BMW is aiming to increase sales of its ‘M’ models with a host of new launches, led by the M3 CS Coupe. The UK is the largest market in the world for these performance versions.

This year BMW intends to boost sales further by raising awareness of the model variant, which is sold through all 155 of the manufacturer’s UK dealers.

The M3 is the most popular and the new CS Coupe version, available to order now, features unique 19-inch light alloy wheels, interior styling changes, a more direct steering rack and M Track Mode, which increases DSC thresholds.

The M5 will be launched at UK dealers on May 19, priced at £61,760. With numbers limited to about 500 annually, current orders are estimated to account for all of the UK’s 2005 and 2006 allocation of cars.

Meanwhile the new 507bhp M6, costing £79,760 will go on sale in the UK in October. In performance terms it will rival the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage and Ferrari 575 Maranello.About 300 will be imported into the UK in one year.

As part of the UK sales push on ‘M’ models BMW will also be holding the inaugural Power Festival at Rockingham Raceway in Northamptonshire on May 21-22.

This public event will see BMW road and race cars at the circuit, including the Williams BMW Formula One Car which will be driven by European Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx. The new M5 will be used as a pace car.