30 New Models
It’s amazing to think that BMW M started with, quite literally, just a handful of models. Back then, it was as simple as M1, M3, M5, and M6. Today, nearly every model has been given the M treatment, from styling packages, junior M Performance models, and the full-on M versions.
But if that’s still not enough, the company is set to roll out a whole barrage of new and redesigned models by 2029. According to BMW M boss Frank van Meel, they’re planning to offer “up to 30” models by the end of the decade. It’ll be a mix of both M and M Performance vehicles.
BMW
The Good News
BMW is about to roll out its first-ever full electric M3 model, and it could be the start of something new depending on how it succeeds. Of course, BMW isn’t abandoning its core audience, and van Meel reiterated that the M division will continue building fuel-fed models for as long as it can.
“[BMW has] a long tradition in six-cylinder inline engines, which makes them more or less iconic for us, and also with the V8 engines. We are planning to continue this because we have a big community worldwide, and also a lot of people that are maybe not ready yet or live in environments where it’s really difficult to charge the electric cars. As long there is demand from the markets, which currently there is a lot, we will keep it up,” said the executive to Australian motoring press.
The Challenge
Of course, it will be more challenging to do that, as more stringent regulations threaten to kill off large-capacity engines. But van Meel says BMW M remains committed to building ICE-powered models, although pairing them with hybrid systems appears to be the way forward. At least we’ll still get straight-sixes and V8s for years to come.
At the same time, manuals will hang around for as long as there’s demand for them. The brand’s fans are doing their part: half of M2 customers in America are ordering it with a traditional six-speed. However, if BMW continues to offer plug-in hybrid M models, the manual transmission may be discontinued.
“It’s going to be quite difficult in the future to develop completely new gearboxes because the segment in the market is quite small, and the suppliers are not so keen on doing something like that. So we’re still happy with the manuals we have, and we plan to keep them for the next couple of years, but in the future, probably it’s going to be more difficult to keep the manuals alive, especially in the next decade,” said van Meel. The solution? Buy more manuals.
BMW
Models to Expect
As mentioned, the all-electric M3 is coming soon, and the plug-in hybrid version is on the way, too. It’s unknown if the next-gen M3 will retain a Touring (wagon) body style, but given its success, we’re optimistic about its chances. Also, BMW confirmed that the 4 Series will continue, so you can count on that getting an M version as well. M Performance models are pretty much a given at this point.
The M5 and M5 Touring will soon adopt the Neue Klasse look, so we’re including it in the new-model onslaught. The same goes for M Performance versions of the 7 Series and i7. For EVs, we expect a new generation of the i4 M60, given its popularity. It was actually BMW M’s best-selling model from 2022 to 2024 until the X3 M50 overtook it last year. BMW also mentioned that it would like to do special limited-run models such as the Skytop. An M1 homage, perhaps?
On the crossover front, the next-generation X5 is also well underway, so an M and M Performance model is an inevitability. The same applies to the future X6, given actual demand for a hotter version. As for the X3, we’re still waiting for official word on a full-on M model.
SH Proshots/Autoblog
About the author
Anton Andres
News Editor