets - the manufacturer has today confirmed that the updated BMW M Driving Experience is now live in the UK. Which means that even those of us not in possession of owner’s voucher code can join in the fun.

The bookable fun is now divided into three parts: Racetrack Training, Drift Academy and BMW Driving Dynamics. The first one, a full-day programme at Silverstone, sounds familiar. It is the most comprehensive session offered, which, of course, makes it the most expensive at £1,600. But you can expect plenty of theory, backed not just by practical experience, but also how it specifically applies to the current M-car range - meaning that the M2, M3 and M4 are all in attendance.

If that sounds a bit senior for your first go, there is now the option of spending more time on the fundamentals with the Driving Dynamics training day. This also involves eight hours of tuition (typically held at Thruxton, it seems), though it focuses more on basic car control and their uses in everyday situations. The fact it is conducted in standard 2 and 3 Series, and is open to anyone over the age of 18, likely speaks volumes about the experience - but it’s also precisely the sort of thing that simply learning to drive doesn’t teach you. The ideal present, in other words, for a younger friend or family member, and a snip at £450.

Alternatively, if you just wanna have fun, then inevitably it’s the new Drift Academy for you. Doubtless this is the event which BMW expects to appeal to the average car-mad punter - and based on it being half a day of putting the M2, M3 and M4 sideways on Thruxton’s skid pan, it’s almost certainly correct in that assumption. You will need to be over 25 to take part (and have accrued no more than six points on your licence), and be prepared to part with 500 quid for the pleasure. But expect plenty of pleasure to result, especially if you get to grips with how the BMW M Drift Analyser rewards juvenile behaviour. Sorry - accurate car control. Dive in here.